New Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal was satisfied with his team’s overall performance on their US tour but questioned the fitness of teenage newcomer Luke Shaw, bought for $37 million from Southampton before the World Cup.
Shaw has immense ability and the debate over his high price is pretty spurious because there is a premium on young, homegrown talent, especially when wanted by Manchester United.
At 19, the precocious left-back is expected to establish himself as a key figure in United’s new era and as an England international for the next decade. But there are fears he could become a poster boy for all that is wrong with the mentality of young English players – too much money and not enough commitment to hard work and achieving their full potential.
Irrespective of how good a manager David Moyes was, he is a sound judge of a player and he initiated the Shaw signing.
Van Gaal rubber-stamped it but talent is just a starting point. The Dutchman told Shaw in America he needs more application and for the type of role he has in mind, improved fitness is a must.
Shaw started 35 Premier League games last season, finishing 30. He was also fit enough to keep Ashley Cole out of England’s World Cup squad so that is not a real concern. He also reported for pre-season work a week early so there is no reason to question his ambition.
But van Gaal must have spotted something because he made Shaw train separately, always an indicator that a manager is not satisfied with a player’s output.
With a $30 million four-year contract in his pocket, maybe van Gaal fears the kid could get easily distracted.
United’s Reece James looks likely to give Shaw serious competition on the left flank and van Gaal is still looking to buy left-sided players so complacency should not be a factor.
Maybe van Gaal fears Shaw could go the same way of so many young English high achievers.
Jack Wilshere signed a contract worth more than $120,000 a week when 20, while Andy Carroll had a similar salary at Liverpool at 22, and both lost their edge although they did have injury problems.
Wilshere was even photographed smoking cigarettes in public a couple of times but has now declared he has quit. Carroll was involved in bar-room incidents.
The dedication necessary at elite level grows ever greater, but so do the temptations.
If an English youngster needs any inspiration, Cristiano Ronaldo is a good example to emulate. The world’s best player has always strived to improve his game. When for four years he was no longer the No. 1 player because Lionel Messi had the spot, Ronaldo worked even harder to hone his skills and finally achieved that accolade this year.
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