Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul was only on the pitch for 45 minutes of Spain’s 1-1 draw against Germany on Friday night.
Despite that, the half-time substitute showed that he has the qualities that Manchester United lack in their engine room, and why they reportedly have an interest in a big money move for him.
Diego Simeone and Jose Mourinho are reasonably similar in their approach to the game; both demand defensive solidity, a strong work ethic and the willingness of their players sacrifice themselves for the team.
Saul has shown he can do that at Atletico but a midfielder doesn’t burst into the Spain setup without the quality on the ball to back it up and the midfielder – valued at £64m by Transfermarkt – certainly has that to his game as well.
In just one half, he had 50 touches and made 45 passes, so it’s clear that he’s largely playing one-touch football on the international stage. How United are crying out for someone who can quicken the tempo of their build-up play by doing just that.
He also hardly gave the ball away, with a 95 per cent passing accuracy. That would also please Mourinho, who doesn’t like his midfield players taking too many risks.
He also mucked in defensively, showing the traits he has learned at Atletico, with one interception and there is no doubt that he can ably protect the defence as well.
Saul has a rare blend of craft and graft that would be absolutely perfect for Manchester United and he showed that once more on Friday night.
