EPL 2017/18: 5 best central midfield partnerships going into the season

#1 Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic

Matic will add a lot more steel to the Manchester United

This is a highly anticipated partnership that will undoubtedly be one of the strongest defensively of the five listed. Nemanja Matic formed a very partnership with N’Golo Kante which led Chelsea to the league title last season, and it’s likely he will combine to make a similar one with Spaniard Ander Herrera.

Herrera has slowly become a fan favourite at Old Trafford for his tackling and ball winning ability, which has allowed United to counter attack on a number of occasions. Towards the end of the season, he and record signing Paul Pogba were becoming a formidable force as the two delivered United the Europa League. However, with new signing Matic having arrived, Pogba is expected to move up the pitch in a more attacking role, one which may suit him more.

This means Herrera and Matic will combine to become a defensive midfield partnership, something that will suit the way Jose Mourinho intends to play. Matic is a tall but static midfielder who has good short and long range passing. Herrera is more energetic, similarly to Matic’s previous partner Kante. This, therefore, suggests there will be no reason why the two players will struggle or take time to become familiar with each other.

If Matic and Herrera execute both their skills correctly, they will be a strong defensive midfield partnership this season.