Encouraging World Cup for United Fans

There were a plethora of questions about Louis Van Gaal prior to the 2014 FIFA World Cup, on the fronts of both club and country.  Van Gaal was hailed as a genius by many, but also as a loose cannon with a reputation for extreme measures (these are hilarious, by the way http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/04/23/louis-van-gaal-manchester-united_n_5199576.html).  To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect of Van Gaal either, and being an Arsenal fan I wanted to think his Dutch side would falter in the World Cup, thus leading to more trials and tribulations for the Red Devils...how wrong was I?  Van Gaal showed how effective his methods are throughout the World Cup, and here are a few reasons for United fans to excite over the post-David Moyes era at Old Trafford. 

1. Gutsy Decisions

Van Gaal made several very, very gutsy decisions over the course of these World Cup finals.  It goes without saying the Van Gaal entrusted a great deal of his World Cup hopes to a band of relatively unknowns such as Stefan De Vrij, Daley Blind, Daryl Janmaat, Jasper Cillessen, Georginio Wijnaldum, Jordy Clasie, and Bruno Martins Indi.  However, his decision-making goes much further than that.  The Tim Krul substitution comes to mind; how do you explain to your starting keeper who had just played 120 minutes of scoreless football that he won’t have a hand in deciding the game?  Also, the tactical switch to the 5-3-2 proved to be the most notable formation change in the tournament; one that saw off the defending world champions 5-1.  

2. Louis Knows His Players Best

Obviously bringing on Krul is an example, but bringing off Jonathan De Guzman was just crucial against Spain; on a yellow card at halftime, Van Gaal could tell the midfielder was frustrated, and couldn’t afford to go a man down in a tie game against the world champions.  Another example is the freedom he granted Arjen Robben.  Robben’s touch map for Bayern in the 2013/2014 season shows an exclusive residence for the #11 on the right flank.  He is truly world class as a right winger for the Bavarians, but his full arsenal (see what I did there?) of attacking prowess can be found anywhere across the attack.  With the Netherlands, Robben was given the freedom to roam the pitch, popping up all over the attacking half, and making a case for player of the tournament.  Dirk Kuyt was another player who you wouldn’t have expected to have such an impact given his age.  This was not the case, as Van Gaal knew he could put Kuyt anywhere on the field with the assurance that he would get 110% from the Netherlands’ loyal servant of the past decade.

3. Entrusting the Youth

As mentioned previously, Van Gaal fielded a World Cup squad largely made up of unknown Dutch-league performers.  Not only did he include these unknowns in his squad, but he threw them straight into the fire against La Roja in the opening contest.  Daley Blind was a breakout player at left back, while Daryl Janmaat on the opposite flank earned himself a transfer to the Premier League with Newcastle.  On either side of Ron Vlaar were 22 year olds Bruno Martins Indi and Stefan De Vrij, the latter of whom was arguably the most consistent center back throughout the tournament.  Finally, Memphis Depay proved to be the Netherlands most effective youngster, and became an overnight transfer market sensation with his performances off the bench against Australia and Chile.  It’s also worth noting that Van Gaal gave senior debuts to a 16 year old named Seedorf and an 18 year old named Xavi. 

4. Maximizing Veteran Contribution

The veteran presences of Van Persie, De Jong, Robben, Sneijder, Kuyt, and Huntelaar were all critical to this Dutch side.  I can’t stress enough how inexperienced some of the squad was, and Van Gaal did a masterful job of integrating the old guard with the new.  They complemented each other on the pitch, and I felt Van Gaal milked each veteran for all they could contribute.  Van Persie didn’t have the greatest tournament from start to end, but his opening goal against Spain set the tone for the whole event, and the captains armband is always a burden only the hardest of men can successfully handle at this level.  Arjen Robben was scintillating throughout the duration, while Kuyt showed why he was included at the not-so-nimble age of 34.  Wesley Sneijder, now plying his trade in the Turkish league of all places, showed he can still orchestrate the attack, while an unfit De Jong laid a blueprint for young midfield players in Wijnaldum and De Guzman.

5. Tactical Discipline

Perhaps Van Gaal’s biggest strength is the discipline he instills in his players, both tactically and mentally.  The game against Spain is the best example; Spain looked the stronger team for 30 minutes, and were somewhat rewarded with a soft penalty decision to give them the lead.  The Dutch bided their time, soaked up pressure, and bagged a late goal before halftime which set the table for one of the more memorable halves of the tournament.  Similar to how Germany lured in Brazil in the semifinals and pounced, the Dutch began countering with more ferocity, and never faltered from their game plan.  When trailing against Australia and Mexico, Van Gaal executed perfect substitutions and tactical changes which ultimately led to Dutch victory.  Having Ron Vlaar anchoring the defense may have raised some eyebrows with his supposed lack of pace, but his organization of the defensive unit was outstanding throughout the event.  Even with injuries to De Jong, Martins Indi, and Van Persie, Van Gaal correctly chose to insert players who understood his system and could deputize effectively in their place

It’s easy to say Van Gaal will have limited success following Manchester United’s abysmal season in 2013/2014.  However, his Dutch side’s performance at the World Cup gives United a very real sense of hope for next season and beyond.  Luke Shaw is one of the most coveted fullbacks of all time, and Ander Herrera has the makings to be a box-to-box technician at the highest level.  It’s a long summer, and United have plenty of work left to do in the transfer market, but it’s hard to imagine Van Gaal won’t be able to work his magic on a side that won the Premier League just 14 months ago.