Source: Daily_Mail
Martin Keown on the big duel at Old Trafford: Vidic must take high ground
Former Arsenal and England defender Martin Keown - a man who had more than his fair share of battles against top class Premier League strikers - on how Nemanja Vidic should deal with the threat of Fernando Torres on Sunday...[LNB]There's no doubt that Fernando Torres is a big-game player. He's scored for Liverpool in their last two games against Manchester United.[LNB]United's defensive pairing of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand clearly have the ability to deal with him, but something is not quite right with their technical and psychological approach when they line up against the striker.[LNB] Nemanja Vidic: Sent off in three consecutive Liverpool games[LNB]Back in October at Anfield, Torres out-paced and out-muscled Ferdinand to score Liverpool's opener in a 2-0 win. At Old Trafford last season it was Vidic who paid the price for letting the ball bounce over his shoulder when Torres nipped in and raced away to equalise in Liverpool's 4-1 demolition.[LNB]Dealing with Torres is the collective responsibility of the back four. But it is Vidic's performances that have suffered most in these head-to-head duels - he has been sent off in his last three meetings with Liverpool.[LNB]He has allowed the threat of Torres to mushroom in his head and he cannot afford to allow this to happen again.[LNB]Locked in battle: Vidic gets in a tangle with his tormentor Fernando Torres[LNB]He knows that he must get tight to Torres to combat his pace, but in recent matches he is clearly obsessed with getting tight instead of focusing on his core skills; his defensive instincts, good decision-making and decisive interceptions, which we saw from him last week against Fulham.[LNB]It's his over-eagerness to stop Torres at all costs that makes him strangely uncomfortable. He is inclined to dive in too early. When he's jockeying Torres, he gets far too low and his feet are too far apart. This means you can't transfer your weight quickly enough from one foot to the other. If his feet are closer together, he will naturally stand taller which will make it easier to react to Torres' movement.[LNB]At the moment he's almost falling over into his opponent, leaving himself with a last-ditch lunge as the only option.[LNB]Vidic likes to get tight and win the ball early. He is at his best when the attacker has his back to him, often pinching the ball as he turns. You don't often see opponents running at him - and that's when he is exposed. He needs to stand up more and use his upper body strength to outmuscle Torres.[LNB]A strong mindset going into a game of this nature is what is needed. Vidic needs to focus on the team. It's not about a duel between him and Torres, it's Manchester United versus Liverpool.[LNB]My mentality going into big matches was not to concern myself too much with reputations. I would work all week to have total belief in my ability to defend. Whatever strengths my opponent had, I had to believe that I was stronger. I convinced myself to relish the challenge - love it. This brought a positive assurance to my game.[LNB]Torres has got pace, power and skill. I would deal with him by trying to keep my eye on the ball, stand tall and only react to the movement of the ball. I would try to ferry him away from goal until I can either make a tackle or get help - and that's where Ferdinand comes in. Rio has to play his part. He has to be able to react to danger and provide cover - he needs to recognise when his team-mate needs him.[LNB] Fergie lays into 'crazy' FA discipline system as Stevie is clear to face UnitedLiverpool will never bury us again: United boss Fergie eager for his Rafa revengeLiverpool's big-game Kuyt out to hammer Manchester United's Premier League title tiltPepe Reina is flying the flag for loyalty after signing new contract at LiverpoolMANCHESTER UNITED FC
