Manchester United missed the services of a number of star players for the Manchester derby in the league Cup last night. Jose Mourinho spent enough money to have a strong squad even after injuries but he will surely know that injuries to his first team players can have its effect on the team in the long run. Marouane Fellaini, who was a surprise addition in the squad that faced Chelsea last weekend, was snubbed off in the half-time and the manager later revealed that the former Everton man picked up a knee injury and that indicated that he will be ruled out of the EFL tie, but surprisingly, he was named on the bench the other night.
A regular starter under Jose Mourinho, Fellaini is a utility player, in every sense of the word. He is not a player that is loved by the fans of the club but is a player who generally finds a place in the starting XI in the squad he plays for. So what keeps him in the starting XI for Manchester United this season? What does the Belgian have that only his managers seem to understand?
Standing at 6’ 5”, the 28-year old is a physically imposing outfield player who has now played in a number of positions on the field. Starting as a striker at Standard Liege, Fellaini came into the spot light with a stellar season with Everton back in 2012 which saw him secure a move to Old Trafford. Moyes used Fellaini centrally but the Scot failed to get te best out of him. Fellaini failed to mark any goal during Moyes’ time, but since the Louis van Gaal era, Fellaini was used as a striker who can turn the tables around with his towering presence.
Not technically gifted, not superlative with his skill, Fellaini is a decent player who knows how to keep hold of the ball and find his team mate. He does not make things complicated, and works to the better of his team in every position he plays. His strength and height help him dominate the game in the air while his discipline and understanding of the game allow him to stay ahead of his opponents in most games. He is a player who suits the Premier League to its core and is a player who is often under-rated. What he need is the support of the fans and the manager, in the beginning, stated exactly the same about the Big Belg.
He wins more than 53% of his total duels in the midfield for his side and has a pass completion rate of 89%, which is on the higher side compared to the midfielders in top teams in the league. He makes 2.3 interceptions per 90 minutes and is a player who can provide a stability to the side. In crunch times, he joins in the attack and provides an extra threat to the side that can help them get through difficult games.
Fellaini is a player who may not be able to win games single handedly, but Jose Mourinho and his previous managers know that he has the ability help the squad and will keep making it into the starting XI for his side this season. So it was not a surprise that he asked his fans to back the Belgian up and to appreciate him more than they do.
Do you think Marouane Fellaini is a player deserving of a starting spot at Old Trafford?