Workhorse de Jong proving vital

The growing popularity of the defensive or holding-midfielder in the modern game, particularly over the last ten years or so, might well be considered the most significant tactical change during the period. It was by no means something invented overnight, sides have always needed players to do the more unfashionable donkey-work, but the great France side of the late nineties and early noughties (is that the term we're supposed to use now?), then Chelsea under Mourinho have certainly influenced a wider use of a 4-5-1 formation over the established 4-4-2.

From Dunga, to Deschamps, to Vieira, to Makelele, and even England's increasing reliance on Gareth Barry and before him Owen Hargreaves, though at least one of those could arguably be termed box-to-box midfielders, sides at both club and international level seem more keen than ever to give their defence an added 'insurance' in the shape of someone who can, well, put themselves about a bit without rarely troubling the opponents offensively.

Early on this season it appeared that Barry would be the man to do that for us. He was imperious at Blackburn, well capable of mixing it with anyone, breaking down waves of opposition attacks, knowing when and how to do the simple things well, and being on hand to help out those behind him when necessary. After those first few games i didn't really see Nigel de Jong recapturing his place as a regular in the side, moreso doing odd jobs against the league's better opposition and being useful from the bench to defend leads late on.

Since earning his first start of the season during the home win against Arsenal, however, he's made a significant impression. With Carlos Tevez fit he might not have got the chance, but his performances, especially against West Ham on Monday, may leave Mark Hughes with little choice but to continue with the Dutchman anchoring our midfield. It could also enable us to let Stevie Ireland off the leash again once he fully gets over his recent illness and ankle injury.

To play such a role well must take tremendous discipline, and to know that we have three capable of doing the job, once Vincent Kompany returns at least, certainly gives us options. I'm not sure we'll stick with the current system once certain players are back from injuries or suspensions, but players like de Jong can only continue to perform well and ask questions of the manager.

It's been said that we overpaid when signing Nigel from Hamburg. It may or may not be true, it doesn't really make too much difference. If he continues to impress as he has been doing, though, i'd see £13m/£15m/£18m/whatever it was we actually paid, as sound business. Like it or not, every side needs an ankle-biter, United have Fletcher, Chelsea Essien, Liverpool rely greatly on Javier Mascherano. Time will tell if Nige can become as important to us as those players are to their clubs, but the signs, early admittedly, are promising.