Why Lingard Has Become A Perfect 10

Some years ago, I first interviewed Jesse Lingard when he was in the Reserves at Manchester United and presumed it was one of his first media assignments.

I recall the youngster telling me how his favourite position was in the no.10 role and it was something of a recurring theme among his peers at the time. Tom Lawrence, Larnell Cole and Ravel Morrison also had designs on a slot that has long been an attractive one to certain types of footballers.

Appreciating how difficult it is to become a Premier League player, let alone one for Manchester United, it was lofty target for the boys. This one position, so prized by attack-minded individuals, in the Reds line-up is arguably the hardest one to fill, perhaps rivalled only by that of goalkeeper or, at a push, centre-forward.

Yet, if you spoke to the coaches and those in the know at the club, they all spoke highly of Jesse, who had looked so tiny in those formative years in the Under-18s. Sir Alex Ferguson had spotted his potential and Louis van Gaal handed him his senior United bow in the Dutchman's first game in charge against Swansea City.

As we enter 2018, Jesse Lingard is in the hottest form of his career, with seven goals in his last nine outings and is rapidly becoming a key figure in the side. Thriving in the central role behind the striker, his positivity is a joy to watch and he clearly benefits from the freedom being afforded him by Jose Mourinho.

For reasons I have never understood, other than the fact that a young lad from Warrington rising through the ranks might not appear as glamorous as an expensive import from overseas, Lingard has had his doubters among the section of the fanbase who are vocal on social media. Even when his contribution is now surely without question, I have seen the occasional comment that he needs to deliver it on a regular basis.

This sustained rich vein of form, in that central position, is showcasing the very best the 25-year-old has to offer but it is his desire for improvement that will continue to stand him in good stead. To me, Jesse has always been very honest in his interviews - he has accepted it his time to shine and he can no longer be considered a young player - he said so much at the end of last season.

Never brash but always humble, he has also admitted in the past he needed to be more confident and assured and that has come with the backing he has received from the boss and his colleagues. Quite simply, like every player, he knows the intense competition within the squad and the fact the club is always in the market for the biggest stars on the planet.

Yet he has stepped up to the mark and making any critics eat their words in the best possible way with stellar displays backed up by an impressive output. Others have been keen to point out only Tottenham hot-shot Harry Kane scored more Premier League goals than him since the start of December and he averages a goal or assist every 84 minutes. For all the commendable stats, anybody can see his contribution with their own eyes and realise how important he has become to United's attack.

It is so refreshing for fans who love to see players develop from an early age at the club and flourish in the first team. The fact that Jesse is such a bubbly character and friendly guy has always made me fear I am too biased in terms of extolling his virtues. However, he is proving his worth in a way that means his football is doing all the talking for him, and I am sure he can sustain this form.

The opinions in this story are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Manchester United Football Club.

Credit: Manutd.com