While Harry Maguire doesn't yet look like a player who is the most expensive defender in world football, he has not had a bad start to life at Manchester United. Their defence has been quite steady despite their poor start to the season, with Maguire being a major reason why.
Off the ball he has been excellent, but some might have been underperformed in possession. His passing does leave a bit to be desired at times, but that could well come as he become accustomed to his new surroundings.
One person who has not been impressed with the England centre back is Rafael van der Vaart. The former Dutch international was speaking on Viggo Sport after the game when he compared Maguire to a player you would see down your local park on a Sunday morning:
When I watch an amateur game on Sunday, I find three players playing like him. I’m serious.
It may sound silly, but he will not hear it anyway. After all, we’re talking about a €90 million transfer here. Then van Dijk is worth €300 million.
Van der Vaart is definitely not a fan of the player, and he admitted as much in Sky Sports at the start of the season.
Having watched him play against The Netherlands earlier this summer, he thought he was the worst player on the pitch.
It’s funny because during the Nations League, I was doing work for Dutch television.
And I remember we were saying ‘Harry Maguire was by far the worst player on the pitch’.
And then two months later, £80-£90m? Unbelievable.
Maguire is a good defender, but that price tag certainly isn't doing him any favours. His ability on the ball has also been way overblown at times, especially by members of the English media.
He has been a decent signing for United, but the price-tag has left many outside observers expecting more.
