With all the indications in early summer pointing towards Manchester United bringing the jet heeled Nathaniel Clyne to the club, it was something of a surprise when the Old Trafford outfit instead signed Matteo Darmian.
Some would even admit to mild disappointment that the Italian was preferred by Louis van Gaal to the Englishman.
Because here was a somewhat stringy lad, a late bloomer, who had no experience in The Premier League.
As it turned out, United have signed an absolute gem.
Manchester United fans are already enjoying the performances of the Italian too much to even care about comparisons with the man who went to Anfield.
Because Darmian has grown with each game, since the start of preseason, and already looks like he has the qualities to be a Manchester United great in the ilk of an Irwin or Gary Neville.
There aren’t any obvious boxes that this lad doesn’t tick.
He’s the calm and composed antithesis of the regularly rash Da Silva and Valencia.
He’s a great tackler and a natural in terms of his positioning.
And, technically, he’s a classic Italian defender. So comfortable with the ball at his feet and a lovely passer with both pegs – he really takes care of the ball.
He also has confidence to go with the quality.
And the real bonus – the killer kicker – is what he offers going forward.
He’s got genuine pace and loves to get into the final third and to whip in crosses.
We think that he is a dream of a player – utterly competent and also adventurous – and, all of a sudden, with Shaw and Depay on the other flank, Manchester United are beginning to look like a pacy outfit once more.
Spanish Red
Aug 15, 2015 at 6:22 pm
Yep, he seems a decent player. Also, he hates tattoos and bad drivers so he has a brain as well, quite an unusual possession in a football player.
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