Why Valencia's Ever Banega will transform Manchester United

Valencia’s Ever Banega

For the past few seasons Manchester United’s midfield conundrum continues to dominate the headlines. Their over-reliance on 18-year-old Adnan Januzaj’s creativity in the final third has been evident this season and perhaps the signing of a superstar such as Mata will add some much needed flair to the centre of the park at Old Trafford. However, although Mata will no doubt add more creativity to the Champions, perhaps they still have not solved their problems in the centre of midfield.

According to the Metro, United are interested in Valencia’s controversial midfielder Ever Banega in a bid to solve their midfield problems. Although he has had plenty of issues off the pitch, the 25-year-old has tremendous talent and would be a fantastic reinforcement for David Moyes this month.

Rumour has it that Banega wants to leave the Mestalla as soon as possible and with top class options in January always limited, United could do a lot worse than look at the Argentine schemer. He can play as either a deep-lying playmaker or as a more advanced creator but if he was to join United, he would surely slot in alongside another central midfielder, probably Michael Carrick.

When played in a midfield two, Banega is not your typical defensive midfielder; he prefers to dictate the game from deep areas rather than continuously win back possession. The Argentine has created 25 chances at Valencia this season despite not reaching anywhere near his best form.

When he tracks back, he is perfectly capable of timing his tackles well too, a skill which makes his game well-rounded and suited to a system like United currently use, with two central midfielders. He has won 67% of his 39 attempted tackles this season whilst also making 14 interceptions.

The Argentine loves a dribble through the heart of the opposition, something which has been lacking at United for a number of years now. He has attempted 69 take-ons this season, which is a huge amount for a central midfielder.

Banega keeps things ticking over nicely in midfield for Valencia but can also keep the ball well in the final third and likes to play through the lines. He has maintained an 84% passing accuracy this season with 67.5% of them going forwards.

A sample Banega passing map, from the 3-0 win over Osasuna in December, shows off his passing skills in the opposition half. Despite coming on in the 57thminute in this game, Banega completed 68 passes including three key passes at a 94% passing accuracy, showing off his obvious talent.

If United were to sign Banega this month, they would finally possess a midfielder who can create plenty of chances from central areas in the final third, something which they are clearly looking for in their next midfield acquisition. There definitely won’t be many better options available in January and the Argentine will certainly offer much more than Tom Cleverley does; so if Moyes is struggling for options to strengthen his squad, he should look no further than Ever Banega.