Daley Blind may lack the height and power but the Manchester United midfielder insists he possesses the footballing intelligence to flourish as a centre-back.
Manager Louis Van Gaal started the 25-year-old Dutchman alongside Chris Smalling against Tottenham in United’s Premier League opener, having tried his compatriot out in central defence during preseason.
United won the game 1-0 thanks to an own goal from Tottenham’s Kyle Walker.
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Blind was pleased with his performance and the team’s clean sheet, and was especially happy about managing to keep the prolific Harry Kane quiet for 90 minutes.
“I got a chance on this occasion and I tried my best. Of course, people always say I don’t have the height or the power but I think I’m clever enough and smart enough,” Blind told the club’s website.
“I’ve said many times before that I just want to play.
“If you see what everyone can add to the team, then it’s a real battle for places and everyone had to fight for a position.
“I think we did well at the back, together with Chris, Luke (Shaw) and Matteo (Darmian) and we get a clean sheet so I was happy.”
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