Manchester United icon Lee Sharpe has expressed his confidence in Joshua Zirkzee’s potential to succeed at Old Trafford, emphasizing that his optimal role is as a number 10, where he can effectively influence the game.
Zirkzee has faced challenges this season, managing to find the net only three times in 28 Premier League matches since his transfer from Bologna last summer.
He recently achieved his first European goal, contributing to his team’s 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad. The Dutch forward followed this performance with another commendable showing in the recent match against Arsenal.
In light of the numerous injuries plaguing United, Ruben Amorim has predominantly deployed Zirkzee in a role as one of the attacking midfielders just behind the striker in recent fixtures.
He has looked much better in that role and finally seems to be turning things around at Old Trafford.
Lee Sharpe spoke to The Peoples Person in an exclusive interview, hosted by BetBrain, and had his say on Zirkzee. Asked whether the 23-year-old is good enough to be at United, Sharpe answered, “I’m a fan of his and yes, I think he is [good enough].”
“I just think he needs a bit of time. He’s still a young man and he needs time to adjust to the expectations of Old Trafford, the size of Manchester United and I think he’s a baller.”
“I think he’s got loads of ability, he drifts past people sometimes, he likes to pop the ball around very quickly and sharply at times.”
“He can score a goal, create and I think once he gets a full run of 10 or 20 games in the team, then he’s going to be a really good player for Man United.”
On what Zirkzee’s best position is, Sharpe noted, “The number 10 is probably more suited to him. I think perhaps at the moment he needs to play as a number nine because he holds up the ball better and brings people into play better than Hojlund.”
“But I definitely think if they can get a centre-forward that can hold it up and pop it down to Zirkzee while he’s facing play, I think he can pick out people, he can beat people and I think he’s got a lot in his armour that can hurt teams and I think he’s going to be a really good player.”
Zirkzee and his teammates return to action on Thursday for a decisive Europa League second-leg clash against Real Sociedad, following a 1-1 draw in the first leg.
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