Herrera deserves to start

Ander Herrera Manchester United's career has been interesting to say the least. Right from the outset, there seemed to be uncertainty surrounding 25 year old's future. The slow start added to the intrigue and there was a danger that he could become the next 'Shinji Kagawa'. However, he rose to become a key figure in Van Gaal's side. 

The odds are stacked against him this season too (at least that's what we have noticed from the pre-season). Herrera has started from the bench in almost all our pre-season games and this shouldn't be so. A fit Ander Herrera needs to start every game for Manchester United. He is an all-rounder, capable of playing creative, passing football, as well as contributing defensively with tackles and interceptions.

Michael Carrick, Schneiderlin and Schweinsteiger are slightly deeper-lying players. They tend to play slow, short predictable passes (although this helps to protect the defence but doesn't contribute much in an attacking sense). At times, these trio have looked completely ineffective in an attacking sense. For every Schweinsteiger, there needs to be an Ozil to release the ball quickly for an attacking move to be initiated. 

That's is where Herrera comes in. Naturally blessed with creative abilities, he is able to change a game in an instant. The 2014/2015 season saw him creating 26 chances with 4 assists. This is more impressive considering the fact that he started and stared games in the central midfield position only 14 times. He can charge forward with the ball, skipping past defenders (1.1 successful dribbles per game last season) drawing fouls for the likes of Fellaini to capitalize on whilst meticulously assessing his options in front of him. It’s no surprise that he attempted as many through balls as he did last season (0.2 through passes per game).

Herrera has an impressive minutes per goal ratio. Herrera scored eight in 22 starts – the best goalscoring season of his career – with six coming in the Premier League. Only Van Persie, Rooney and Mata had more with Herrera averaging a goal every 267 minutes of play. 

The Spaniard is a danger in the final third. His tailored measured opening effort against Villa highlights this unique ability to charge into the box unnoticed and find the back of the net. Arriving late into the box, or lurking on the edge of it, is very much part of Herrera’s game. It would interest you to know that all 6 of the Spaniard premier league goals were from shots taken inside the penalty box. Even if he doesn’t take a shot, he still has the presence of mind and technical ability to keep the move alive.

But it’s about more than goals. In his understated way, Herrera knits the play in advanced areas. He is able to bridge the gap between defence and attack with such fuss without disturbing the balance of the team whilst adding fluidity to the attack. Herrera was so influential to Man United's attacking play. The Spanish international made a pass in the opposition half more frequently than anyone at United and the same applies in the final third as well.

Defensively he is very sound, he has this relentless desire to win the ball back, working tirelessly to make tackles (made an average of 2.8 tackles per game last season) and using his reading of the game to break up attacks through interceptions (2 interceptions per game).

It seems Herrera is a player who inspires confidence and helps others perform. Therefore he deserves to start