Bailly can’t wait for Victor to join him in defence
ONE United player is already impressed by Victor Lindelof – and it just so happens he’s the man Jose Mourinho hopes will form the other half of his new defensive partnership.
Asked about Lindelof when the Swedish centre-back was first targeted by United ahead of the January transfer window, Eric Bailly was effusive in his praise, and already had a desire to play alongside him in the heart of the defence.
“I hope to play with him. Hopefully he will help us,” Bailly was quoted by Fotbollskanalen.
“He is a very good player. He has great qualities and will certainly do well if he comes to us.”
Here are some other reasons why United fans should expect big things from the Swede:
HE IS A BALL-PLAYING DEFENDER IN THE RIO FERDINAND MOULD UNITED fans are still waiting for the next great partnership to emulate the Ferdinand and Vidic axis that yielded three Champions League finals in four years.
Bailly has proved he has the tenacity for the Premier League, and in Lindelof he may have found his ideal foil. The 22-year-old Swede has skill, brilliant ball control and the composure to bring the ball out of defence when under pressure.
He’s also played regularly at rightback, which has helped develop the attacking side of his game.
HE HAS THE CONFIDENCE OF A UNITED PLAYER LINDELOF may only be 22 years old, but he possesses the selfconfidence evident in the game’s top players.
He said: “It’s not like I go out on a football field and am afraid. It’s about playing your game and daring to get stuck in. I know which qualities I possess and I dare to exert myself. I have great confidence and know what I am capable of on a football field.”
HE HAS THE BACKING OF FORMER COACHES AND TEAM-MATES EX-UNITED striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has played alongside Lindelof at international level and was clearly impressed by his attitude and ability.
Speaking in November, Ibrahimovic said: “I think Victor is doing great things, he is playing good for Benfica, he gets a lot of responsibility for the national team now, he is growing.
“Is he good enough for United? I think he’s good enough for the big clubs out there. It’s up to him what he wants and what the situation says.”
His former coach for Sweden, Lars Lagerback added: “I think Lindelof can become a world-class player. I like his attitude, he is fast and effective player with good understanding of the game. Sweden have a great prospect for the future in him.”