Jonny Evans: The Best Young Defender in Europe?

When you think of quality, young Centre Backs players that spring to mind are: Mats Hummels, Neven Subotic, Marcelo and Phil Jones. This is only natural as these players are from big name countries. But hailing from Northern Ireland, Johnny Evans has become quite possibly the best defender from the above list.

Evans entered the 2011/12 season seen as a joke by many fans who believed his time at United should come to an abrupt end. It seemed as though it would after the purchase of Phil Jones in the Summer, leaving Smalling, Jones, Vidic and Ferdinand all seen as 'better options' by many fans.

Evans was handed the Number 6 jersey before the season following the departure of long-time servant to the club, Wes Brown. Evans did not start the first game of the season vs West Brom but came on as a substitute. United won this game 2-1 but were relatively lucky to do so. Evans started the trashing United received against City but was sent off when the score was 1-0 to City. The game eventually ended 6-1 and Evans received a lot of stick from 'Loyal' United fans. Soon after that Nemanja Vidic received his injury, giving Evans a chance to break into the first team and allowed him to shine and convey his ability and determination to both Ferguson and the Manchester United fans who were beginning to question Evans' potential as a United player.

Since Evans arrival in the team after Vidic's injury, he broke the 100 appearances mark for United, in a game which United lost to Crystal Palace 2-1 (A.E.T). Evans also scored his first goal for Manchester United as Manchester United trashed Wolves 5-0.

"He's maturing, his form in the last two months with Rio Ferdinand has been absolutely fantastic and that's really important to have a partnership at the back that's consistent and playing all the time." The words of Sir Alex Ferguson on Evans

What makes Evans a Great Defender For Me:
At the age of 24 players begin to show more maturity on the football pitch, this process usually takes time and a lot of effort from a player to retain his enthusiasm for the game. Jonny Evans seems to be one of the first players I have seen who started this season quite immature and rash in a tackle but has gained maturity and knowledge of when to tackle, even if he was sent off against Manchester City.
Jonny Evans may not be the fastest centre back in world football at the moment but Evans is quick enough to get back in time should he be caught too high up the pitch. This pace is essential for any player who has aspirations to nail down a regular starting place for United ahead of either Nemanja Vidic or Rio Ferdinand.
Evans also looks very comfortable on the ball when it is given to him. Often when I see him on the ball, I think of the Rio Ferdinand of old as Rio often pushed up so high, that he looked to be playing in defensive midfield. This high defensive line which United play is perfect for Evans as it suits his style of passing play.

With Vidic returning at the start of next season, Evans' place in the United starting line up will be under severe threat and should he be dropped, one thing I am sure of is that major European clubs who are looking for a world class defender will be willing to pay a big transfer fee for the 'Best Young Defender in Europe'.