Yahoo Sports ‘He needs support’ – Erik ten Hag backs £36.5m Man Utd summer signing to shine at Old Trafford
Manchester United are set to host Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday.
Speaking to the press ahead of the highly-anticipated clash, Ten Hag was asked if Joshua Zirkzee could develop into a prolific goal-scorer.
He replied (via ManUtd.com): “Yes, I do. Sure, he is young. We see his great abilities. He is a very good link-up player, as you say, he is creative.
“He is creating chances but be fair, also he has his moments towards the goal from the opposition.
“I think it was a great action he had [against FC Twente] and a great finish he had, top save from the keeper but in that area he can definitely improve.
“We know he has some very good attributes, and he has to improve, and he needs our support on how to improve.”
Joshua Zirkzee must aim to develop further
The £36.5 million United signing has had a fine start to his Old Trafford career.
However, he has netted only once in seven appearances. This tally must improve.
Zirkzee is not a traditional number nine but more of a facilitator. He has shown great link-up play with his fellow attackers.
The Netherlands international is a tall striker and has the feet of a playmaker. He often drops deep to help feed passes forward to quick wingers.
His one-touch passing is exceptional and can help to break down the opposition’s defence.
He ranked among the top 10 players in Serie A last season for chances created from open play.
He could have had an assist against Crystal Palace but Bruno Fernandes failed to hit the target.
As a striker, you need goals to showcase your contribution, but his overall performance deserves appreciation.
We believe Ten Hag missed a trick by not playing Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund together when United searched for a winning goal in the final ten minutes against FC Twente.
Hojlund is a clinical goal-scorer and with Zirkzee around him, United’s attack would have had more bite.
The 23-year-old is expected to start against Spurs this weekend.
His link-up play will help the team perform better but it would be icing on the cake if he could also deliver the end product.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
