Before Manchester United signed Shinji Kagawa he was a confident, creative player who was running things as a playmaker for Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund. Now the Japan international looks a shadow of his former self, struggling to get a sniff in a United midfield which is feeble to say the least. But if David Moyes is serioud about winning the title, he needs to start trying to get the best out of the 24-year-old.
Marouane Fellaini joined the Old Trafford side in the summer but has struggled to settle in, and sat next to Michael Carrick in midfield it is no wonder. The pair are so static, so sluggish and so lacking in their movement that the United midfield may as well be crafted from stone right now.
Kagawa has the key to fixing that, as he has all the energy, the silk and agility to compliment their passing facility.
He has been played out wide on numerous occasions this season and he’s struggling to adapt. Although he is able to play in the wide areas, it’s often a case of starting from the middle and drifting out – not what is happening at United.
He is the creative outlet that Moyes is looking for, but whether or not the former Everton man will see that is unclear.
Last season Kagawa made 20 key passes in his minimal playing time and completed 90% of his passes, which for someone who attempts some ludicrous balls is impressive to say the least.
He can provide the link between the midfield and attack and has the ball control to benefit both.
If Moyes is serious about winning the Premier League title this year then in my opinion he has to start looking at how he can get the best out of the little magician, as he holds the answer to his midfield problem, for me.