After watching how Barcelona passed the ball around the midfield at Wembley a few weeks ago, Tom Cleverley is determined to use the example set by the likes of Andres Iniesta and Xavi and Pedro to improve his own game.

“As a United player and fan it wasn’t a great experience at Wembley but as part of my education it was a massive lesson for me,” he said. “From my point of view to study at close quarters Messi, Xavi and Iniesta was invaluable. Messi is wonderful but I think I can model my game on Xavi and Iniesta and also Pedro. The movement from those guys is incredible. They are not massive physically but they stay on the ball. They shield it so well. They used their body brilliantly. I need to get that into my game. My upper body strength has to be better but it is not all about working out in the gym it is also about how you use your body. They also out think opponents and that is something else I need to learn from them. Hopefully picking up those bits and bobs plus all the experience I will get at the European Championships will mean I will be a better player and ready for the challenge at United.”




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