« Previous: No. 46, Danny Welbeck | Next: No. 44, Willian »
Welcome to ESPN FC's #PremRank.
ESPN FC is counting down the top 50 players in the Premier League right now, as voted for by various columnists, editors and analysts. Who makes the cut? Disagree with our list? Tell us on Twitter using the hashtag #PremRank.
Why Daley Blind makes the list
One of the most polished players in the Premier League, and one who so often offers a sheen to Manchester United. You have to look at only Blind's passing stats -- usually among the highest in the team and usually a completion rate that hits close to 90 percent -- to see that he is such a typical Louis van Gaal player, something that's further emphasised by the range of positions he can play.
Essentially, if the United manager was to pick his perfect prototype of a squad mainstay, Blind would be it. Blind has filled in so many places and so many times when the team has needed it and offered accomplished performances, with that stability crucial to his side's surge in form and successful top-four finish in the Premier League.
If that very versatility means Blind will never quite be a key player in his own right, he has provided more than enough key moments. Take his two luscious last-minute goals: the curled effort in the 2-2 draw away to West Brom and, then, the opportunistic volley at the end of the 1-1 draw at West Ham United.
-- Miguel Delaney
The stats that tell the story
- Despite playing only 25 league games, Blind ranks third on Man United in touches and passes completed this season. But he ranks first on a per-game basis, with 58 passes completed and 80 touches per game.
- Named Dutch Footballer of the Year in 2014 after winning the Eredivisie title with Ajax and having a goal and two assists in the Netherlands' third-place World Cup run.
What the experts say
"Louis van Gaal has slowly turned Manchester United into favourites for a top-four finish and his fellow countryman Daley Blind, who has shown versatility to play in several different positions, has been a key reason why." -- Andy Mitten, April 2015.
"Blind's equaliser proved that, somewhere amid the sludge, United's millionaires have spirit." -- John Brewin, February 2015.
"At the age of 24, United have signed a player who can serve them well for many years and with Van Gaal continuing to mould him into a complete performer in whatever role emerges as his best, this looks to be a sound investment in a developing talent." -- Kevin Palmer, September 2014.
« Previous: No. 46, Danny Welbeck | Next: No. 44, Willian »