Tyrell Malacia has been an instant hit for Manchester United since joining the club from Feyenoord this summer.
The defender was not worried about how potentially playing back-up to Luke Shaw could impact his World Cup ambitions with the Netherlands, and could reap the reward of his early success.
Malacia has established himself as Erik ten Hag’s first choice left-back, and now there are calls for him to become the Netherlands’ first choice too.
The 23-year-old has five caps for his country, and before signing for United, he was regarded as second choice to former Red Devils star Daley Blind.
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Malacia should be first choice for Netherlands
Malacia’s performances for Manchester United are gaining recognition in his homeland, and there are calls for him to become first choice defender for the Netherlands.
Louis van Gaal’s side play a different system, with three at the back, requiring Malacia to play at wing-back, a role he is also well suited for.
Former Ajax and PSV footballer Kenneth Perez was quoted by FCUpdate: “If he continues this and becomes a regular base player for Manchester United, then he is very close to becoming the first left back of the Dutch national team.
“Especially in a three-man defence, where you need someone who is very active and willing in that position [wing-back].”
Louis van Gaal’s preference for Blind was noted, and shouldn’t be dismissed easily. He was part of his 2014 World Cup side, before the manager signed him for Manchester United.
But there is a way to get both in the team, with Blind also capable of playing at centre-back, especially in a back three.
He added: “If Malacia continues to play like this and is United’s regular left-back for so long, it’s hard to get around him.”
Malacia is doing himself plenty of favours with his performances, which show fortune favours the brave. It was suggested Louis van Gaal warned Jurrien Timber off moving to United, over his World Cup hopes – something the defender denied last week, via The Mirror.
Whatever the centre-back’s reason for staying at Ajax, Malacia is proving that he was right not to be scared of his own big move. He has embraced the opportunity and is fully deserving of his current success.