Ajax sensation Riechedly Bazoer has emerged as one of the targets for Liverpool according to the media. Jürgen Klopp has set his sights on the midfielder and is ready to make a move for him in January to add more depth to his midfield. The 20-year old is primarily a defensive midfielder but is well capable of playing in all the positions of a midfield three.
His ability to make powerful forward surges from the midfield has already likened him with the legendary Frank Rijkaard. Bazoer himself idolises Patrick Vieira and his style of gameplay is very similar to the Frenchman.
In 2012, the Dutchman took a significant decision of rejecting a move to Manchester United to sign for Ajax Amsterdam. It was a turning point in the career of the player who spent 6 years at the youth academy of PSV Eindhoven.
During his time at Eindhoven, Bazoer was played in the position of a centre-back. He worked hard on the defensive side of the game but struggled to curb his natural instincts of moving up field with the ball. When he moved to Ajax, then manager Frank de Boer was quick to identify the ability of the player on the ball, encouraging him to move forward by placing him in the midfield. The decision was exactly what was needed for the development of the 20-year old and he duly excelled in his new role.
Playing in the midfield three in the 4-3-3 formation of Ajax, the 6ft central midfielder has shown excellent maturity and tactical knowledge, fitting in seamlessly with a structure that requires a smooth execution of rotational midfield.
His energy, skill and vision have meant that former Ajax coach Frank de Boer could utilise him in his 4-3-3 formation at the Amsterdam Arena in one of the two more advanced midfield positions, rather than the No.6 position which it’s widely considered he will eventually make his own.
Blessed with great passing ability and intelligence, the midfielder has the physical attributes to hold off a challenge or come out with the ball while making one. The interesting thing is that Liverpool this season seem to be set in the exact 4-3-3 formation in which Bazoer excelled at Ajax. It would thus be a great advantage for the player as well the manager in terms of being able to have the maximum output.
At 20, he is still raw and is not yet ready for a first-team place in a team like Liverpool but the Dutchman will definitely be more than able to contribute to the cause when called upon and will provide excellent depth to the Reds’ midfield.
