After coming out on top during a nervy afternoon at Old Trafford, Manchester United have propelled to a 4th spot in Premier League and lurk above the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham in it. The scrambling 2-1 victory against fellow-Top 7-competing-side Everton will do a lot to boost the confidence of Louis van Gaal’s men in red and with Wayne Rooney absent, United can take some positives from the game which nearly ended on level begging. Luck in the form of David de Gea’s astounding saves kept United in front but Louis van Gaal was right to bring to the fore some organization problems he has been encountering.
The failure to stay compact meant Everton forced De Gea into a penalty save at the end of the first half as well as a pair of brilliant dives as time wound down at the end of the match. The glaring need for an established centre back lurks and with Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling sidelined owing to injuries, a word more intense word than ‘glaring’ would fit in. Top notch centre halves such as Mats Hummels have been long linked with a move to Old Trafford but after the German’s appointment as the Borussia Dortmund captain, those links have taken a dent. Here is a list of lesser known centre backs who can well fill in the void at the back for Louis van Gaal.
Honorable Mentions:
Winston Reid- West Ham United
Joel Matip- FC Schalke
5. Eder Alvarez Balanta- River Plate
This 21 year old’s capabilities have led him to be heralded as the most promising young defender from the South American continent and the praises stretch out to the powerhouses of Europe. Barcelona are said to have been sniffing around Balanta for quite some time now and his reputation has taken a giant leap into the stride of European powerhouse clubs after his surprise World Cup call up and a series of commendable performances at club level. Much like most of his counterparts from South America, this lad is powerfully built, strong in the air and a fearless tackler and is blessed with skill and speed.
He’s someone who has a knack for spraying long balls further forward and his ability to read the game is equally appreciable. At 21, there’s a long way to go in his career and a big club is sure to provide further impetus to his on-the-rise potential and Manchester United is a club which can do that. United need burly framed centre halves who have an aura of dominance around him and Eder Alvarez Balanta is someone who can deliver what they require.
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