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Long term Manchester United target Ezequiel Garay was named in Benfica’s starting side to face Tottenham Hotspur last night and if David Moyes was watching, he would have been impressed with what he saw.
Garay has been linked with several moves away from the Portuguese side and there were strong rumours that he could have left for Zenit St Petersburg before the close of the last Russian transfer window.
As things stand, his contract expires at the end of next season and there’s unlikely to be any movement over a new deal or a potential summer sale until after the World Cup in Brazil.
Garay was extremely effective last night when it came to dealing with the danger that Tottenham presented producing nine effective clearances during the game and winning one offside decision.
He also had a higher passing success rate than anyone in Benfica’s team and only one of his teammates made more passes over the course of the game. He won three aerial challenges over the course of the game showing he can deal with threats on the floor as well as in the air.
The fact he didn’t give away a single foul during the game is a tribute to his timing when it comes to tackling and he also showed initiative to stay in an attacking position after a set piece with two shots.
The key strengths of his game seem to be based around speed and making clear, concise and gutsy decisions at the right moments, which make him a very difficult centre back to get the better of.
In terms of a potential Nemanja Vidic replacement, United would lose nothing in terms of experience as Garay has played consistently in Portugal’s top division and has also experienced Champions League football with his current employers.
