Cometh the hour, cometh the man: cometh Bastian Schweinsteiger. The German international has been a consistent performer in Manchester United’s midfield this season and on Saturday, he proved his value once again. With the game tied at 1-1, after Troy Deeney’s equalizer from the spot-kick, Schweinsteiger’s attempt in the dying moments of the game handed Louis van Gaal’s side the maximum points from Vicarage Road. Although the goal is set to be ruled as a Deeney own goal, the Deutscher Fussball Meister’s qualities in United’s midfield are priceless. His vision and calmness on the ball is essential in United’s possession game and his mobility and engine allows him to keep running. Schweinsteiger leading without a captain’s armband is paying dividends for United.
Schweinsteiger Leading Without an Armband
Schweinsteiger has never worn the armband, however his leadership in the United side is evidently seen. Much like Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes who didn’t wear the armbands in the late Sir Alex Ferguson era, Schweinsteiger seems to be that kind of player to Louis van Gaal. Schweinsteiger’s best years were under the Dutch boss and it is no surprise their love affair has continued since the German’s arrival. During breaks in games, Schweinsteiger is always seen talking to one of the younger players in the team. During games, he dictates play, showing where possession should go. He has a better understanding of Louis van Gaal’s philosophy and passes it on well during games.
Prior to Wednesday’s Champions League clash against PSV Eindhoven, Schweinsteiger did not take part in the team’s training with van Gaal, stating the German needed to recover. He has had the most minutes in United’s broad midfield options which is a testament to his brilliance. Even though he missed training, he started the game against PSV and Manchester United were in control until he was taken off for the bullish Marouane Fellaini. The Red Devils were sloppy and struggled to keep possession in midfield following his ejection.
Manchester United have lacked the big name personality in their squad since the departures of Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. Schweinsteiger goes a long way in filling that hole left at the club. He has won it all at the grandest of stages, and he has lost some major finals in his career too, and this wealth of experience is evidently invaluable to the young Reds. He has settled in well at United and he oozes class in everything he does from interacting with fans to impact in games. Bought for a little over £6 million, the German has got to be up there as one of the signings of the season. Fears of him being injury-prone have been allayed as he has been injury-free so far. At just 31, he still has many years ahead of him and at this pace, he can go on to be an Old Trafford great.
However, the season is still young and it is premature to say how much of an impact Schweinsteiger will have had by the end of it, but he is certainly going to be of great importance and influence in the dressing room and a leader to this young United side. He possess the ability to influence games also and despite being 31, he is an absolute steal for what Manchester United paid for him.
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