Daley Blind has in the last month been moved to centre-back by Louis van Gaal. The manager’s “philosophy” means that he prefers to use a left-footed player at left centre-back to a right-footed one, meaning that Phil Jones isn’t sufficient to partner Chris Smalling. With Marcos Rojo having missed pre-season through international commitments then passport difficulties as he tried to enter the United States following Copa America, he’s not yet at peak fitness.
The absence of Rojo, who can play left centre-back or left-back, means that the only left-footed defensive players at United who can currently get through 90 minutes are Matteo Darmian (both-footed but playing at right-back), Luke Shaw (a left-back), Tyler Blackett (not ready for first-team action week in, week out) and Daley Blind.
The Dutchman has excelled so far in his efforts at left-back, impressing against Tottenham Hotspur and then away to Aston Villa after a steady pre-season featuring games against Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
Here are some pictures of the wavy-haired Netherlands international in his new role…
Blind’s performances in the Premier League so far this season have been massively important to his side’s two clean sheets as they have barely conceded any goal-scoring chances. The Dutchman is set to play against Club Brugge in the Champions League on Tuesday night and will be hoping to impress once more.
