According to a recent report by Marca, Manchester United are trying to pip Real Madrid in the race to sign AFC Ajax midfield ace Donny van de Beek. The same source has also mentioned that Los Blancos already have an agreement in place with the Dutch playmaker, but the Red Devils are prepared to take the player away from Madrid’s grasps by making a last-gasp offer for his services.
It is believed that the Eredivisie talent was expected to complete his transfer to the Spanish capital at the start of this season but had to stay put in Amsterdam for another term after Zinedine Zidane failed to ship out James Rodriguez and Gareth Bale last summer (via Marca).
Van De Beek’s Incredible Spell In The Dutch Top-Flight
The 22-year-old has enjoyed another productive season at the Johan Cruijff Arena after scoring ten goals and providing 11 assists in 37 matches for Erik ten Hag’s side this term in all competitions. His form this season comes as no surprise considering the numbers he produced in the previous campaign when he helped Ajax reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
Van de Beek has averaged 1.9 shots, 1.8 key passes and 1.0 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Dutch first division this season (stats via whoscored) which goes to show his growing influence in ten Hag’s first-team. He has also earned nine senior caps for the Netherlands national side but is yet to open his goal-scoring account for his nation. However, there is no denying that the Nijkerkerveen-born playmaker will play an integral role for his country as long as he can keep improving his game with each season.
What Are The Dutch Youngster’s Best Attributes?
Van de Beek is a moderately-paced midfielder who shows a lot of composure and close control in dribbling with the ball out of tight spaces at the centre of the park. He has often been used in the number 10 position but can be equally effective when operating in a reserved role as a box to box midfielder. What makes him such a highly sought after talent is his ability to pick out a killer pass in the final third. The Dutch midfield ace is also a potent goal-threat from long range as he packs a lot of power with his shot attempts.
Should Ole Get A Deal Done For Van De Beek?
Van de Beek is an accurate distributor of the ball as evidenced by his pass success rate of 82.2% in the Eredivisie this season (stats via whoscored). The Ajax prospect will add a lot of creativity and goals to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s midfield if Man United can find a way to get a deal over the line in the summer. He will be an ideal signing for the Red Devils as he will be able to provide Solskjaer with the option to change his tactics and play with two attacking midfielders against specific opponents.
The Dutch international has the potential to form a productive attacking partnership with Bruno Fernandes and will undoubtedly be an upgrade over Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard and Andreas Pereira. Therefore, it makes a lot of sense for the Man United boss to go all out in pursuit of van de Beek’s signature in the off-season.
