Date: 27th March 2011 at 12:30pm
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Paul Scholes has been a lynchpin at Manchester United for almost two decades now, but as he enters the autumn of his career the search for his long-term replacement at Old Trafford must begin in earnest.

Whilst there’s something to be said for the likes of Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick, most United fans would argue that neither has the creativity, steeliness and competitive drive that Scholes had at the peak of his game.

Bastian Schweinsteiger has long been touted as Scholes’ long-term replacement, but given Manchester United’s financial situation, I can’t see United making a move for a player as costly as Bastian any time in the near future. United are going to have look at youth.

As such, I’d like to put foward German-born, Turkish footballer Nuri Sahin, who currently plies his trade for Borussia Dortmund up for consideration. Whilst Sahin may only be 22 years of age, he made his debut in the Bundesliga at just 16-years-old and has racked up an impressive 129 appearances in the German League. To have such experience at such a young age is no mean feat.

He’s the playmaker in the centre of Borussia Dortmund’s midfield with a knack for making direct, quick passes to player’s feet and generally carving opposition sides in two. Evidence of Sahin’s incredible passing game can be found in the video below.

His vision, passion and touch are reminiscent of Scholes at his best. His talent and ability have had pundits salivating at the mouth already this season – with many claiming that he’s been better than Schweinsteiger. High praise.

There’s every chance that Nuri Sahin will make a move away from Borussia Dortmund in the summer (whether it will be to United however, remains to be seen). There will certainly be offers from top clubs for the youngster. Yet, even if he decides to stay at the German side for another season, we will see him in next season’s UEFA Champion’s League – something that is sure to cement his position as one of the most exciting youngsters in the game.

Without further ado, take a look at Nuri Sahin’s one-man demolition job of Bundesliga team Wolfsburg:

embedded by Embedded Video

YouTube Direkt

Piece taken from This Is Futbol and courtesy of Harry Cloke

 

23 responses to “The young maestro to fill the gap in our midfield?”

  1. Diriye says:

    Sahin the best all around centeral midfielder in the world. He is 6 and 8 combo. He thinks like an attacking midfielder and defends like 6. He is an excellent holding midfielder even better than Xavi. His set piece skills though is what sets him apart than the rest.

    Here is another great video:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oy-5PzWzxYY

  2. Jonathan says:

    Oh my, just watched the second vid (thanks Diriye) and I’m blown away. I may be saying this a bit impulsively, but this is the first time I’ve seen someone who truly fits the mold of being Scholes successor. I’m getting a bit caught up right now, but it feels like we MUST sign him.

    Of course basing opinions on youtube vids has its limitations, but his quality is undeniable. And as I said earlier, the first vid is over 4 minutes of highlights on him from a single game which can’t be done for most. Unfortunately, the channel I subscribe to which carries the EPL no longer has the Bundesliga, but I feel I’ve seen some compelling evidence so far.

    • Chudi says:

      OK I watched the second vid, just packed a small suitcase on my way to the airport to sort out a trip to Germany and will attempt to get him to sign.

      I’ll let you all know how it goes!

      • jonathan says:

        Are you mocking me ? 😉
        In any case, please don’t forget to bring me back some sausage and chocolate.

  3. james holden says:

    I might join you! I watched that video and oh my word. He will solve our problems in midfield. I read somewhere else that commenting him as a ‘poor man’s fabregas’ even if that’s true, which I don’t believe he’s exactly the type of player that can bring the creativity and flair back. Just think of him supplying nani, rooney, berb and chicharito with those sublime passes.

  4. Rohit says:

    I’m suprised that loads of guys here have seen so little of him..He was always a good prospect and its great to see that he’s starting to live up to the expectation..He’s a complete midfielder, a la pirlo..Always open to receive the ball, always looks to move the ball up..Can pass and shoot and is also defensively apt..Completely outplayed shweini in their earlier face off..He’s also quiet good at set pieces..All in all one of the most impressive midfield prospects that could really improve our side..

    • Chudi says:

      He’s been around for ages but it’s only recently that he has started living up to the expectations people had of him. We were linked with him in 06 (to replace a Madrid bound Ronaldo!?) but I’ll be honest only watched him sparingly in the past 2 years

  5. Diriye says:

    A Madrid fan and love to see Sahin sign for us. He can play along side Alonso(30) and replace him when he slows down but it won’t happen since guys like Voldano love to buy expensive players. Perez though is changing his philososphy a bit and might well buy him if Sahin falls into his rader or even if Ozil brings him to his attention. Sahin is also close friends with Ozil.

    With his passing and possession game he can definately elevate United to a different level. No matter where he ends up I am always a fan.

    Eden Hazard is another great player.

  6. Diriye says:

    Sahin, Hazard, and Bale are definately the best signings of the summer.

  7. ManU4Evra says:

    Cleverley has some good talent. He’s not exactly taking the EPL by storm at Wigan, but he’s done ok. Sahin has shown this year that he is better situated to make more of an impact than Cleverley. Comparing Cleverley to Sahin at this point is no contest…Sahin is much better.

  8. KunalTheGreatOne says:

    Sahin is the only person right now who can fit into Scholes’ boots. He’s the reason Dortmund are doing so well this season, he’s their heart and brain. I have been following him for past couple of seasons and he is one gem of a player who can create, score and tackle.

    Please Fergie. Sign him up!!!

    Add Sanchez and Neuer and we will be unstoppable.

  9. Diriye says:

    Report from Germany says Madrid made an offer to Nuri Sahin. Definately great news for us.

    http://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/nuri-sahin/bei-real-madrid-im-gespraech-17393360.bild.html

    With Ozil and Sahin we will be unstoppable. Lovely