Stam Impressed By Blind's Adaptability

Manchester United legend Jaap Stam believes fellow countryman Daley Blind’s talent, adaptability and work ethic make him the kind of player that every squad needs.


Blind began his United career in central midfield following his arrival at Old Trafford last summer and, while he impressed in that holding position, he also excelled at left-back towards the end of the campaign during four magnificent victories over Tottenham, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester City.

Stam is currently an assistant coach at Ajax and the Treble winner watched Blind’s progress from close quarters in the player's final season at the Amsterdam ArenA. As such, he believes Daley's versatility makes him an invaluable asset for manager Louis van Gaal.

“I knew what he could do, of course, because last season [2013/14], I was an assistant to Frank de Boer with the first team when he was playing in Holland,” Stam recently told ManUtd.com. “He played as a defensive midfielder and also as a defender – he did well, but you cannot compare the Premier League to our league. It’s totally different. Nevertheless, he’s a quality player and, tactically, he’s very strong. He’s got quick feet and he’s a great passer of the ball, and I think it’s great for the manager and the team that United have got a player like him in the squad because he can play in more than one position.

Stam will return to Old Trafford on Sunday to represent United in the Legends Are Back charity game in aid of the MU Foundation. The Reds will face Bayern Munich All-Stars in what will hopefully be the first of many European match-ups at the Theatre of Dreams in the next 12 months.

“The magic of the Champions League is playing other great teams,” reflects Stam. “You’ve got the music before the game, all the media attention and good pressure on the team and individuals. That’s what you need to reach the highest level in your career. Playing the most beautiful games comes with the Champions League. If you play teams like PSG, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus and you beat them, it gives you a great feeling.”