Forget Strootman – 3 Reasons Why Manchester United Should Buy This Argentine Star Instead

The transfer rumours just keep on growing at Manchester United, with talks of close to £100-150 million being available to spend in the next transfer window, a lot of talk has started taking place of which players are to come over to the Manchester club. United need to strengthen a lot of positions, while they can get away with it this season as they do not have midweek fixtures due to them being out of European competition, this all could change next season if they continue their current form which has seen them move up to third in the Premier League standing.

Manchester United have been keeping a tab on Kevin Strootman at AS Roma, he was touted to be Louis Van Gaal’s prime target before he got side-lined with an ACL injury which ruled him out for most of last season and the World Cup, while Strootman has recovered, he still needs to have a good run of games before anyone can assess just how well he has recovered from the injury. With the Dutchman still being tested at Roma, another midfielder has been linked as the alternative for Strootman to provide some steel in the Manchester United midfield, that player is Benfica’s Argentinian midfielder, Enzo Perez.

Here are 3 reasons why Perez would be a good signing for Manchester United.

1. Can cover multiple positions

Enzo has been one of Benfica’s best players in recent seasons and was an unsung hero during Argentina’s run to the World Cup final. He has loads of energy and is often seen running from one end of the field to the other; the 28 year old has an amazing engine and often plays in different positions in the field as he is extremely versatile.

The midfielder can cover the right back or left back slot while the full back goes on to attack, he has done this time and again for Argentina when Zabaleta went on his trademark marauding runs, he likes to cover positions but also give options to players who move out from their positions. Louis Van Gaal likes players who can play in multiple positions or at least can cover positions and Enzo is one such player who can do just that.

2. Set piece threat and passes well

While playing for Argentina he doesn’t get a chance to take set pieces with the likes of Lavezzi and Messi, for Benfica he is seen as the threat from set pieces, not only is he great at dead ball situations often floating in crosses or delivering wicked balls into the 18 yard box. Enzo Perez is an accomplished penalty taker as well, something that is valuable for any team.

Perez also has god footwork as well, he might not be a Cristiano Ronaldo when it comes to step overs but he certainly is better with the ball at his feet than your average central midfielder, a perfect combination when you need to get out of some rather dangerous situations, he likes to have the ball and is accurate in his passing ability as well.

3. Forward and back

Something which has become extremely important for a modern day midfield player is the requirement to not only go forward and support the team in attack but to also track back and help the team out in defence.

Perez has made it a habit at Benfica to track back runners, especially if they do go through the midfield, there is one issue with Perez, he isn’t the best tackler in the game and often gives away unnecessary fouls but that is something which can be overlooked. The midfielder is the complete package at the moment and with Benfica having him at the club till 2018, it will take some good money to bring Perez to United but that would be a deal worth making.