Is Manchester United defender Daley Blind better than Per Mertesacker?
Manchester United’s Daley Blind
Former England international Paul Parker has claimed Manchester United defender Daley Blind is a better player than Arsenal’s Per Mertesacker.
Blind was converted to centre-back by former boss Louis van Gaal, and has continued in the role under new boss Jose Mourinho.
Borussia Dortmund’s Shinji Kagawa in action with Manchester United’s Daley Blind
The Dutch international is proving a useful asset for the Red Devils, and Parker believes he should be recognised as a top defender.
The former United full-back told 888Sport: “Daley Blind has always impressed me. He hardly gives the ball away and as for his height – because we know there are a lot of very tall centre-backs in the Premier League – you could ask who would you have over him or Mertesacker? I’d have Blind all day long.”
Arsenal’s Per Mertesacker looks dejected at the end of the match
Mertesacker is currently out injured, at is 31. He has won the game’s highest honour, part of Germany’s World Cup squad in 2014.
He may be on the decline, but Blind, 26, is growing into his role at centre-back. The Manchester Evening News report that the Dutchman is winning over boss Jose Mourinho, who had been linked with selling him earlier this transfer window.
The Sun report United are interested in Southampton’s Jose Fonte, who would hamper Blind’s game time at centre-back if he arrives, with Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly also available.
Jose Fonte celebrates after scoring the third goal for Southampton
Read the full 888sport interview with Paul Parker, including his thoughts on the future of ‘overweight’ Wayne Rooney
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
