He's a proven winner, a big personality and a leader on the pitch and if this transfer goes through, LvG should be given full credit for making it possible. We need all these three things in our midfield. Even Ferguson, who chose to neglect the midfield (according to some), while not caring that much about the numbers, the energy levels and the ability to cover much ground in the central areas, he made sure that we had plenty of experience, intelligence and winning mentality in that area.
I also believe we'll sign Schneiderlin too and we'll have both of them on the plane to the States. Tactically wise, this is a great signing for us which clearly creates lots of new possibilities for midfield partnerships. First of all we can be sure that we'll have a world class option for the holding role when Carrick's not available. And hopefully in three years time, when Schweinsteiger's contract expires and Carrick has retired, Blind will be ready to step up and play the holding role at the highest level.
Secondly, Schweinsteiger can play next to Carrick, his role in the build up play and in getting the ball forward can be critical in LvG's tactics. As a bonus, he can add that much needed physicality and close down attackers in our half so that Carrick and the defensive line have the time to get behind the ball. This would also mean that Herrera will get the chance to play in a more advanced role and spend more time in the final third, which i guess is something most of our fans want to see.
Thirdly, we'll have ready made solutions able to perform at a very high level which will help us get through any injury crisis. We'll have four options in the all important holding role (Carrick, Schweinsteiger, Blind and Schneiderlin), three in the #8 position, the one we had so much problems to cover last season (Schweinsteiger, Herrera, Schneiderlin) and at least two for the more attacking b2b role (Herrera, Fellaini will finally become our plan B).
We may also try different tactics, without a holding midfielder but with a #10 instead. We're looking into the possibility of signing two players, Bastian and Morgan, who can cover lots of ground on the pitch and they can do it quickly as well as efficiently. Given that, LvG will have the opportunity to try Mata or Rooney (in case we sign a top striker too) in the hole without sacrificing his possession football and his high defensive line.