CREATIVITY OR STEELE: THE UNITED CONUNDRUM - OLA ADETOYE (20/10/2013)
Much has
been made of the weaknesses within Manchester
United’s midfield, it was problem
even under the great Sir Alex and now that same problem has been passed down to
fellow Scotsman David Moyes. In the league pundits and fans often questioned
the physicality of United’s midfield especially through the middle. Which is
not really a surprise when the two mainstays of that midfield were Michael
Carrick and Tom Cleverley. Both of whom are not really known for their brute
strength within the game. A trait that was held by former captain and tough
tackling Irishman Roy Keane. However since he left the club and retired from
the game, the club as a whole failed to address the issue for several years.
It’s fair to
say that even with the lack of such a player within the
team, Manchester United
have continuously picked up silverware, recently grabbing their 20th
league title last season An accomplishment which put them ahead of Liverpool in
the most titles won, and sealing their status as the most successful British
football team. Yet without even thinking too hard about it, a majority of
United’s home and continental rivals have a defensive Midfielder. Take for
instance the top English sides Chelsea haveEssien and Mikel, Manchester City
have Yaya and Fernandinho, Liverpool have Lucas, and Spurs have Dembele and
Paulinho. Before those of you who
are Arsenal supporters start shouting, your team doesn’t feature on the list
simply because as with United you to lack a physical presence (Mikel Arteta is
not a traditional defensive midfielder period).
Since
Spain’s national side and Barcelona started dominating the
footballing world,
everyone has been obsessed (including me) with their famous ‘tika taka’
(passing game to the football novices)
style. Credit where credit is due, it
worked for several years culminating in World Cups, European championships, La
Liga titles and Champions League trophies for both footballing parties
respectively. But Barcelona and Real Madrid both losing to German opposition
marked a watershed moment in the footballing timeline.
Tika taka football was
countered with German physicality and fast football. What enabled both Borussia
Dortmund and Bayern Munich to win was having a solid midfield consisting of
what I have been ranting about ‘physicality’.
Yes both teams play good football, however at the same time those foundations
are built upon players like Javi Martinez and Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern
Munich) or Ilkay Gundogan and Sven Bender (Borussia Dortmund). Both are a mix
of ball playing midfielders and physical players who specialise in breaking up
opposition attacks.
Hence it is
with such a deep explanation that I believe David
Moyes and Manchester United
were best served going after a physical presence like Marouane Fellaini, a
player who can not only provide cover but score goals. Utilising the Belgian
allows Michael Carrick to assume the position of a deep-lying playmaker
whole-heartedly. Which can only benefit the entire squad in the long run.
Besides creativity is not what united lack, in Shinji Kagawa, Wayne Rooney, and
the previously mentioned Michael Carrick are quality players all capable of
splitting defences. So if you asked me personally to pick whether United needed
creativity or steel, at this moment in time I side with the latter choice.