Young English left-back Luke Shaw is getting costlier day by day and he is edging towards the overrated category. It is reported that Manchester United are looking to end their pursuit of the £27m rated Spouthampton youngster and turn their attention towards Ajax and Dutch star Daley Blind, who is subject to a bid of £12m from the Old Trafford club. If United are keen to look out for alternate options for Shaw, who would be good first choice players as well as economical purchases. Here is a list of three such alternatives:
Daley Blind
The Ajax left back starred in Netherlands’ amazing 5-1 win over World Champions Spain. He has great crossing skills and defensive work rate, and also has keen vision for a good attacking pass. Blind has the potential to play as a holding midfielder as well and his passing and crossing would be an asset for a team that plays with his compatriot Robin van Persie who scored a sensational header from his early cross which he delivered to perfection from the halfway line. His next aerial pass dissected Spain defence and was delivered perfectly to Arjen Robben’s legendary ‘Dennis Bergkamp’ style goal. The son of former Dutch’s legendary sweeper Danny has a good relationship with Louis van Gaal which makes him the likely purchase for Man Utd.
Alex Sandro
The Porto Left Back has been in great form and has a lot of potential. He has pace, close control, crossing ability and great tackling ability as well. The Brazilian is a very energetic presence down the left hand side and suits the system of Man Utd where the whole team relies on width and service to two strikers up front.
He has had a great season and since Brazil already have an embarrassment of riches in his position, he was not included for the World Cup squad. Man Utd should sure look to target him as Luke Shaw deal may flirt with obscene price ranges.
Ricardo Rodriguez
The Swiss Left back is arguably the best young left back in the world and with the array of performances he is putting in with his club Wolfsburg and his national team, he is surely a target of many top teams around Europe. His main asset is his close control, crossing and technical ability with the ball as he can curl in crosses and free kicks. He is a good dribbler and a decisive defender. His stats (5 goals, 9 assists, 105 tackles, 63 interceptions, 78 key passes, 87 dribbles and only 28 players dribbled past him in the league) prove that he is a complete package and would be worth the money if United are desperate for the next ‘world’s best’ left back. He can cost the same as much as Luke Shaw, but he has proved himself much more than any other Left Back United are targeting.
The most likely option for United would be to go for Daley Blind, as he would be the best value for money signing and more importantly, he would be working with a manager who knows him inside out, as Louis van Gaal tries to get the best out of his Dutch left back in the world cup.