Manchester United fans can be forgiven for forgetting just how important Tyrell Malacia could be to Erik ten Hag when he makes his long-awaited return from injury.
The left-back has not donned the red shirt for 16 months due to a meniscus issue which required multiple surgeries. He is now back in training and, according to Ten Hag's pre-season predictions, around one month away from being back in contention to play.
Malacia was used sparingly in his first Premier League season while playing back-up on the left side of defence. But Luke Shaw's own injury issues mean that Malacia's return could be an absolute game-changer.
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Shaw and Malacia made 12 Premier League appearances between them last season as Ten Hag was forced to make do without a natural left-back for long periods. The start of this campaign has been much the same, with Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui - both right-footed - forced to play on their weaker side.
Fielding a player totally at home on the left could help turn United's turbulent start to the season around. Malacia was one of Europe's most exciting young left-backs during his time at Feyenoord, with whom he started the Europa Conference League final in 2022.
And Ten Hag, during his time at Ajax, was bowled over when his side came up against Malacia in the 2021/22 season.
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A video clip which went viral shortly before United spent £13million on Malacia shows Ten Hag in conversation with his assistant at the time, Michael Reiziger. "That kid at left-back is amazing," he said during the match. "Take note of him."
Since Malacia landed at Old Trafford, Ten Hag has also praised his ability to operate in central areas as well as staying wide, which should give him more tactical flexibility when he returns. "From my perspective, the best at that is Tyrell Malacia and I think he does it well," said the manager after a 2-0 win at Leeds United last year.
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The conundrum for Ten Hag is that, having been operating without a natural left-back for so long, he may soon have two fit options at once. Shaw is expected to make his comeback after the international break, with Malacia set to follow in October.
But it will be a welcome problem for Ten Hag to have as he strives for a balanced and effective starting XI. Malacia's return will be particularly important if United are serious about competing on multiple fronts this campaign.
