Youri Tielemans: Man United star dubbed 'maestro' vs Italy, stats tell the real story

Manchester United midfielder Youri Tielemans returned to form as Belgium beat Italy 2-0 in the Nations League on Friday.

The 29-year-old featured throughout as Mark van Bommel's side won dominantly in Rome, courtesy of goals from Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio.

Tielemans has struggled this season following his £35million move from Aston Villa this summer, often looking to struggle with the pace of the game.

There is no doubting his quality, but Michael Carrick has struggled to get the best out of him amid Man United's poor start to the season.

The Red Devils have won just one of five Premier League games, and were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Brighton last week despite going 2-0 up at Old Trafford.

Friday's display will provide encouragement that Tielemans is getting towards his physical peak, however, with Man United set to benefit once he does.

Belgium media hail Youri Tielemans

Tielemans is considered the most central cog of the Belgium team, and a massive loss when he is unavailable.

It was similar for Villa, who were frankly a worse team without the talented midfielder on the pitch.

Man United have not quite seen that version of Tielemans yet, but Friday's display suggested that it may not be long until they do.

The 29-year-old was everywhere, constantly picking up the ball and spreading it with an 81 per cent pass completion, including 100 per cent of his long balls.

In total, he made 46 touches, was fouled once and even took two shots from inside the penalty area himself.

Yet it was his defensive work that was really impressive. Tielemans made a tackle, two blocks, two clearances, three recoveries, won four duels and made two interceptions - the joint-most of anybody on the pitch.

Belgian outlet Walfoot gave him a 5.5 for his display, and wrote: "Clean and inspired, he played his part and combined well in midfield, a position he knows well... at least in the first half."

Circus Daily offered the same rating and wrote: "The midfield maestro, orchestrating Belgium's pressing game, he won back numerous balls but also delivered a very poor pass to Godts, who could have doubled the lead."

Injury return will help Tielemans

Tielemans has often paired with a more physical and active midfielder to bring the best out of him.

For Villa and Belgium, it was usually Amadou Onana, but he has been ruled out with an ACL injury.

At Man United, it could well be Carlos Baleba. The £70m summer signing is yet to make his debut amid a struggle with injury.

But he returned to the bench against Fulham before the international break, and is now set to finally feature alongside Tielemans next month.