The young maestro to fill the gap in our midfield?

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:

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Piece taken from This Is Futbol and courtesy of Harry Cloke