Analyzing Adnan Januzaj's performance against West Ham United
Januzaj scored a sublime goal against West Ham United
Manchester United recorded a convincing 3-1 victory against West Ham United yesterday with goals from Danny Welbeck, Adnan Januzaj and Ashley Young. The Red Devils are now unbeaten for three games in a row bringing much relief to the pressurized David Moyes. Manchester United dominated the game with 70% possession as compared to the London club. Welbeck and Young both scored sublime goals but the most breathtaking goal of the match was from United’s Belgian wonderkid Adnan Januzaj. The 18-year-old was a constant threat to West Ham down the flank and gave the defenders a headache before finally scoring in the 34th minute of the match on his home debut as a starter. Januzaj deservedly won the Man of the Match award for his heroics, his first since making his debut for United this season.
The best part of the Januzaj goal was his excellent dribbling and skills on the ball. The winger dashed into the penalty area beating the Hammers defenders along the way before flicking the ball from his left foot to his right foot and then fired an incredible goal in the far right of the net before West Ham shot stopper Adrian knew what was happening. The goal showed what incredible skill Januzaj possess at such a young age which will only get better as he matures. The youngster continued to threaten the Hammers before being subbed in the 69th minute for Ashley Young who scored the final goal for United.
Januzaj improved his game significantly yesterday. The youngster has an impressive 24 shots on goal in 11 games and will surely add to his tally in the upcoming matches. The teenager is a through ball specialist and can easily capitalize on opportunities involving through balls. Dribbling is another talent which the boy possess which combines excellently with his raw speed
Januzaj has been booked in two matches for diving
In spite of the positives Januzaj still needs to work on some aspects of his game the most important being his discipline. Januzaj was booked for a dive in the match against West Ham, which is his second yellow card for the issue the first being in the game against Sunderland in which he scored a brace. The yellow card did not go down well with the fans as it looked like a fowl from their point of view but the replays showed that Januzaj had clearly dived. The Belgian must get rid of this weakness quickly or else it will form a habit which will lead to negativity in his blossoming career. Referee Mike Jones made excellent decisions during the match and was right to book the player.
Other aspects Januzaj must work on is his crossing and physique. The youngster was brought down quite often in the game against West Ham and needs to bulk up in order to hold his own against opposition players. Januzaj’s Belgian counterpart Romelu Lukaku is extremely burly and can rip through the toughest of defenses. Adnan must take an example from his country man and toughen up.
All demerits aside Adnan will emerge as one of the best players in the world. The lad is a born number 10 and will most likely fill in that role in future seasons just like former United player Cristiano Ronaldo who started as a wideman before becoming a center forward. Fans who saw the teenagers skills yesterday just got a glimpse of what Januzaj can do as he is only just scratching the surface. Moyes had a lot of praise for his starlet yesterday and the Scot may mentor Adnan just like Sir Alex Ferguson mentored Cristiano Ronaldo. I won’t be surprised in Januzaj inherits the famous Number 7 shirt.