(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Nikola Vlasic is beginning to show why Jesse Lingard may well remain unrequired at the London Stadium in January or next summer.
Constant speculation over the Manchester United attacking midfielder has been continuing since the player finished his loan spell with us last season.
And the fact that -presumably because we live in a footballing world where near instant results are expected of new players – Vlasic’s regular absence from the Premier League starting line-up has helped to fuel the view that he may not be up to it.
But his last two appearances – notably last night’s when he often looked the most creative player on the pitch at times – have surely helped him seal a start against Southampton on Boxing Day and the away clash with Watford on the 28th.
He needs to be given more of the ball and as was the case last night if he does he will start to cause problems.
David Moyes must have thought long and hard before moving for him but that he did – at around £20 million – speaks well for the player.
Why he removed him from the action last night is one of those mysteries to which we won’t get an answer.
He was certainly better than either Lanzini or Benrahma – the supposed creators and I think his time may well have come.
I certainly hope so as personally I think this guy has a lot to offer following a period of adjustment at the club.
Agree 100% Vlasic looks ready to push on and needs game time. I just feel if he got a goal he would take off. With him, Lanzini, Benrahma, Fornals and Bowen we have the options. Lingard doesn’t want to play for us – leave him. Yarmo should be elbowed quick. I’m hoping DM knows who he wants aas striker and moves sharpish.
Last night was the best I have seen of him. I would still like him to be more direct and run at players. That and get crosses into the box
His development is similar to Fornals so really hope the lad can do bit. Premier league is toughest in world. It’s physicality and high fitness levels means most new boys take time.
I like Vlasic every time I see him. He has a high work rate both defensively and attacking, similar to Fornals and with good technical and creative ability. I think both Benrahma and lanzini are more luxury players who blow hot and cold and often flatter to deceive. With Fornals and Vlasic though you know what you’re going to get. For me they would be the third and fourth names on the team sheet after Rice and Souchek.
Vlasic definitely needs more starts and whole match game time. In typical DM style though he’s being eased in ever so slowly. As for Yarmolenko. He also needs bringing on more. Creative player who can shoot accurately from distance! Johnson should be dropped though. At fault for both Spurs goals and looks better than he is.