[bishblaize]

The best thing about his performance yesterday, when he wanted to give one back to Gerrard because his mate had one put on him.

Yeah I came to the thread to make just this point. Good football matters, but at anfield you also have to stick up for each other when the tackles start flying in. Good to know someone's going to give it out if needed.

 

[mazhar13]

It was another great performance from Herrera, and his quick thinking is something we've dearly missed in midfield since Scholes left.

The fact that he's always unfazed under pressure is really useful for us against aggressive teams like Liverpool. His composure and calmness on the ball was a huge factor in helping us handle Liverpool's pressure. I should also mention that, even if he's playing with more discipline, he still finds moments where he enters the final third and has a chance to score (case in point: his blocked long shot just before Mata scored his second goal).

It's clear to see that his studious approach to the sport along with his enthusiasm for it was a huge factor in him learning from intelligent coaches like Bielsa, Valverde, and van Gaal. Bielsa gave him the aggression, defensive positioning, and quick-thinking, Valverde provided him with discipline and composure to his game, and van Gaal is currently shaping up those qualities into him becoming a potentially all-rounded footballer.

I really hope he can become a mainstay in our team wherever he plays. I think I've said this many times, but him being on the pitch makes the whole team sharper and quicker on their feet.

 

[Kostur]

The best thing about his performance yesterday, when he wanted to give one back to Gerrard because his mate had one put on him.

Absolutely agree, we need more of that, builds and shows team spirit.

 

[Bobcat]

Great engine, good tackler, has a good shot, good vision and quite frankly, outstanding technique compared to many others of our midfielders.

Especially one moment against Spurs he impressed. Held of two players, did a nice little turn near the sideline and then released Valencia with a sweet chip

 

[Annahnomoss]

He's such a player. His latest interview really highlights the troubles he's had and they are more about LVG's specific tactics rather than LVG not rating Herrera.

Herrera would have been so fecking great under SAF in an aggressive box to box role. I am hoping that after Herrera learns to control the pace he plays at - LVG gives him more room to use the fact that he can suddenly force the team to play at the highest pace in a split second.

 

[Borys]

He’s The Midfielder That Represents Value For Money.

Seriously, if he improves his long passing he can become one of the best in this league. Not sure he will get into Spain national team, but he’s like the perfect Spanish midfielder for Premier League. Absolutely love him, such a difference he makes.

It’s worth pointing out how consistent he is.

 

[Ish]

Love him. Probably my favourite player already.

 

[LR7]

I posted this back in September:

At Bilbao he could be described as a big game player. I watched him a lot last season and his best games were Madrid and Barcelona away. That sort of intensity really brought out the best in him and he's one who wants to stand up and be counted, not shy away and avoid responsibility. I love him.

I think the Liverpool game confirms that he really is a big game player. I watched him a lot last season at Athletic Club (I just had a feeling that we would go back in for him) and he was good all round but really showed himself in the big games particularly away. He hasn't has as much of a chance starting in all of our big games this season but he played well at Anfield. He was dominant and determined to make his mark. I seriously adore him.

 

[Carl]

He's such a player. His latest interview really highlights the troubles he's had and they are more about LVG's specific tactics rather than LVG not rating Herrera.

Herrera would have been so fecking great under SAF in an aggressive box to box role. I am hoping that after Herrera learns to control the pace he plays at - LVG gives him more room to use the fact that he can suddenly force the team to play at the highest pace in a split second.

What's this then?

 

[Annahnomoss]

What's this then?

http://deportes.elpais.com/deportes/2015/03/22/actualidad/1427045616_015938.html

I think there is a thread about it with translations.

 

[Carl]

http://deportes.elpais.com/deportes/2015/03/22/actualidad/1427045616_015938.html

I think there is a thread about it with translations.

Cheers.

 

[Annahnomoss]

Cheers.

You're welcome. It is a really good read, one of the most in depth interviews I've seen in a long while for United. Usually the players say as little as possible in the media but Herrera was completely honest, shows good confidence.

 

[The-Natural]

You're welcome. It is a really good read, one of the most in depth interviews I've seen in a long while for United. Usually the players say as little as possible in the media but Herrera was completely honest, shows good confidence.

Is there a proper translated transcript of the interview or are you talking just about the bits that have been posted in tweets on the thread?

 

[Annahnomoss]

Is there a proper translated transcript of the interview or are you talking just about the bits that have been posted in tweets on the thread?

I've just read the one I posted, but I found the interview through those tweets so assumed they'd have translated it all as it isn't that long. They must have.

 

[IwatUwat]

Nice to not talk about CM being our problem for a season, and the reason for this is Herrera in my opinion. As Carrick gets older it may come back into play.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

Nice to not talk about CM being our problem for a season, and the reason for this is Herrera in my opinion. As Carrick gets older it may come back into play.

Then he will need to make sure he has a replacement in place for Carrick. I am just hoping Michael doesn't play for England. At least Ander and Juan are getting a rest.

 

[m1y2]

Would get even more out of him if Valencia wasn't so hesitant at times.

agree, he's playing like robot too, cannot play the through ball to the central midfielder.. with Rafael there we would be certainly more threatening

 

[Speak]

He really is a great blend of Spanish brain, and English 'grit', as somebody said a few pages back.

 

[Skywarden]

God, watching that back it just dawns on me what a great, great game it was.

To beat them at their own game with such craft and such confidence. A sweet day.

The way he owned that midfield during the first half was a joy to watch. How many times did he break their possession, inside their half? Made a fool out of Allen on numerous occasions.

He's figured out the system and now has LVG's confidence. Greatness awaits if this continues.

 

[jojojo]

Interesting in the El Pais article hearing him talk about LvG telling him to maintain his position more and stop ball chasing.

When the original rumours about us buying him came up I was one of those who compared him to Steve Gerrard (different skillset and ranking, before anyone goes after that) a lovely player, a real fighter, a potential fan favourite but who might not have the "discipline" of a typical Spanish midfielder. A better English midfielder than Spanish one in fact.

It may be that he's met LvG at the ideal moment in his career. He can develop a new kind of positional sense and style of play. Hopefully he will become the ideal match for United and the PL. I hope so, he's one of those players I really like to watch and one who seems to have the personality to be something special for us.

 

[rotherham_red]

Interesting in the El Pais article hearing him talk about LvG telling him to maintain his position more and stop ball chasing.

When the original rumours about us buying him came up I was one of those who compared him to Steve Gerrard (different skillset and ranking, before anyone goes after that) a lovely player, a real fighter, a potential fan favourite but who might not have the "discipline" of a typical Spanish midfielder. A better English midfielder than Spanish one in fact.

It may be that he's met LvG at the ideal moment in his career. He can develop a new kind of positional sense and style of play. Hopefully he will become the ideal match for United and the PL. I hope so, he's one of those players I really like to watch and one who seems to have the personality to be something special for us.

Yep, reading that yesterday reminded me of Benitez' quip about Gerrard running too much, that he was not tactical in the way he played the game. Unfortunately for him (), his ego and/or lack of tactical awareness precluded him from being a proper midfielder... With Herrera, it seems the opposite is in play: he'll adapt and mould his game to fit the team in the best possible way. We really hit the jackpot with him lads, £30m is going to be looked back on as a bargain! Can't wait to see what he does in Europe, be that Europa or Champions League (not going to declare the top 4 race over - been around too long for that). He'll fit it, as he does us, like a glove. I'm sure of it!

 

[#07]

 

[RDCR07]

His pressing skills are amazing. He isnt too quick or too long but he covers ground and intercepts/deflects quite a few passes.

 

[Joemo]

I posted this back in September:

I think the Liverpool game confirms that he really is a big game player. I watched him a lot last season at Athletic Club (I just had a feeling that we would go back in for him) and he was good all round but really showed himself in the big games particularly away. He hasn't has as much of a chance starting in all of our big games this season but he played well at Anfield. He was dominant and determined to make his mark. I seriously adore him.

His performance against Barca in the 2-2 at the Nou Camp either 2 or 3 years ago was one of the best games, if not the best, I've ever seen a Spanish team player have against one of the big guns. I don't watch every Spanish league game that Real or Barca play, but his performance vs Barca and Banega's for Valencia against Real stick in my mind.

I love his sliding tackle technique too. There's an assist/goal (can't remember) he got against Levante/Getafe (I think) where he does his on-one-knee slide on the edge of their box, recovers the ball, dribbles and sets up a goal or scores.

 

[Rick88]

Was just seeing the Herrera performance against Liverpool video again. Missed it during the match, but he was booed by the Liverpool fans while getting subbed off? Had he tried to con his way, that would be understandable. But that was a bad stamp and had every bit of malice behind it.

I mean, that is an absolute low for the fans. No wonder I hate the club and their fans so much.

 

[donnwyt]

They've booed him probably because he took his sweet time walking to the touch line...

 

[Isotope]

He really reminds me of young Scholes that I fell in love with. That drive, energy, clever body move, and toughness. He's like a 'new' player that I've never seen before in United shirt.

Whatever LvG has fed him all this time, it works! Maybe Herrera needs to spend more time on the bench again.

 

[Roosney]

Great performance from him, he was joy to watch on Sunday.

He seems to always fool those pressing him. A quick unexpected turn or a flick and a chance is created.

He might need a bit more muscle but he seems to cope quite well with his current frame.

 

[JaffyJoe]

Interesting in the El Pais article hearing him talk about LvG telling him to maintain his position more and stop ball chasing.

When the original rumours about us buying him came up I was one of those who compared him to Steve Gerrard (different skillset and ranking, before anyone goes after that) a lovely player, a real fighter, a potential fan favourite but who might not have the "discipline" of a typical Spanish midfielder. A better English midfielder than Spanish one in fact.

It may be that he's met LvG at the ideal moment in his career. He can develop a new kind of positional sense and style of play. Hopefully he will become the ideal match for United and the PL. I hope so, he's one of those players I really like to watch and one who seems to have the personality to be something special for us.

A fried of mine also compared him to Gerrard what made you do so ?

Fantastic player we have, if he can cut out the ball chasing to go with the quality he already has that can be one of our midfield spots sorted for the next 5 years. He has the Spanish technique, movement and understanding i the game but he can also get stuck. Perfect player for us.

 

[Lawman]

Great performance from him, he was joy to watch on Sunday.

He seems to always fool those pressing him. A quick unexpected turn or a flick and a chance is created.

He might need a bit more muscle but he seems to cope quite well with his current frame.

Love his little trick where he is receiving but it lets it run half the way through him and turns back once the marker buys the wrong direction

 

[Roman Bellic]

If he keeps improving i can see him being the most dangerous player on the team tbh

 

[Salfordlad70]

Along with Mata and Fellaini he has become our most improved player, and important player.Very easy on the eye. Given that like the other two, he appeared to be frozen out and out of favour, he has stuck at it and developed his game to suit the team. I wish ADM and Falcao could take his lead and get stuck in and stop feeling sorry for themselves.

 

[JPRouve]

Along with Mata and Fellaini he has become our most improved player, and important player.Very easy on the eye. Given that like the other two, he appeared to be frozen out and out of favour, he has stuck at it and developed his game to suit the team. I wish ADM and Falcao could take his lead and get stuck in and stop feeling sorry for themselves.

I already said it, but I'm almost sure that he wasn't frozen out, LVG needed him to do a work and couldn't find a place for him before he was ready.

 

[Mali_Zeus]

Along with Mata and Fellaini he has become our most improved player, and important player.Very easy on the eye. Given that like the other two, he appeared to be frozen out and out of favour, he has stuck at it and developed his game to suit the team. I wish ADM and Falcao could take his lead and get stuck in and stop feeling sorry for themselves.

Check his interview, he wasnt frozen out, LVG just didnt like his style of play at the beginning.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Check his interview, he wasnt frozen out, LVG just didnt like his style of play at the beginning.

He was frozen out though. Listened to the manager, adapted his game and now he's a regular starter. Obviously a smart footballer and a quick learner. Credit to him.

 

[JPRouve]

He was frozen out though. Listened to the manager, adapted his game and now he's a regular starter. Obviously a smart footballer and a quick learner. Credit to him.

Being reformatted isn't being frozen out, when you are frozen out the coach doesn't care about your future evolution, he doesn't take time to adapt you to his needs.

 

[Mali_Zeus]

He was frozen out though. Listened to the manager, adapted his game and now he's a regular starter. Obviously a smart footballer and a quick learner. Credit to him.

Depends what frozen out means exactly, Rafael is frozen out it seems, Herrera was just waiting to come back to the starting 11 while adapting his style to LVG's liking.

 

[Brophs]

The RedCafe Anthology of Great Senantic Arguments: Vol. 6 feat.

"How the SHIT can you say he's world class? He's clearly a top, top, top player."

"I'm not saying he's a bad defender. He just defends badly."

"Frozen out? FROZEN OUT?!?! Okay. Let's take this one step at a time. The Oxford English Dictionary defines frozen as...."

 

[RedStarUnited]

I must be the only one that thought Herrera went to block the pass rather than 'Do' Gerrard in that challenge. Look how far from Gerrard he actually ended up being. If he wanted a piece of Stevie he would have got it.

 

[Feedingseagulls]

I must be the only one that thought Herrera went to block the pass rather than 'Do' Gerrard in that challenge. Look how far from Gerrard he actually ended up being. If he wanted a piece of Stevie he would have got it.

Actually quite a few people made that very point back on Sun. I thought it was only Gerrard and acolytes who believed otherwise.