We've all been struggling to know what Zirkzee truly is as we know that as a proper centre-forward, he just isn't it.
From his own words of being a false 9 or 9.5, we could gather that he was never going to be a full on striker. Watching him in his opening games for the club also made us realize that he is perhaps better suited to a little deeper than up front.
As the season has gone by, that has become more evident as with his attributes, he does look a lot better as a number 10 than number 9.
Ruben Amorim used the Dutchman as one of his CAMs in the defeat to Spurs with Zirkzee coming away from that game with a lot of plaudits for his performance.
The 23-year-old displayed an ability to be a player who can easily play behind that striker as his mix of skill, technicality and size could make him the ideal CAM.
After that match, the United manager even came out and said that Zirkzee "is not a clear nine" and that playing as a number 10 "is a better position for him."
Even the boss has figured it out that his is more useful to that position rather than further forward.
This area of the pitch allowed Zirkzee to show off his best qualities. As he is a player who likes to come deeper, receive the ball into feet and make things happen, it made sense for him to play that bit deeper.
It also gave him the opportunity to better link up the play with Hojlund up front with the two of them showing that they had some sort of understanding. This could be something to look at in the future even more so considering all our injuries.
What I also like about Zirkzee playing in this position is that he often keeps things simple and doesn't try to do too much. In a way, he is similar to Mainoo when looking at their ability to dribble and get out of tight spaces through quick feet (which they will need given the area of the pitch they operate in) and that they can play a killer pass.
Whenever Bruno plays there, we know that while it is his best position and he is our most creative player, the skipper can be quite chaotic and all over the place as that is who he is.
At times we need someone who is a lot more disciplined and doesn't look to play the killer or 'Hollywood' pass all the time.
With Garnacho as the other 10, we would have two players who aren't exactly what's needed in that final third as there is no balance. Both Garnacho and Bruno are flair players who have an eye for the spectacular.
There's nothing wrong with that but when they play together, it becomes a problem.
Players like Mainoo and Zirkzee will provide said balance as they compliment that chaotic style with something a little more classy and subtle whilst maitaining that air of creativity.
However the problem with this is that, how many number 10s will we have?
Zirkzee's best position, according to the manager is CAM; Mainoo looked a lot better as a CAM and said that he played with more freedom; Bruno's best position is as a CAM; Garnacho has been playing as a CAM; Eriksen is better suited in my opinion, as a CAM; and of course Amad has been playing a lot for Amorim as a CAM.
I know that Mainoo and Amad will be out for a while but that means that six of our players are all at their best or play a lot for the manager as number 10. SIX players for just TWO positions and we don't actually know who are the two best to play there.
What this also tells us is that we don't have the ideal partner for Ugarte. He has been superb as the CDM but he needs someone to help him out. If all his viable partners are playing ahead, that leaves him all on his own.
Collyer is a youngster although he would probably pair up best with Ugarte, and Casemiro clearly isn't good enough nor is he in favor with the manager.
This has resulted in our midfield being passed by far too easily and why we have a problem stopping opposition's from entering the final third.
If almost all our midfielders whom we thought should play as a number 8 are actually better as number 10s and don't know how to properly do that CM role, that means we have to go out and buy a number 8.
Amorim has to find a solution to that central midfielder problem because it has become somewhat of a silent killer throughout his time at the club.
Should we continue to see Zirkzee as CAM though, that would give him and Hojlund more game time which is perhaps what both need in order to build some rhythm and momentum. The pair have been replacements for each other all season which doesn't give them that continuous run-in in the side.
At least Amorim does have options in the final third after what seems to be season-ending injuries to Amad and Mainoo. Zirkzee and Garnacho are also able to provide him that balance as the two CAMs. The relationship between Zirkzee and Hojlund looked to have something as well.
So there maybe a bit of light at the end of the tunnel but we know that there is sooooooooo much to be done.
Zirkzee though, appears to be a bit of a baller. His performance on Sunday would have hopefully given him more confidence moving forward.
What do you make of our Dutch forward? Where do you think his best position lies?
Background Image: Could Joshua Zirkzee potentially play as a number 10 for Man Utd? | Creator: Michael Regan | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: 2024 Getty Images via Man Utd News