Gerard Pique happy to wait, but for how long?
February 15, 2008
It must be frustrating being a squad player at a club when you’re young and want to show the world what you can do. You’ve earned your place in the first team squad and now you want to strut your stuff on the field. Throw into the mix that you are a central defender and you are sitting neatly behind Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic in the pecking order and the realistic chance of getting a run of games drops massively. That is the position the highly rated Gerard Pique finds himself in at the moment and although he understands his time will come, it is increasingly becoming the question of how much longer must he wait?
Pique recently spoke of his situation and readily accepts that Vidic and Ferdinand make a formidable pairing and fully deserve their places. In an interview with Inside United he said: “They complement each other very well, they’re two of the best centre-backs in the world, both strong in the air and good on the ball. And they show their qualities all the time, not only in games, but every day in training. They’re always striving to improve.” But Pique remains optimistic about his future at the club, he went on: “In one way, it’s frustrating because I’d like to be playing every week, but at the same time I’m learning from two of the best”.
One problem is the age of United’s current defensive pairing, Rio Ferdinand being 29 and Nemanja Vidic is only 26. Both are playing immensely well and have their best years ahead of them. Central defenders are the least likely players to be rotated, a solid understanding between defensive teammates is key to a successful partnership. Alex Ferguson knows that and it’s that which has restricted Piques performances to just 9 in all competitions this season.
For now though, Pique is happy to learn and wait for his opportunity. Let’s hope when it arrives he takes it and it isn’t too late in coming.
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