When he first arrived at Old Trafford, he was heralded as a creative powerhouse, with an eye for a pass and a goal. At least that is what I concluded from my detailed youtube research! Whatever about anything else, the eye for a goal assumption was slightly off.. It has been almost four years since Anderson arrived at United for around £17 million and I’m still not sure what his best position is.
Initially, he looked best suited to a combative/defensive midfielder type role. He went toe to toe with Gerrard at Anfield early in his career and came out on top. His solid frame and athleticism would also lend itself well to this position. Similarly, he is certainly not soft, doesn’t shirk a challenge and has that aggressive streak – all essential qualities for that holding role.
After that hugely impressive debut season for United, Ando’s progression wasn’t what it might have been, culminating in quite a poor campaign last time out. Honestly, he looked out of shape, unfocused and was very obviously nowhere near his best. He also returned home to Brazil without the permission of Fergie in January, further highlighting the drop in commitment that season. Obviously a serious injury was to come, ruling him out for nearly half the season, but his future at United was not looking great at one point.
However, following this injury and a serious car crash in the summer, Ando returned this season looking sharp and hungry. He had definitely shed a few pounds too. On a number of occasions this year, the boss has deployed him in a more attacking role, higher up the pitch. He has been quite good here, but I’m just not sure he is creative enough yet. Yes, he is a capable passer of the ball and has great vision – as displayed on occasion this season with some wonderful blind passes. Is this his best role though? Could he, say, fill Paul Scholes’s shoes?
It may be a bit unfair to compare him with the ginger ninja but it is certainly something worth thinking about. Should someone in this position have two good feet? Not even the staunchest of Anderson fans would claim that he has a sweet right foot. However, let me also point out: I rate Anderson. This is not an attack in any way on his ability; on the contrary, I think he will be a huge player for United in years to come. In fact, he is probably our most in form central midfielder at the moment. Maybe, he would be at his best in a box to box midfield role, in a traditional sense..
I do wonder what his best position is though. Has Fergie decided where best to deploy the Brazilian? I would be interested to hear other people’s thoughts on this, answer our poll below.
