PROFIL DALEY BLIND

08.21 |

17. DALEY BLIND

Birthdate:	09 Mar 1990
Birthplace:	Amsterdam, Netherlands
Position:	Midfielder
Appearances	4
Goals Scored	0
Joined United:	01 Sep 2014
United Debut:	14 Sept 2014 v QPR (H)
International:	Netherlands

Daley Blind’s ascent to the top of Dutch football has been a story of patience and persistence both on and off the field.

From being awarded Ajax’s prestigious Talent of the Future award in 2008 to a standout showing at this summer’s World Cup, the son of Netherlands legend Danny Blind has made a name for himself domestically and on the global stage.

The 24-year-old’s footballing tutelage came from Ajax’s hugely respected youth academy, where he graduated with a reputation as one of Dutch football’s brightest talents, signing his first professional terms with his hometown club at the age of 17.

A winning debut against FC Volendam soon followed in 2008 but the versatile youngster, determined to continue his development, spent a half-season loan spell at Eredivisie side Groningen to gain valuable experience outside the salubrious surroundings of Ajax.

It was to be a crucial step in Blind’s upward trajectory, with the youngster returning to Amsterdam and establishing himself as an important member of the squad as left-back under manager Frank de Boer, who led the Dutch giants to four league titles in a row.

It was not until the 2012/13 season, however, in which Blind became acknowledged as truly pivotal to De Boer’s side as he was voted the team's Player of the Year in a title-winning campaign. International recognition inevitably came in tandem, with Louis van Gaal rewarding the midfielder's superb showings with his debut for the Netherlands in a friendly against Italy in February 2013.

Blind has not looked back since, with one more league title, a Dutch Footballer of the Year award last season and 19 international caps accrued, none more memorable than his and Netherlands’ opening game in Salvador this summer. The 5-1 hammering of reigning world champions Spain produced an unforgettable piece of play when the Ajax man set up a stunning diving header from Robin van Persie.

It was fitting that Blind became, in many ways, a poster boy for Van Gaal’s Oranje side in Brazil. A young, versatile talent totally committed to the cause, he was the archetype total footballer for a team who surpassed expectations and then some.

Now Blind arrives at Manchester United seemingly at the top of his game, ready to make an immediate impact at Old Trafford.

Source : manutd.com