Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera is like a fireman because he will be wherever you need him to be on the pitch and is always putting out fires. That is according to ex-United utility man Phil Neville after watching yet another fine performance from the Spaniard this weekend.
"Herrera is the type that you don't know the true value of until you play or work with him because, from the outside, it may not appear that he scores or makes enough goals, or plays the killer passes," Neville said while analysing the win over Tottenham for Match of the Day 2.
"But I would describe him as United's fireman because he is always exactly where he is needed on the pitch - putting out fires."
Herrera has gone from strength to strength this season in a more clearly defined role under the management of Jose Mourinho than he was ever given by Louis van Gaal. His energy, tenacity and passion, combined with an obvious technical ability, has made him a star.
"He set up United's winner against Tottenham but, quietly and efficiently, he did a lot more than that," Neville continued.
"He covered more ground than any other player, made the most interceptions and tackles and he touched the ball in every area of the pitch.
"You can almost say to him 'you go wherever there is trouble, and sort it out'. He is not only a tough player, because of his background at Athletic Bilbao, he is a clever one too."
Herrera's form has allowed Paul Pogba to begin to flourish in recent weeks, as well as providing protection for Michael Carrick's lack of mobility, and he has been as important as anyone as things start to come together for United this season.
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