Player Focus: United's Loss on Ander is Athletic's Gain

So close, yet so far. Manchester United’s pursuit of Ander Herrera in the closing days of the transfer window caused huge controversy due to the various stories around the negotiating of the deal. Lost in all the madness, unsurprisingly, has been just how ideal the 24-year-old would’ve been for David Moyes’ new era.

The stories of imposters and the arrival of Marouane Fellaini will go some way to putting Ander in the shade. Ander that is, the player, and the story from a footballing point of view. United had in their grasp, the player to solve their ever increasing issues on the field.

The Athletic Bilbao midfielder, ever since his arrival from Real Zaragoza for €8.5m, has progressed rapidly without huge fanfare. Playing outside of Real Madrid and Barcelona will do that to you, as will not securing a move to the Premier League these days. Ander has gone from raw, inconsistent work-in-progress to leader of one of Spain’s most illustrious and historic clubs. The clincher is, the role suits him.

At Zaragoza, Ander was a more creative talent. He would be slotted in just behind the attack or in a wide position. His level here was one of trial and error, as he maybe tried to do much or simply made the wrong decisions all too often. Athletic then, upon buying him, decided to try and calm Ander’s erratic game. This would work to great success.

Ander’s role had been a deeper one for several years, and only this term has he been given a new position with similarities to the one at Zaragoza. Ernesto Valverde requires Ander, the player he declares the most talented at Athletic, to be on the ball more and closer to the penalty area, constructing the final moves in attack. Early signs are positive, extremely positive in fact, and in part it would’ve been sad to see him go to England just as this new role was blossoming. 

Balance is a key aspect of his game, and that would’ve appealed most to United and is what continues to prop Athletic up. Ander last season - keep in mind he’s not a traditional defensive player - made the 6th most tackles per game in La Liga (4), while Patrice Evra had the most at United (3.1). What’s more, he won possession in the midfield third 33 more times than any teammate (123) and 9th most per game overall in La Liga (4.24); Michael Carrick was the highest in this regard at United with 3.8 per game but still remained less than Ander. 

It’s Carrick who probably would’ve benefitted most from the arrival of the Spaniard, a player that would reduce the pressure and burden on the Englishman. The thought of the two co-existing brings to mind a stable, composed and equally exciting midfield. This midfield of course, is United’s weakest area.

In these defensive areas Ander, despite a baby face and composed demeanour, can be terrier-like in his approach. There is a magnificent determination and competitive edge to his game, one that coaches and fellow players have commented on regularly. He’s a player you want beside you in the dressing room and on the field. Even this season, with a new advanced role, we’re seeing 3.5 tackles per game from him. He still knows the responsibility he has in this team as the leader. The way he strolls about the field, commanding others and giving out orders, gives the impression of a seasoned veteran in his thirties. Ander though, remains in his mid-twenties.

That balance was prevalent in how he moved forward last season with Athletic’s attack, and though with just a single goal and 2 assists to his name, his drive is what initiated most attacks. The consistency with which he won the ball, added to his vision to open up the field for others was hugely beneficial to the team. He possesses a wide range of passing, and that's why Valverde wishes to use him more advanced this season. 

Ander’s technique and intelligence on the ball will be vital as Athletic push for a European place this season, and they will be delighted to have held on to him. Last season Ander made 1.3 key passes per game, a sum that will need to be vastly improved, and with 2 key passes per game this season he seems to have recognised this fact. He’s already shown his ability to dribble (1.5 successful per game) and shoot more often (2.5 per game) - both improvements on his averages from last season.

Ander made the 8th most passes in La Liga last term as his influence on the team grew more than ever, despite the player claiming that the defensive work the players did in training eventually overrode the ball work. Ander still knew how to use the ball, though, and despite being in that deep role he made the 7th most final third passes per game in La Liga (21.8).  At United the most was Carrick again, this time on 20.7. Ander throughout this maintained an 80.9% pass accuracy, not bad at all for a player who made the most passes per game at Athletic (66).

His value to Athletic grows even more when looking at these details, and more glaring is how useful Ander would’ve been to United – and especially Carrick. The arrival of Fellaini of course brings its own strengths, but the characteristics of Ander’s game are considerably more aesthetically pleasing.

If the bridges from this potential deal aren’t already burnt, I’d insist on United making another move for this magnificent player. €36m is a lot of money, but United’s need for another central midfielder, coupled with the current market which shows no sign of letting up and Ander’s undeniable quality, means any concern about price should be overlooked. If United don’t move for this previously hidden gem in La Liga, then someone else will.