Koeman: Blind weak in defence - 7M sport

Koeman: Blind weak in defence



Posted Sunday, September 20, 2015 by Foxsports.com

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman may have something special planned for compatriot Daley Blind when Manchester United visit St Mary's on Sunday.

Koeman: Blind weak in defence

Blind has been the preferred choice for United manager Louis van Gaal in central defence, alongside Chris Smalling this season, although he slotted in at left-back for Luke Shaw following his season-ending injury against PSV Eindhoven in midweek.

The Netherlands international is a strong contender to deputise for Shaw on the long-term, having featured at full-back regularly for former club Ajax with much success.

But Koeman believes the defensive midfielder's lack of physical stature could be a boon for the Saints, who have the weapons at their disposal to exploit such frailties.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Koeman said: "I think he can play very well out of that position but he's not really a strong defender physically. That's sometimes the problem.

"He has a lot of other qualities out of that position that can be very positive for the team. It's our job to analyse opponents and, if he plays left or as a centre-back, we can do some movements in attack with crosses.

"We know that Pelle is very strong and normally he's stronger than Blind is or stronger than [Marcos] Rojo is."



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