Joshua Zirkzee scored for the Netherlands in their 2-1 win against Serbia, but more than the goal, it was the way he did exactly what Michael Carrick is missing at Man Utd that was so impressive.
For Joshua Zirkzee, the international break was turned upside down when he was called up late to the Netherlands squad due to injuries elsewhere.
Zirkzee is not a starter at Old Trafford, and has hardly set the world alight when he’s been given chances off the bench by Michael Carrick.
Therefore, the goal against Serbia will give him huge confidence, but more than that, the manner of it is more important.
Joshua Zirkzee shows poacher instincts
Man Utd knew what they were buying when Zirkzee arrived, as he’s never been someone who breaks his nose to put the ball in the net.
He’s more flashy than functional with the ball, which can result in beautiful goals, but just not enough goals overall.
It’s infuriating to see the team play the ball in the six-yard box, only for Zirkzee to be loitering around the edge of the box, having dropped deep to do some layoffs.
Against Serbia, he was still doing the layoffs, as he received the ball with his back to the goal and played it down the wing.
However, once he did that, he ran straight into the six-yard box, where his effort was rewarded in the form of a tap-in into the open goal.
That is the kind of poacher instinct Zirkzee just hasn’t shown enough at Man Utd, which is why he leaves so many goals on the table.
The goal against Serbia is the clip he should watch on repeat, because it can change his outlook at Man Utd.
Zirkzee can fill Benjamin Sesko’s boots
A key reason why Benjamin Sesko is so crucial for United is that he’s the only natural striker at the club, considering Zirkzee’s playing style.
If the Dutchman can add that poacher instinct to his technical game, then there’s no reason why he can’t fill Sesko’s boots.
He’s clearly not happy at being a backup, as evidenced by his words after scoring the winner against Serbia.
He said: “There is a lot of competition. The manager makes the choices. At the moment, the choice is that I mainly come on as a substitute. Ultimately, I have to do something about that myself, but it isn’t easy either. I have to keep working every day and prove myself. I have to fight my way into the starting lineup.”
As he says, it is up to him to change his own situation, and getting “ugly” goals like this one will go a long way towards fixing that issue.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/I9ih5dz