Dutch forward Zirkzee is in trouble with both Manchester United and the national team. "the athletic" analyzed his future and said that Sheshko's injury and the African Cup will bring him a chance?
In the Dutch team's 4-0 victory over Lithuania, the four scorers were all players familiar to Premier League fans: Reinders, Gakpo, Simmons and Mullen. Koeman has the strongest Dutch team lineup in recent years, including many strong players in the Premier League. But De Ligt is the only Manchester United representative and Zirkzee was not selected because Koeman initially preferred Depay, Verhorst and Brobby as center candidates.
When Verhorst was injured, Koeman also called up Strasbourg striker Emerga instead of Zirkzee. The Manchester United forward last played for the Netherlands a year ago, playing 76 minutes against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Zirkzee finds himself at a critical juncture in his career as his country's fifth-choice center forward and has made just five appearances for United so far this season. Can the 24-year-old Zirkzee still prove himself before the international match in March next year?
Zirkzee has never been able to make a real leap at Manchester United. Although his first season was worth talking about, multiple injuries followed. Zirkzee was unfairly criticized late last year and he really didn't get enough time to prove himself. A thigh injury caused him to miss the last six Premier League games last season, and he only played 20 minutes as a substitute against Tottenham in the Europa League final.
Zirkzee has never scored a Premier League goal since scoring twice against Everton in December last year. Amorim said when referring to Zirkzee's unique style of play: "He is not a typical forward, he must be more selfish." After joining Manchester United, Zirkzee called himself a "false forward" and "No. 9.5", trying to show that touching the ball less in the penalty area is his characteristic rather than a shortcoming.
When in good form, Zirkzee can play with a relaxed and happy attitude, controlling the ball and playing on the outside with wide players. This style of play won him recognition, but also made it difficult for him to meet the "traditional" requirements for a forward. Last season, Amorim tried to use Zirkzee as the center, or the No. 10 position in 343.
Sheshko's knee injury and the fact that Mbemo and Amad will participate in the African Cup provide opportunities for Zirkzee. His versatility and selflessness could prove to be unexpected for United.
In the 2-2 draw with Tottenham, Amorim asked Sheshko to sit on the bench, and then arranged a trident without a center. Mbemo, Amad and Cunha can almost freely change positions. After goalkeeper Ramens passes a long pass, they will compete for the second position. If Amorim chooses Zirkzee, he can drop back as a pseudo forward to receive long passes, while Mbemo and Cunha can look for opportunities to advance forward at the 10th position.
Zirkzee's header ferry may not be as good as Sheshko's, but he has solid back-up ball skills, and his soft passing feeling allows him to easily connect the game. Previous experience in the No. 10 position may also help, and if Amorim continues to use Cunha or Mbemo as the nominal center forward, Zirkzee can get opportunities in a deeper position.
The African Cup will further complicate Manchester United's personnel arrangements, but it may also increase Zirkzee's chances. Amorim once said: "When I watched the training, some players should play, but it is difficult to replace some players in one game because their performance in training and games is equally good. Players who lack opportunities will play a role."
If Sheshko's recovery is slower than expected (currently expected to be one month), Zirkzee may serve as the center again, while Cunha and others can serve as the No. 10 position. During the African Cup of Nations, Manchester United's counterattack power may have declined, but Zirkzee provided solutions to various personnel problems.
The next three months may be crucial for Zirkzee. Can this player, who has spent most of his Manchester United career in an abstract state, become more selfish in the future and seize his opportunities?