Player profile: Luke Shaw

Shirt Number: #3 | Date of Birth: 12 July 1995 | Place of Birth: Kingston-upon-Thames, England | Nationality: English
Player Position: Left-back | 2014/2015: 20 apps, 0 goals

BACKGROUND

Luke Shaw initially joined the Red Devils in the summer of 2014, completing a £27 million transfer from Southampton. The move saw the English full-back become the most expensive teenager in world football; but his first season at Old Trafford was hindered by injuries, meaning Louis van Gaal regularly opted to field Daley Blind in his position. However, his second season at the Theatre of Dreams should see the attack-minded defender feature regularly, in an attempt to merit his transfer fee after being a stand-out candidate in the St. Mary’s set-up.

STRENGTHS

Shaw is noted – particularly within van Gaal’s deployment of a 3-5-2 formation – to enjoy providing an attacking presence for his side. The defender lacks no confidence is making bursting runs up and down the field, which was one of his talents that stood out most during his days at Southampton. As a result, the youngster’s dribbling ability and progression down the left-wing becomes one of the biggest strengths in his game. He certainly knows how to beat a man when on the attack, but also knows how to counter when defending.

WEAKNESSES

However, he is often observed to hold onto the ball for too long in a number of scenarios. If inability to always find the easiest pass means he can occasionally work his way into danger – and potentially lose possession for his side when up the field. Nevertheless, his playing style does often see him play safer, shorter passes, in comparison to the longer balls arrayed by other full-backs. His dominance in dribbling and crossing makes Shaw an excellent option to provide an attacking threat while also lining up in a consistent defensive line.

EXPECTATIONS

He will now be hoping he can implement himself into van Gaal’s plans more often, and become a regular within the starting XI at the Theatre of Dreams despite his tender age. While he faces another battle with Blind over the position, the Dutchman’s desire to feature in the midfield could be enough to allow Shaw the opportunity to feature regularly. There are positive signs after the manager requested he did not join the England Under-21 squad in order to feature in pre-season, meaning he may be preparing for the new season as the first-choice full-back.