Shirt Number: #30 | Date of Birth: 24 March 1993 | Place of Birth: Montevideo, Uruguay | Nationality: Uruguayan
Player Position: Right-back | 2014/2015: 33 apps, 1 goal (for Real Madrid Castilla)
BACKGROUND
Guillermo Varela joined the Red Devils in the summer of 2013 for an undisclosed fee from Peñarol, becoming David Moyes’ first signing as United manager. He was a regular in Warren Joyce’s Under-21 team in his first season at the club, but once Louis van Gaal took the reigns at Old Trafford, he was sent out on loan to Real Madrid Castilla, Real Madrid’s reserve team, where he has been a regular under the tutelage of Zinedine Zidane.
STRENGTHS
Varela is not your typical South American full back. While he does get forward and is keen to do so, he puts his defensive duties first, using his intelligence to read the game well and make sure the defensive line stays in shape. He has good pace, and going forward he is comfortable in possession and uses his angles on touchline well, creating passing avenues. He can also cross on the run and has a monster long throw up his sleeve if required.
WEAKNESSES
Varela can certainly improve on the attacking aspect of his game, and the statistics show that. In 33 appearances for Castilla this season, he only created a single goal. He can also be slow coming out to meet his marker – particularly wingers that consistently hug the line – which invites crosses from the winger as well as allowing runners from deep to underlap him.
EXPECTATIONS
Varela’s future at Old Trafford is uncertain, and it is unknown whether van Gaal rates the young Uruguayan. However, there was high praise from Zidane, who said: “He is very serious and professional, he has a lot of quality and I have no doubts he will make it to the top.” Varela is under contract until 2018, but it is highly likely that van Gaal will delve into the transfer market for a new right-back, therefore making him surplus to requirements. Expect Varela to be sent out on loan to gain more first team experience.
Comments.
Loading comments…