Even the vice-captain of Real Madrid has no place to join.

by ka888g68u on 2009-12-03 23:44:56

The Young Vitality of Manchester United Rekindles the Charm of the Golden Boy of Europe; No Position for Real Madrid Deputy Even If He Joins

Shutting out Tottenham, Ferguson specially praised two young players after the game. One was undoubtedly Gibson who scored twice, and the other was Anderson, who is actually younger than Gibson but has already made 88 appearances. Similar to the match in September this year when he scored his first goal for Manchester United against Tottenham in the league, Anderson once again played brilliantly against Tottenham. Although he didn't score again, you could feel from the applause as he was substituted that the Old Trafford fans were completely awed by Anderson's almost frenzied performance.

Here, "frenzy" does not refer to Anderson being a midfield player who takes pleasure in reckless tackles. What Anderson is renowned for at Manchester United is his tenacity and vigor in the midfield, as Ferguson said after the game: "Once Anderson can make an impact in the game, he can attack throughout the midfield area, making our victory come easily." Within the 81 minutes Anderson was on the field, he not only formed a unique attacking system from his more proficient left flank but also continuously exerted influence in the center and right flank. Manchester United's win in this match was indisputable, and in fact, Anderson's aggressive playing style in the midfield had already disrupted Tottenham's pre-planned tactics.

Anderson's attacking route relies on his powerful physique and astonishing acceleration ability. The most typical example was perhaps a rapid counterattack in the 70th minute. Despite the ball eventually being claimed by Gomes, Anderson, under circumstances where a central dribble would be easily blocked, chose a risky path, speeding past Dawson with the ball and breaking into the box. Although this attempt did not result in a goal, it perfectly demonstrated the "terrifying" energy that Anderson unleashes when he bursts into action. Imagine who wouldn't fear a superhuman endurance capable of such speed halfway through a match?

In reality, Anderson doesn't intentionally play as a lone hero. He has many comrades responding and crossing positions with him on both flanks. On the left, he mainly combines with Darron Gibson, allowing the Belgian, who is around the same age but far less experienced, to play confidently. Of course, he also pairs with Park Ji-sung, though the Korean star currently lacks a good sense near the goal. Another achievement on the left was forcing Lennon to change routes due to Anderson's effective quick defense, intercepting several attempts down this side, thus forcing the England international to seek opportunities by running towards Neville. On the right, Anderson often forms a dual fast-moving attack with Obertan. With such responses from the Brazilian, despite Manchester United having kids in their early twenties leading the offense, they still manage to create chaos among the veteran-laden Tottenham team!

Manchester United's first goal came from Anderson's sudden cut-in attack from the left flank. Despite being tackled and flying off, Anderson had already safely and swiftly passed the ball to Gibson's feet, allowing him to aim and score at the corner. When Anderson moves in the midfield, he usually follows this principle: stepping in to intercept, then immediately turning to carry the ball forward into the attack, observing suitable breakthrough directions and passing routes while maintaining a high running speed, rather than like ordinary midfielders who start looking for teammates as soon as they get the ball. This somewhat individualistic way of handling the ball, when handled by Anderson in form, often creates thrilling moments on the pitch. Modern football emphasizes adrenaline-pumping excitement, and with Anderson on the field, the fans' adrenaline will only keep rising!

Anderson, wearing green shoes, thus became the most unforgettable focal point for the fans on the field, despite not being a goal-scoring type of player. His first shot of the game came from him, but despite playing the entire match, he failed to score again. Out of his 88 games with Manchester United, he scored one goal against Tottenham in September, apart from the penalty in the 2008 Champions League final which doesn't count as a personal goal. But this issue is acceptable to everyone. Debuting in the 2005 World Youth Championship, he won the Golden Ball, not the Golden Boot, establishing his somewhat controversial style trend in midfield. In today's Manchester United, which advocates offensive tactics, Anderson's all-round role in midfield, excelling in both aspects, naturally receives greater appreciation. Who wouldn't want to see a defensive midfielder with even more comprehensive abilities, seemingly never stopping during attacks?

Last year, Anderson won the European Golden Boy Award. Among the previous five winners, Anderson is undoubtedly the least likely to score goals, but his unconventional approach to midfield play is distinctive. With his clever leadership, no matter how fast Manchester United's overall pace becomes, it seems there's always an axis flexibly controlling it, leaving opponents completely confused by such seemingly absurd speed. Of course, Anderson hasn't yet reached the level of performing at this high standard every match; otherwise, he would have long become Manchester United's absolute starter. However, even judged by current standards, what the 20-year-old young man has achieved already benefits Manchester United immensely.

In fact, Ferguson is entirely satisfied with the current midfield configuration. The mainstays Carrick and Fletcher play steadily, while Anderson and Gibson are growing rapidly. Giggs and Scholes are fully capable, and let's not forget O'Shea, the "all-purpose patch" with quality assurance. Moreover, a live broadcast captured a scene today: Hargreaves sitting on the field watching the game. Last week, he had resumed training, and all signs indicate that this 28-year-old player is increasingly close to his official return. Predecessor Ince believes: "Every team needs Owen (of course referring to Hargreaves here) such a versatile midfielder." Over the years, the team's central midfielder lineup, with the addition of Gibson, has become even stronger without losing any personnel.

Therefore, the recent rumors in Spanish media about Manchester City duo eyeing Guti seem quite bizarre. While Manchester City might have some reasons for looking at Guti, it's unimaginable what bringing in a 33-year-old Real Madrid substitute would mean for Manchester United. Comparing current match capabilities is meaningless now. Speaking of tournament experience and match experience, Giggs and Scholes can easily surpass Guti. Now, Manchester United probably worries about having too few matches, making it hard for so many excellent midfielders to fully display their talents. There’s absolutely no need to bring in another older player to cause "congestion"!