Manchester United has been usually blessed to have a select few of unheralded players who have made a significant impact on the outcome of their season, and John O’Shea has definitely become one of those players.
O’Shea has proved his worth, and has been vital to United’s success over the past few seasons by seamlessly slotting into the first-team where he has been needed by Sir Alex Ferguson.
A lot of critics think he does possess the skill, or have the persona to be a Manchester United player, but Sir Alex has always seen his value, and has turned down numerous bids for the Republic of International over the past few seasons.
His first-choice and natural position is center-back, but with the dynamic partnership of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic in place, he has no choice but to try to make another position his own.
Injuries to Raphael da Silva, Gary Neville and Wes Brown to start off the season, has meant that he has had the opportunity to finally make a position his own, and he has not disappointed, and has filled in nicely at right-back.
He has also filled in at center back due to injuries to Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans.
Consistent
He has always been seen as a jack of all trades, master of none, because of his ability to play in any position – even goalkeeper – for Sir Alex.
He is one of the most senior players for United having made his debut in the 1999/2000 season. He has since gone onto make 350 career appearances, and scored a wonderful header to mark that achievement.
Against Tottenham in 2007/08 season he was asked to fill in for Edwin van der Sar in goal, because the big Dutchman broke his nose, and United had already used all three of their substitutes.
O’Shea has also grabbed a few memorable goals as well. The winner at Anfield in 2006/07, the clincher at Arsenal in 2004/05 or the crucial goal in last year’s Champions League semifinal against.
He started off his career as a winger, and during his breakthrough season in 2002/03, he showed his ability to get forward and torment opposing defenders.
The Republic of Ireland international also filled in nicely as a holding midfielder at the end of the 2005/06 season when he and Ryan Giggs formed a formidable partnership to post a late season title challenge against Chelsea.
Without committed, utility players like O’Shea, Manchester United would not be able to compete year-in, year-out for trophies.
No comments:
Post a Comment