Manchester United take on Arsenal in Sunday’s much-awaited Premier League clash at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils played out a frustrating 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Europa League round of 16 on Thursday evening.
Despite the result, there were positives to carry forward. The defence was excellent and restricted Sociedad from scoring from open play.
Joshua Zirkzee also impressed from the number 10 position. He broke the deadlock in the 57th minute with a quality long-range strike.
Zirkzee has described himself as a 9.5 in the past, and Casemiro has now highlighted that it would be a waste to have him standing upfront alone.
The Brazil international said that the 23-year-old is a ‘very good’ player with traits of a number 10, and manager Ruben Amorim likes the Dutchman in that role.
He said via The Times: “He’s a very good player. He’s not a No9 who stays [in the middle] like Rasmus [Hojlund]. It would be a waste to have him standing up there alone.
“He plays as a bit of a ten, which is what this coach likes. He’s very good, he’s got a lot of quality, he likes to control the ball, to spin. He’s more of a player who wants to play and create.”
Zirkzee, described as a ‘powerful‘ striker by Bayern II manager Holger Seitz, has had a slow start to his United career with just six goals and two assists from 41 appearances.
He has struggled to make an impact as the main striker but looks more comfortable from the number 10 position, where he has the opportunity to create and run at defences.
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Zirkzee showed his class with a lovely opening goal in midweek. He had some good fortune with the goalkeeper caught wrong-footed, but deserved it for his performance.
United fans will hope for a similar showing when the club take on Arsenal tomorrow. The Red Devils beat the Gunners in the FA Cup third round in January but have lost the last four league meetings.
A victory on Sunday would provide a huge morale boost before Sociedad’s trip to Old Trafford.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .