Ander Herrera, a target for Manchester United, made a return to action for Athletic Bilbao last night.
A week ago in La Liga, Ander Herrera found himself as an unused substitute for Athletic Bilbao as they won an intriguing fixture against high-fliers Villareal.
This time out he was adjudged to be fully recovered from a hamstring injury, and was recalled to the first team for their visit to Getafe.
That in itself was no foregone conclusion, with summer signing Benat also left on the bench for the last fixture, and new manager Ernesto Valderde effectively having to choose between the two.
The good news for Bilbao is Herrera put in a very promising comeback performance, showing any scouts from Manchester United, who tried to sign him in the summer, that he is a player with potential, it’s just a question of whether he is suitable for the club for the expensive price tag.
Bilbao won the game 1-0 through an eighth minute goal from defender Aymeric Laporte. Herrera found himself caught up in a diving storm being booked for trying to win a penalty late on.
He even admitted as such after the match, telling reporters:
“We moan about the refs, but I tried to con him there. I’m sorry.”
His admission should be commended, although the word ‘honest’ is not an adjective which should be applied to the actions of a man who has admitted diving.
The incident aside, playing at the tip of a midfield three, Herrera was involved in the Bilbao attack, and helped ensure Getafe goalkeeper Miguel Moya was on his toes throughout.
Herrera had two efforts on goal himself from outside the box, with one on target. He also made more passes than any other Bilbao player with 41 in total, 10 of which came in the attacking third, including one key pass.
However he attempted 21 passes in the final third of the pitch, his final ball often letting him down and a passing accuracy of less than 50 per cent when it mattered – overall his pass completion rate was 73 per cent.
Defensively the United target was far more impressive. Herrera completed six tackles from seven attempts, four in his own half, the joint highest of any player on the pitch.
He also recovered the ball back 10 times for his side, and made two interceptions. What was clear from his performance is his skills are much better suited in a defensive role, even though Bilbao seem determined to play him in an attacking midfield position as they have other more defensively minded players in their team.
Any watching United scouts will have seen a player who could certainly help improve the club’s midfield in terms of giving them a more solid base – but if the club are looking for a creative player, he needs to show he is capable of more, and having more poise to unlock defences.
With United linked with Roma’s Miralem Pjanic in recent days, Herrera has a little way to go until he is performing at the same level, and the Red Devils may be better off looking at the Bosnian international instead if he becomes available.
Should United go for Herrera? What do you think?
image: © birasuegi
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