I was very impressed with Van de Beek's showing during his forty-five minutes against Everton on Saturday, as I have been on many occasions when he has been granted opportunities. It originally seemed he would line up in a pivot with Matic, though the Serb's defensive characteristics really allowed Donny to push up towards Fernandes from the off. Ultimately, the system was naturally altered to become almost the 4123 variation of the 433 that Solskjaer is reportedly keen to deploy this season. The Dutchman thrived in the more advanced central midfield role, which is a promising sign for the upcoming campaign given the boss' supposed formation alteration plans. It's definitely poised to be a more joyous campaign for the 24 year-old, who signed from Ajax last summer.
I'll begin by detailing his profound technical ability. Starting with distribution, he has an excellent eye for the right pass; there is a clear ability to catalyse attacking moves and control the flow of passages. He is constantly pre-determining where to place his next pass before even receiving the ball, massively enhancing the fluidity of play in a manner reminiscent of the likes of Michael Carrick. This is the epitome of his broad intelligence, with his footballing brain a major strength within his game. This is used to perfect aspects such as judging exactly how many touches to take in particular scenarios to gain the best outcome - something that Donny is particularly good at which ensures he is rarely caught out in possession. He possesses real intricacy when he decides to carry the ball, but is also entirely aware of when to offload to his teammates so never overdoes it. Consequently, as aforementioned, he is brilliant at dictating the tempo of matches.
Furthermore - when his side are both attacking and defending - his desire is another very efficient aspect within his repertoire. I'll focus on the offensive side of things first, where Donny's constant endeavour helps his movement to be extremely efficient. He displays a faultless hunger to find areas where he can get on the ball, always attempting to provide an option or outlet for his teammates. His spacial awareness is outstanding, with his runs not only allowing himself to become an option but opening up areas for others to attack. Playing in a midfield with a defensive body such as Matic for support, there is a greater license for the Dutchman to float around with more freedom (as he seemingly loves to do). Once again, this accentuates the general fluidity and ultimately increases chance creation as more space is functioned.
Defensively, his determination also comes to much avail. When his side aren't on the ball, Donny still covers masses of ground to try and regain possession. As a result, he is able to complete a high number of interceptions by cutting passing lanes - something Ander Herrera was exceptional at doing. His work ethic is also displayed in the form of a high pressing intensity, enabling a regain of possession when under pressure from the opposition. This willingness to commit, as well as cover huge amounts of ground, massively exacerbates Donny's suitability to the central midfield role in Ole's proposed 433 system.
I mentioned it latterly within my previous point, but commitment is something that really propels the defensive aspect of Donny's game. He is willing to commit to duels, with a clear aptness when it comes to tackling. Now that he has taken it upon himself to further bulk up (over the summer using a training plan) to better suit the physical element of the English game, this side of his game will surely only develop even further.
The awareness he has of danger also amplifies his defensive efficiency to nullify opposing attacks too - a feature that intensifies his interceptive ability to an even larger extent. No doubt, his defensive work is rather underrated and is certainly more than sufficient enough for the central midfield role.
Finally, I'd like to touch on the leadership characteristics he possesses. Watching him against Everton the other day, there was a really commanding air surrounding his demeanour. He often appeared to be ordering his teammates, always talking to ensure everybody was absolutely on the same wavelength. Once more, this is evidence of the use of his vast footballing intelligence to great effect.
It's no secret that Donny struggled in his first season at United, but it's also clear that his motivation has never diminished. The work he has put in over the summer is blatant and - when he has gained minutes latterly in pre-season - there has been a real purpose about him. This fanbase should be very excited about the Dutchman, especially if Solskjaer does convert to this adaptable 433 system that would really suit Donny's characteristics.
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