Manchester United Sign Victor Lindelof But Who Is He?
Manchester United fans have gotten their first taste of the summer transfer window as the club confirmed their decision to sign youngster Victor Lindelof from Benfica but just who is he?
The 22 year-old Swedish centre-back initially started his career at his home country back in 2010 with Vasteras SK. Although he didn’t stay with them for too long, Lindelof did help his team get promoted into the second highest league in Sweden despite it being his debut season.
It wasn’t long before Benfica came calling and Victor worked his way up from their youth team to their B team and finally up to their senior team. He wasn’t guaranteed to become a starter for the famous Portuguese side but through his hard work the 6ft 2in defender quickly became more and more important for the first team.
Along with a few cup trophies, Lindelof also has 3 league titles to his name from his time in Portugal. Although he isn’t a renowned name around the world, managers have had their eyes turned by the glowing reports they’ve received from their scouts as well as from the player’s teammates.
In terms of his contribution to his country, the physical centre-back has represented Sweden at both youth and senior level, winning the European Championship with the U21 side in 2015 and being named in the team of the tournament. Success at youth level resulted in his senior debut in 2016 against Turkey for a friendly.
Lindelof managed to push for a spot to represent Sweden during the 2016 edition of the Euro’s, starting all 3 of their group games. Described as mature, composed and a good passer of the ball, it seems like the strong centre-back has all the makings of a great modern defender should he succeed at Manchester United.
In fact, some former and current Manchester United players have spoken about Lindelof already. Eric Bailly, who’s only a couple months older than the Swede, said the following back in January- “The day we get to play, if it comes, we must take advantage of that opportunity. I think we would fit well together.”.
Recently released Zlatan Ibrahimovic also made a statement on the former Benfica man earlier on in the season saying, “Is he good enough for United? I think he is ready for the big clubs out there.” while also praising the “great things he’s doing with Benfica.” at the time. There’s no shortage of praise for Lindelof but just where will he play for United?
He’s a little versatile, having made appearances at centre-back, right-back and defensive midfield but many have claimed his best position to be at centre-back. It’s the most likely position Mourinho would’ve brought him in for considering how the manager has been let down by his defence’s strange ability to pick up injuries consistently.
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However, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Jose might be considering him for the holding position. The Portuguese tactician is known for loving strong, tall and physical midfielders and Lindelof certainly fits the bill. It also helps that he’s good with his feet and has a great eye for a pass. Could he be the man to release Pogba from his defensive shackles? Only Mourinho knows and time will tell.