Why Blind Is the Manchester Utd Player Most in Need of the International Break

Daley Blind has played more minutes of league football for Manchester United this season than anyone else, and his form prior to the Manchester derby on Sunday suggests that a break from Old Trafford could do him some good.

It is important to note at this point that the manner in which he dealt with Manchester City and Sergio Aguero in particular was a level above his general performance in recent weeks. He won more tackles than any other player on the pitch—six of the seven he attempted. He made a team-high five interceptions and blocked two shots.

It was another example of Blind exceeding expectations at centre-back, which is something that has happened a lot this season. Of the Premier League's five top scorers—Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy, Romelu Lukaku, Riyad Mahrez and Aguero—only Vardy has scored past United, for whom Blind has been an ever-present.

It is important to note that each of those players has had just one chance at the Red Devils, who have only played Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City and Everton once each. Aguero was absent for the Old Trafford derby in October 2015. Nonetheless, it serves as an illustration of how effective Blind has been against some of the Premier League's best attackers.

Ahead of the derby, expectations were not lowered by the presumption of Blind's inability to shine in a position not his own, rather they were lowered by a run of poor form. That slump is analysed in detail here. 

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Even with the improved defensive performance against City, there were signs that the dip has not entirely run its course. His passing was still not at its best.

He completed 77.8 per cent of his total attempted passes and succeeded in finding a United player with just one of his four crosses—all from corners—and one of his three attempted long passes.

Of his 29 short passes, though, he completed 28, meaning the kind of disastrous surrender of possession that happened against Watford at Old Trafford was not repeated.

Ahead of meeting up with the national team, Blind spoke with NOS in the Netherlands (h/t Tom Coast of Sport Witness) about his role at United: 

"

I’m developing well, and in the big games I’ve played, I’ve been consistent, which I think is important.

I think I can still play at left-back and in midfield, but right now I feel good at centre-back. It’s wonderful to have the game in front of me, and be a part of building from the back with my forward passes to start attacks.

"

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Of course, that final sentence gets to the heart of the matter of Blind as a centre-back. During his slump, it was his lack of defensive instinct that showed up—the split-second decision-making that comes with experience in elite-level sport.

Blind's cerebral approach to the game has generally covered for his lack of physical prowess at centre-back—he often positions himself well when one-on-one with a striker, for example. However, when tiredness set in, the mistakes proved his lack of experience, with his error for the goal conceded against West Bromwich Albion being a good example.

When fresh, though, he is a significant asset in games United dominate. There are not many centre-backs in the league using their "forward passes to start attacks," as Blind told NOS.

United have engineered themselves a shot at a top-four finish with their win over Manchester City. Given that manager Louis van Gaal has relied heavily on Blind up to now, it stands to reason he will be an important player in the run-in.

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While Danny Blind—Daley's father and Netherlands national team coach—will likely want to play his son, he should perhaps avoid giving him the full 90 minutes in either their friendly against France or England. The Dutch have not qualified for the 2016 UEFA European Football Championship, and Blind needs a break.

United will need him fit and in form on his return as they look to salvage their season.

Advanced statistics per WhoScored.com.