I want to be Manchester United’s Iniesta, says £30m midfield star

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Ander Herrera says he wants to model his game on Andres Iniesta.

Manchester United’s new midfield star Ander Herrera lit up the game against LA Galaxy, voted as the club’s Man of the Match.

The £30 million summer signing gave fans real cause for optimism he can be a big asset this coming season, and reinvent the club’s midfield.

Speaking to United’s website, Herrera has revealed he models his game on a Barcelona star who has dazzled against the Red Devils in two Champions League finals.

He said: “Now, maybe my mirror is Andres Iniesta, not only for football and what he does on the pitch but also because he is a good person. I wish, one day, I could be similar to him.”

United fans are presently hung up on the potential addition of Arturo Vidal, but watching Herrera in action last night showed the blow if they do not land the Chilean, will be softened.

Should Herrera blossom to become as dominant as Iniesta, even more so, and testing himself at United in the Premier League will only help him to kick on.

Here’s a look at how the two players compared in La Liga in 2013/14:

In terms of goals and assists, Herrera and Iniesta both tallied 10 combined last season, and it’s fair to point out the former did not have Lionel Messi or Neymar to pass to.

Herrera falls short in his overall pass completion rate quite substantially and successful dribbles, but his key passes per game edge Iniesta slightly,

In terms of defensive contribution however, Herrera can argue certainly he was a more effective tackler, also making more interceptions per game.

While he has a long way to go to be mentioned in the same regard as the World Cup winner, successful seasons at United could yet see him become the Barcelona man’s successor for his country.