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MORGAN SCHNEIDERLIN – WILL HE CUT IT AT A TOP 4 SIDE?
Morgan Schneiderlin – Will He Cut It At A Top 4 Side?
Morgan Schneiderlin has been a key member of Southampton’s squad since their promotion to the Premier League in 2012. Although the Saints have seen some talented players come and go in that period, Schneiderlin has been the most consistent footballer at the club and his performances in recent years are deserving of a move to an elite top flight side. No disrespect to Southampton, but the Frenchman can do better. He’s performed admirably during his time at St. Mary’s but, with a move to one of the Premier League’s top clubs looking more likely by the day, the time has come for the 25-year-old to prove his mettle at the highest level.
After former Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino moved to Tottenham Hotspur last summer, the 25-year-old tried to force through a deal to join the Argentine at White Hart Lane. However, new manager Ronald Koeman recognised Schneiderlin’s natural ability and blocked a potential move away from St. Mary’s from materialising last summer. Twelve months on, the Frenchman has improved significantly and helped Southampton climb up the league table, despite losing Dejan Lovren, Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert last summer. The Saints claimed a Europa League spot after Arsenal’s FA Cup final victory and, if nothing else, Schneiderlin has boosted his valuation by £5 million.
After an excellent campaign, Southampton will be eager to keep the Frenchman but shouldn’t stand in his way if he decides that he wants to leave the club this summer. Schneiderlin has been a loyal servant over the last few years but is hungry to play Champions League football. Realistically, Southampton aren’t good enough to feature in Europe’s elite club competition. Schneiderlin, on the other hand, is more than good enough. At the moment, it’s looking as though there may be a straight up bidding war for the 25-year-old’s signature between two of the biggest rivals in the modern game; Arsenal and Manchester United.
Arsenal boast one of the strongest midfield units in the Premier League but they are often criticised for selecting players that are ‘too similar’ in the middle of the park. Schneiderlin would bring a unique style to Wenger’s side and, although he may not play week in week out, he could certainly play a key role for the Gunners this season. If Arsenal are planning to compete on multiple fronts then the 25-year-old is exactly the type of player that the Gunners must acquire this summer. Jack Wilshere has been linked with a move to Manchester City in the coming months and this would potentially pave the way for a blossoming relationship between Schneiderlin and fellow countryman Francis Coquelin in central midfield.
On the other hand, Manchester United have struggled in central areas this campaign – particularly when Michael Carrick has been ruled out through injury. Even so, the 13-time Premier League winners shouldn’t be relying on an ageing star to win matches and they have also been linked with a move for Schneiderlin this summer. The Red Devils have talent in abundance in attacking areas and they possess some of the best creative midfielders in Europe. However, when Carrick is absent, they lack a footballer that is willing to do the dirty work in midfield.
The Frenchman would be a perfect addition to United’s midfield and, playing just behind Juan Mata and Ander Herrera, he would provide protection for the brittle defence and control the tempo of the match.
In all likelihood, the Frenchman will be sporting other colours when the transfer window slams shut on September 1st. One thing that remains out in the open is which team Schneiderlin shall represent next season. The 25-year-old has shown that he is more than capable of playing for one of the Premier League’s elite clubs but the role that he will be asked to perform at both Arsenal and Manchester United may differ significantly. He may be given a freer role at the former but he could feature more often at the latter. Either way, Schneiderlin’s consistency means that one of these clubs will be signing an incredibly talented player who is ready to make the step up to the highest level.
