Midfielders, Now and Then

Just watched a replay of the Stoke Utd v. Manchester Utd match.

While watching Tom Cleverley's performance I remembered watching Paddy Crerand's performances in the sixties. What a difference!

Neither Cleverley or Crerand are defensive midfield players but what a difference.

Cleverly - Fast paced, mainly playing suicide square balls and reverse passes to defenders, slows down the momentum of United's football, definitely a disciple of the Crab (Ray Wilkins).

Crerand - Slow paced, mainly playing attacking forward passes and through balls, a prince of midfielders maintaining the momentum of United's attacks.

Though both saw a lot of the ball, Cleverly passes to any team mate without thought, Crerand thought out passes and attacks to United's benefit.

My conclusion is that Cleverly, like Wilkins, is not really suitable for United's style of play.