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Why This Midfielder Who Has An 85% Success Rate Defensively Will Be Vital For Manchester United

Manchester United made their only big name signing of the transfer window by bringing in Marouane Fellaini from Everton. Although they could have done better throughout the summer, this transfer also signifies a nice step forward and now United manager David Moyes must look to accommodate Fellaini into the team as early as possible as he has all the capabilities of being an integral part of the team.

Marouane Fellaini

One of the most acute problems of the Manchester United team is their lack of attacking threats from the midfield and Fellaini may just be the perfect solution for this. Last season, in 31 appearances, he scored 11 goals for his team, posing a constant threat for the opponents. He has been one of the main reasons for Everton to finish sixth in the league table, one step above their Merseyside rivals Liverpool.

However, there is one major talking point here – Fellaini was almost used as a second striker for Everton last year which allowed the Belgian to receive as many long balls possible to pose an aerial threat to the opposition. With Rooney and Kagawa battling it out to play in the similar position, it is highly unlikely that Moyes will deploy him at the same role. United who have players with leadership qualities all over the pitch, lacked one in the midfield and Fellaini may just suit the bill perfectly playing behind the attacking players and alongside Michael Carrick. He along with Carrick can do wonders in the middle of the park if the Rooney-Kagawa conundrum is solved by David Moyes as soon as possible.

For a midfielder, a 60% shot accuracy (In Everton) is decent and this may improve further once he gets settled in the United team and has the liberty to move further up. So should his 79% average pass accuracy, which would get a boost once he gets the support of players like Van Persie and Rooney in the Frontline. The number of total chances created, which stays at 40, would get converted into more number of assists with the help of the world class strikers, a privilege he was not having at Everton.

Felliani started out as a defensive midfielder and thus his average 4 defensive actions in a match is vital to his credentials. In 55% of the duels, he has become successful against his opponents last season, which went on to make Everton compact defensively. One point to be noted here is – Fellaini has won 4.3 tackles per game (vastly more than Carrick or Tom Cleverley) at an impressive 85% success rate, and all this playing in a more advanced role.

More importantly, Marouane Fellaini is an ultimate physical specimen standing 6ft 4.5in tall. This always keeps the defenders on their toes and makes him a premier aerial threat.

With the arrival of Robin Van Persie last year, United have changed their approach to the game to suit the Dutch man and are playing a more intricate play on the ground to help him get into more attacking areas. However, Moyes is known to deploy more of an aerial, aggressive, physical game with an eye for counter attacks at every given chance and Fellaini’s addition will exactly help him to achieve it. The Belgian can bully out players from his defensive area and place an inch perfect pass to the likes of Rooney, Nani and Van Persie during the counter attacks.

At 25, he is still yet to hit the most productive areas of his career and the fans would hope that he goes on to become a great player for their team, helping the team to win numerous silverware in the process.

Watch this video before leaving, Marouane Fellaini Vs Man United – (8/20/2012)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43QjOV2G7-c