There’s a lot to be said about an assured presence at the heart of any midfield structure, particularly in the Premier League.
Michael Carrick knows a thing or two about dictating proceedings at the highest level, while also maintaining a calm composure throughout.
Unfortunately, in the modern game, players of a similar ilk – the ones who can make things tick without desiring a flashy entourage – are few and far between.
That’s not to say that they don’t exist; they do. Manchester United have already acquired one such option in Youri Tielemans.
Nonetheless, as supporters, it’s difficult to scoff at too much of a good thing, especially when the benefits of this calculated dressing room can be felt on the field and at Carrington.
Kobbie Mainoo and Andrey Santos represent players who are available now, but also hold the keys for a decade or more of central dominance at Old Trafford.
Whereas the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Tielemans and even Mason Mount are at different stages of their career, and possess the knowledge to aid their younger teammates.
Still, Omar Berrada and his sporting team are aware of the challenges awaiting participation in four separate competitions, and depth will play a crucial role.
The Stretford End is well accustomed to unsavoury injuries, with Mount a regular physio attendee and Manuel Ugarte the latest to suffer such a setback.
Enter Sander Berge, and the opportunity to acquire a player who has entered his peak years with consummate ease, and an undeniable understanding of the modern midfield game.
With over 10,000 Premier League minutes under his belt already, Berge has developed a reputation as a reliable professional who goes about his duties in an unassuming manner.
But his rise into a genuine option for a side chasing Champions League football has occurred without drama or a fraction of the plaudits he deserves.
For those of you who followed Norway’s journey to a World Cup quarter-final defeat against England, the Fulham man played an integral part throughout, particularly against Brazil.
It’s easy to play down the latter, given the South American’s recent fall from grace. But the idea of facing the five-time champions on the biggest stage is daunting.
Regardless, Berge delivered a masterclass of midfield control, covering 10.7km alongside a total carrying distance of 433m in a truly standout display.
| Figures via sofascore | Sander Berge vs Brazil |
| Accurate passes | 117/119 (98%) |
| Total carries | 57 |
| Defensive contributions | 3 |
| Ball recoveries | 3 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
| Clerances | 1 |
| Ground duels won | 100% |
That alone is not enough to shell out anywhere from £30 to £40 million for his services; it would be foolhardy to make decisions based on individual tournament outings.
United have been taking notes at Craven Cottage for some time, though, because of his domestic calibre and perennial growth since moving from Burnley almost two years ago.
Standing 6’5”, it’s fair to say that his size and physical structure go hand in hand with the domineering expectations of top-flight English football.
While some may be technically limited by this, Berge is anything but, regularly acting as an assured distributor from deep, one who is comfortable holding possession of the football.
Unsurprisingly, his duel success against the Brazilians was no anomaly. Fulham fans will have witnessed a brace of seasons with returns at the 81st and 91st percentiles here.
And although his forward pass percentage and overdueling have slightly decreased year on year, his playmaking has accelerated admirably, growing by a 35th percentile in 12 months.
Today, the Norwegian star has solidified his status as an all-around operator who welcomes a battle before switching between progressive carries or shrewdly-placed passes.
The one factor that Berge doesn’t supply, and it should matter least of all, is a global reputation that would complement an inevitably extortionate transfer fee.
It’s a bizarre sight with modern media, but many value the overall package over the data and endless months of analysis that have led to interest.
Initial efforts to capture Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes were abandoned due to financial and motivational constraints. At the same time, Santos and Tielemans were eager to join United.
Contrary to a skewed social narrative, players like Berge, at 28, should not be dismissed because of a perceived lack of star appeal.
From a pure footballing perspective, this is the very type of signing that should excite supporters and would undoubtedly aid the existing squad.
Should a deal come to fruition over the coming days and weeks, Carrick will inherit a man with a similar mindset, eager to test himself against the game’s best.
What we have witnessed for Norway is not just a flash in the pan; Sander Berge has arrived and is currently occupying a price point that presents a genuine market opportunity.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our social channels–photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com.
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