Daley Blind switching to midfield from defence has given Louis van Gaal some food for thought. Despite an upward trajectory in the heart of midfield for Ajax, Blind remains Oranje's "first choice left-back" but Van Gaal, as he's shown before, isn't afraid to go against a past assertion.
Van Gaal, who recognises Blind as a "natural number six", put forward his modus operandi for this summer in a recent interview with Algemeen Dagblad: Oranje's game will be based on a sterile domination of the ball (circulation football); passing endlessly until space is found to punish the opposition. Ajax, under De Boer (a disciple), is used as a reference "they play like how I want us to play" some have taken this as a hint Blind will occupy the 'number six'/third centre-back role [similar to the one Sergio Busquets carries out at Barça] instead of Nigel de Jong.
However, at this moment in time, the likelihood is Blind – who has only played 45 minutes in midfield for Oranje – will start in Salvador against Spain on June 13 at left-back unless those vying for his current position convince Van Gaal otherwise. The role of the full-back in Van Gaal's system cannot be underestimated; they are essentially auxiliary wingers encouraged to maraud forward as often as possible in support of the attacking midfielders and wide-men by overlapping. Van Gaal, who has today again been linked with Tottenham, looks for many characteristics – awareness, dribbling technique, athleticism – but the most fundamental is football intelligence, something Blind has in abundance so turning into an impressive ‘controller’ shouldn't have come as a surprise.
Van Gaal is certain to take two left-backs to Brazil: Blind plus cover or two with Blind as a midfielder. Erik Pieters, who succeeded Giovanni van Bronckhorst after the last World Cup, is seemingly out of the reckoning, as is Alexander Büttner. Bruno Martins Indi – the multifunctional Feyenoord defender – has been deployed in that position in 12 league games (average rating 6.89) this season, but Van Gaal prefers him in the centre.
What should also be stressed is that the talent pool hasn't dried up. Blind's new duties have opened the door for Jetro Willems (7.47) and Patrick van Aanholt (7.25); the two highest-rated and consistent Dutch left-backs in the Eredivisie: Nick Viergever (7.11), Dave Bulthuis and Aaron Meijers (both 6.94) trail in their wake. For next week's friendly in Paris against France neither has been called-up but that doesn't mean it spells the end of their World Cup dreams.
In terms of style Willems and Van Aanholt are your archetypal Dutch full-backs: attack first, defend later. Willems, in particular, embodies this spirit but is, under new PSV manager Phillip Cocu, improving the defensive side of his game. He's more focused and starting to avoid lapses in concentration that were previously his downfall. Patrice Evra is a reference and like the Frenchman, Willems can become a full-back par excellence: one that dominates an entire flank. A WhoScored style of play of ‘likes to play short passes’ makes him a safe bet in a PSV side that is striving to become masters of possession. This won't have gone unnoticed by Van Gaal.
PSV's erratic football – traits of a side in the process of rebuilding – has often been to the detriment of Willems. His swashbuckling style would complement Oranje; and the same could be said of Van Aanholt, who is playing the best football of his career. Vitesse's monopoly of the ball has been a major factor. One of the more elastic left-backs in the division, he's proven to be a quick learner. Vitesse being his sixth different club in the last four years has seen him adapt to various styles and there's nothing to suggest things wouldn't be the same under Van Gaal.
If it comes down to Willems or Van Aanholt, the margins are small; both love to attack in the opposition half. They have four apiece when it comes to goals but Van Aanholt has produced one more assist (3) despite Willems averaging more key passes (1.2) and crosses (0.5) per game, but that could be partly explained by Vitesse’s willingness to play through the middle, occasionally going out wide, whereas it's the opposite with PSV. Willems also leads the way, narrowly, in terms of interceptions (1.9) and tackles (2.5) per game, but that is understandable given the positions of their respective clubs.
However, there is another option in Urby Emanuelson. His selection would come as something of a surprise due to his last international appearance being in a friendly against Germany back in November 2012. The forgotten man of Dutch football, Emanuelson made the first of his 17 appearances for Oranje against Republic of Ireland in 2006, and is at present quietly making his case for a return.
After a tentative start to life at AC Milan under Massimiliano Allegri, Emanuelson was sent out on loan to Fulham, but there's a sense of belonging under Clarence Seedorf. He's no longer a 'jack of all trades' – once used as a trequartista by Allegri – with each of his 19 appearances (14 starts) in Serie A this season coming at left-back. Handy going forward (two assists from 21 chances created) Emanuelson is also reliable on the back-foot: 27 interceptions, 32 tackles and 22 clearances.
"Mauro Tassotti, one of the best defenders in Milan's history, has been working with me," he told Voetbal International, which should be music to Van Gaal's ears. Although Willems and Van Aanholt continue to improve the 27-year-old – who has never been to a major tournament – presents a more seasoned and composed (a trait needed when facing the likes of Pedro Rodríguez and Alexis Sánchez) short-term alternative if Van Gaal decides to utilise Blind in the same way as De Boer.
Who should Louis van Gaal select at left-back for his World Cup squad? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below
