Manchester United Treble-winner Jaap Stam says he is excited about Antony’s second season at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman watched Antony regularly during his time in the Eredivisie and believes there is much more to come from the Brazil international at Manchester United.
Fans will certainly hope so. Antony made 25 appearances in the Premier League last season, contributing just 6 goals (4 of his own as well as 2 assists).
After arriving from Ajax last year, Antony had to settle into what we have all accepted is the toughest league in world football. That is why Stam is in no doubt that there is more to come from the tricky wide man.
“You know Antony’s got quality, of course, on the ball,” Stam told ManUtd.com. “He’s got decent pace, even if he’s not lightning. He needs to become, and I know we were talking about being predictable in a way of playing, then he needs to step up a gear to make a change.
“As a winger, you always need to be very decisive. You need to take initiative on the ball. You need to go forward. You need to take on your one-v-ones and you need to make it difficult for your opposition by, one time, going inside and, the other time, going outside.
“Of course, that’s the thing that I think he still needs to do a little bit more,” said Stam. “But we know him from Holland as well. We know his ability and his quality. And I think he can step up, you know, one or two gears.
“So he needs to show that this season. He had last season as well to get adjusted to the league and to get adjusted to the opposition he’s facing as well.
“So it is going to be exciting to see how he’s going to be changing his game next season.”
Antony has had an underwhelming pre-season tour but he is expected to be involved against Borussia Dortmund, but I do expect more from him next season when we are hitting more teams on the front foot.
Furthermore, Stam knows the pressure that comes with playing for United and he probably feels Antony will face scrutiny if he doesn’t kick on. Of course, that would be fair too.
It remains to be seen which game Antony will play next week as United face a double-header with Lens and Athletic Bilbao. We fully expect him to start against Wolves in the Premier League opener at Old Trafford.
Let us know your thoughts on Antony in the comments section.
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