Mathieu Valbuena
The diminutive Marseille veteran in the past may not have received the recognition to match his immense talent. However, since debuting for the French national team three years ago at the age of 25 he has gone from strength to strength to become one of the best playmakers in Europe.
Viable on either flank but undoubtedly most dynamic in the middle, his 12 assists for Marseille last season equalled the number put up by Totti, Messi and Mata. Finishing streets ahead of Lyon, Valbuena’s Marseille can consider themselves unlucky to have not one the league thanks to a star-studded PSG team.
Valbuena’s composure, dexterity on the ball and vision for a pass are amongst the best of any player in world football right now, and would be something not seen at Old Trafford for many a year (think the mentality of Paul Scholes mixed with the technicality of Ryan Giggs).
At 28 years of age and with a league title and three Coupes de la Ligue under his belt his experience would be vital in easing the transition into such a competitive league, and after being the key creator for so long in Marseille, he would certainly benefit from the wide berth of attacking talent around him at United.
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