Let's talk Donny Van de Beek. [Profile Analysis thread].

VdB played in all 3 positions of midfield throughout his career w/ Ajax.

DM: 26 apps (10%)
CM: 141 apps (57%)
AM: 81 apps (33%)

VdB is a multi-functional CM. He can play in several setups and several ways. #MUFC

Most of his time was spent as a central mid though. The following heat-map shows you all the areas VdB covered and where his position is concentrated. He normally plays in mid of 3 on the right or right of a double pivot. #MUFC

Let's look at his statistics in comparison to similar players to him by position and by playing style in Europe.

If you notice, he tops the charts in most of the attacking areas par defensively. #MUFC

Note: Green star indicates *the best*

Now let's look at his statistics in comparison to #mufc midfielders. He tops every single one of them going forward. Fred takes the lead in all the defensive contributions but VdB is near second.

Note: Green star indicates *the best*

Tactical role:

His role with Ajax. Ajax play with a revolving midfield, which means all 3 players switch places multiple times during the match. However, VdB was given the freedom to roam wide and forward to find spaces. It is his specialty. #MUFC

The midfield three have been arranged in a two-then-one shape (4231) occasionally, with VdB being used in both one of the pivot roles and the 10 role. This gives VdB freedom to move in & out of position to make runs from deep and find space (very difficult to mark). #MUFC

Forward movement/passing

- Always play vertical passes
- Spacial awareness and vision
- Constantly moving forward.
- Efficient and accurate risk assessment of passes.

Receiving the ball

- Great body positioning
- Receive at high speed with great execution. #mufc

Switch of Play

- Ability to switch the ball to the opposite side of play
- Coupled w/ spacial awareness, it is well timed and lead to goal scoring opportunities.
- Degree of efficiency & influence of his switches are massive.
- + Direct run after the switch to overload. #mufc

Pressing

- Defensive actions are high & overlooked.
- Pressing mentality & high defensive work-rate are reflected in his 3.3 ball recoveries p90.
- VdB immediately presses after ball is lost & prevents space for opposition to start a counter.
- Lead's Ajax is pressing. #MUFC

Finishing

VdB's G/A are mainly from his excellent positioning, which leads to great chances. Quality of his finishing needs improvement as it's inconsistent. He often shoots w/ the side of his foot at situations where its better to shoot w/ his laces. See his shooting positions.

As such, if his shooting a bit improved, his goal tally increase a lot.

Example, VdB gets into a great position here but due to his body position he chooses the wrong shooting technique and this causes the ball to fly high. #MUFC

Notice here how VdB recognizes space and moves into to it and asks for the ball. Spacial awareness. #MUFC

Here his spacial awareness + ball playing ability to receive passes in tight places on the half turn and get out of trouble. #MUFC

Roaming on the blind side of defenders is a technique of his and he is a master at it. Receives the ball on the half turn quick and release the shot. #MUFC

Another example of the blind side + half turn and shoot. #MUFC

Reading the space and the movement of his CF to put himself in prime position to receive the ball and shoot. #MUFC

How can United line up with VdB?

Playing in a 3 man midfield w/ 2 8s is the position to bring out all his attributes, as such a mid of Matic/Fred (hold), Vdb, and Bruno/Pogba or 10 in a 4231 w/ Pogba and Matic/Fred/Scott pivot. These two positions are the best for him. #MUFC

VdB can't play the hold on his own and If Pogba is put there it is a waste of his talents. Both Pogba and VdB can play the role but they won't be as effective as a Matic. This leaves United open to counters. I can't see all 3 of Pogba, Bruno and VdB play at the same time. #MUFC

Conclusion

Van de Beek is a well-rounded talented midfielder w/ characteristics & attributes of great dutch players before him. VdB’s best trait is his efficient off-the-ball movement and his space creation for himself as-well as his teammates. #MUFC

His work rate both in & out of poss. is 2nd to none & despite his high-intensity B2B style, on the ball, he is patient & reliable. He understands the importance of possession so he waits before being able to play the killer pass and create goal-scoring chances.

The End. #mufc