When Erik ten Hag was appointed as Manchester United manager, Donny van de Beek would've been ecstatic - and now the Dutch manager has detailed the midfielder's strengths and best position ahead of the new season.
Since Van de Beek joined United, it always seemed like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer purchased a square peg to go in a round hole.
There's no question about his ability, but the Dutchman struggled to find a position in the team since his signing in the summer of 2020.
Advert
Despite inconsistencies, Bruno Fernandes was one of the club's most important players and, at the time, couldn't be displaced as the number ten in United's starting team.
Meanwhile, Solskjaer's trust in Scott McTominay and Fred in his pivot was obvious. Van de Beek was offered blips of football there, but his best abilities were never on show.
Ultimately, this led to the player leaving on loan mid-way through last season to seek regular game-time at Everton. Despite injuries limiting him to just seven appearances, the midfielder detailed the experience as a positive one.
Advert
Now, however, Van de Beek has the opportunity to play under a manager that could fit him in his team as he previously did when the pair were together at Ajax.
In 2019, after winning the Eredivisie and reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League under the stewardship of Ten Hag, Van de Beek placed 28th in the Ballon d'Or rankings.
He scored 17 goals and added 13 assists to his most impressive campaign to-date.
Erik ten Hag's latest press conference gave him the opportunity to explain Van de Beek's strengths, while also addressing the question: what is his best position?
"He can do both. I know that from the past, but his best position, his best capability is in the box of the opponent." Ten Hag answered when posed with the question of whether he's more suited to being the number ten or in a deeper pivot role.
Advert
“Playing short behind the striker, he has a really good smell of being in the right position.” Ten Hag added.
This has previously been something that has been highlighted when Van de Beek has played higher up the pitch.
His goal against Watford in the 4-2 loss at Vicarage Road last term was a great example of ability to 'smell' the best position to be in.
After Jadon Sancho's deep cross into the box found Cristiano Ronaldo, the 37-year-old headed back across goal, and Donny had ghosted into the position to score the goal.
It might seem simple, but it is something that few players have the knack for. Thomas Muller has shown how useful the attribute can be during his career at Bayern Munich.
Advert
Supporters will hope that the 25-year-old midfielder will finally be given the chance in a system which caters to his playstyle under Ten Hag.
Featured Image Credit: Ash Donelon/Manchester UnitedTopics: Manchester United, Football, Premier League, Donny van de Beek, Erik Ten Hag, Bruno Fernandes