- Birthdate: 09 Mar 1990
- Birthplace: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Position: Midfielder
- Joined United: 01 Sep 2014
- Joined From: Ajax
- International: Netherlands
- United Debut: 14 Sept 2014 v QPR (H)
Daley Blind arrived at Old Trafford in 2014 following an ascent to the top of Dutch football that was a story of patience and persistence both on and off the field.
From being awarded Ajax’s prestigious Talent of the Future award in 2008 to a standout showing at the 2014 World Cup, the son of Netherlands legend Danny Blind has made a name for himself domestically and on the global stage.
Unsurprisingly, his stock would continue to rise following an eye-catching first season at United, where he demonstrated his versatility and tactical nous, becoming a valuable member of the first team in the process. He made 29 appearances for van Gaal's side and, despite his customary low-lying position, enjoyed the odd foray forward and weighed in with crucial late equalisers in away games against West Brom and West Ham.
The Dutchman's footballing tutelage came from Ajax’s hugely respected youth academy, where he graduated with a reputation as one of his country's brightest talents, signing his first professional terms with his hometown club at the age of 17.
A winning debut against FC Volendam soon followed in 2008 but the versatile youngster, determined to continue his development, spent a half-season loan spell at Eredivisie side Groningen to gain valuable experience outside the salubrious surroundings of Ajax.
It was to be a crucial step in Blind’s upward trajectory, with the youngster returning to Amsterdam and establishing himself as an important member of the squad as left-back under manager Frank de Boer, who led the Dutch giants to four league titles in a row.
It was not until the 2012/13 season, however, in which Blind became acknowledged as truly pivotal to De Boer’s side as he was voted the team's Player of the Year in a title-winning campaign. International recognition inevitably came in tandem, with Louis van Gaal rewarding the midfielder's superb showings with his debut for the Netherlands in a friendly against Italy in February 2013.
Blind has not looked back since, with one more league title, a Dutch Footballer of the Year award last season and 19 international caps accrued, none more memorable than his and Netherlands’ opening game in Salvador this summer. The 5-1 hammering of reigning world champions Spain produced an unforgettable piece of play when the Ajax man set up a stunning diving header from Robin van Persie.
It was fitting that Blind became, in many ways, a poster boy for van Gaal’s Oranje side in Brazil. A young, versatile talent totally committed to the cause, he was the archetype total footballer for a team who surpassed expectations in securing third place. Leaning on the experience and confidence gained from the tournament, he looked comfortable at left-back and in a midfield role and looks to be money well spent.
