Last summer, few could have expected Jonny Evans to play such a major part in winning three major trophies. His strength in the air and composure on the ball were a regular feature in a defensive line-up that evolved and revolved to record-breaking effect.
Start to finish: Recalled from his loan spell at Sunderland after Gerard Piqué’s return to Barcelona, the Northern Irish international was plunged in at the deep end after Nemanja Vidic’s red card at Anfield, and a towering display alongside Rio Ferdinand at Stamford Bridge announced to the world that here was a talent worth watching.
But the young defender really came to the fore with a sustained spell in the side after Christmas. Alongside Vida, Evans contributed five of those record 14 consecutive clean sheets, notably rendering Didier Drogba anonymous for a second time running. Come May, Evans was drafted in again for Rio and started all United’s league games including the clincher at Arsenal, and only missed out on a Champions League final berth by Ferdinand's recovery from a calf injury.
In position: A classic centre-half in the Rio mould, Jonny sits easily in possession and is a commanding presence in the air.
Season highlight: If his emergence at Stamford Bridge in September was a revelation, his performance against Chelsea at Old Trafford rubber-stamped his entry into the rarified club of world-class centre-halves.
Vital contribution: While Rio has struggled on and off with injury this term, the most noticeable thing about his absence is that it hasn’t been particularly noticeable. For that we have Jonny to thank.
Any lows? Was arguably at fault twice at the JJB – a slip for Valencia’s early chance and lack of cover for Rodallega’s goal, but these were very much the exception to his rule of excellence.
Any other business? At 21, Evans already has 17 caps for Northern Ireland and scored his first international goal in March’s 3-2 win over Poland at Windsor Park. His brother Corry is captain of United’s Academy side.
www.manutd.com
