Paul Pogba may have required a world-record transfer fee, Michael Carrick may be regarded as one of the most underappreciated midfielders of his generation, but Ander Herrera is the man who keeps Manchester United’s engine room ticking over.
Indeed, the Spaniard operates as the perfect counterweight between the two, offering the mobility and tenacity Carrick can’t, and the defensive awareness that’s seemingly beyond the most expensive player in the world.
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That’s been the case all season and was evident once again yesterday as Manchester United required a late winner from Zlatan Ibrahimovic to steer past Southampton in the EFL Cup final – one of the most exciting English cup finals we’ve seen for some time.
Inevitably, the iconic Swede was grabbing the headlines this morning, having scored a superb free kick and nodded home to make it 3-2 with just three minutes left on the clock, but Herrera once again stood out in the middle of the park.
As our infographic shows, the Spaniard pressured the Saints defence with two crosses, two dribbles and two created chances – neither of which were converted – but also made vital contributions defensively, weighing in with the most tackles of any player involved in Sunday’s final.
He also finished up with 85 touches of the ball – only midfield partner Pogba made more with 86.
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