Since time immemorial Ajax have been supplying the other European clubs with talented young players, who have then gone on to bring glory to those teams. This time the man in question is Sergino Dest, upon whom Barcelona have set their eyes if recent reports are to be believed.
Veronicainside (as cited by Marca) has stated that the Catalan club have identified the defender as a potential transfer target this summer. The report goes on to say that the player is an admirer of Barca and expressed his desire to ply his trade for the Spanish giants someday.
Who is Sergino Dest?
Born in the Netherlands, Dest joined the Ajax academy at a very young age and has since made his way into the first team. Initially playing for the reserves side, the defender was inducted into the senior squad in 2019, playing for them regularly. So far, he has featured in 30 games this season, starting in 22 of them.
In a very short period, Dest has become the first choice right-back for his side. The 19-year-old has also featured in five Champions League matches, an admirable feat for any youngster. Dest has chosen to play at the international level for the United States of America and so far has been selected in the national team thrice.
Why have Barcelona chosen him?
Dest has all the qualities of a modern-day wing-back. He can run down the channels and help the team in the attack, providing pinpoint crosses to the forwards. The youngster has so far accumulated five assists, which indicates that he would be a decent fit in the Barca system. He also has an eye for goal, scoring twice for his team in cup competitions.
Defensively, Dest is sound, and his agility has been indispensable for the Eredivisie side time and again. The passing ability that the starlet has shown has proven vital in the build-up play that Ajax have demonstrated in recent times. Overall, Dest has already proven his mettle to the world, and with time, the USA international can only become better.
What should Setién do?
Sergi Roberto and Semedo are the two options for the club at right-back at the moment. Among them, the Portuguese star is on the verge of a move away from Catalonia, while Roberto is someone who is often deployed at different other positions. Therefore, Setién does need a back-up for the said position, and when a youngster like Dest is available in the market, it makes no sense for the club to wait for other alternatives. The Ajax man would only improve with time and is capable of being the first-choice right-back for the club for a long time to come.
