Opinion: Ndidi could be Ten Hag’s final piece of midfield puzzle as Eriksen & De Jong deals edge closer:: All Nigeria Soccer

Erik ten Hag has already started the huge rebuild work cut out for him at Manchester United. The Dutch manager has already delved into the transfer window with Tyrrell Malacia already signed and deals for Christian Eriksen and Frenkie De Jong edging closer.

This appears to be a new-look midfield with the likes of Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic and Jesse Lingard already departing the club on free transfers.

The ex-Ajax Amsterdam manager utilizes a 4-3-3 tactical set-up that is based around Juego de Posicion positional play and emphasizes on intense pressing. This style of play is identical to the system Pep Guardiola makes use of at Manchester City.

The 4-3-3 Jeugo De Posición requires specific players. A single base pivot and two attacking number eights otherwise known as interiors who can also help defend via a counter-press immediately after the ball is lost whilst dropping into a mid-block if the press is bypassed.

It is clear that De Jong and Eriksen are being targeted to play the interior roles but a base midfielder is still needed. The single pivot must possess certain skills.

Ability to beat a press, cover large areas, progress the ball whilst also following up the attack to help hold onto the ball in advanced areas of the pitch and also win the ball back.

None of Manchester United’s current options for central midfield are suited for this role. Fred does not have the discipline while Scott McTominnay and Donny Van De Beek are more suited to a double pivot role.

The lone midfield role is a scarce commodity in the transfer market with clubs that utilize them locking their assets and only selling them for big money. Real Madrid’s signing of Aurelien Tchouameni is a testament to this.

However, Erik ten Hag’s final piece of the midfield puzzle may lie in Leicester City’s Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi. The midfielder is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League for a few years now.

He is capable of playing as a single pivot as well as in double if need be. Ndidi covers huge ground easily and can initiate a counter-press when the need arises.

His ball-carrying and press evasion need some work but Ten Is certainly a manager who can improve this for him.

Sofoluwe Mayowa

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