According to The Telegraph (subscription required), as cited by MOT Leeds, Leeds United are eyeing a move for Teun Koopmeiners. The AZ Alkmaar star has been identified as the latest target for Marcelo Bielsa as he looks to find an alternative to the ageing Pablo Hernandez. Alkmaar, however, might hold out for a fee in excess of £10 million for the services of the midfielder.
Who Is Teun Koopmeiners?
A product of the Alkmaar youth academy, Koopmeiners has become a key component of the club’s senior side ever since his breakthrough during the 2017/18 campaign. He has already made over 100 competitive appearances for the club and currently captains the side.
A midfielder by trade, Koopmeiners is known for his all-round gameplay, with the Dutchman being particularly productive in the final third. Last season, for example, he scored as many as eleven goals despite featuring in a holding midfield position throughout the course of the campaign.
Koopmeiners’ performances in the Eredivisie is yet to earn him a call-up to the Netherlands’ national team. But, the 22-year-old seems to have impressed the onlookers with his tenacity and willingness to win back possession for his team, with the midfielder notably attempting 3.6 tackles per game last season.
The Alkmaar captain also averaged over two clearances, one interception and over one key pass per game, which is indicative of his all-round potential, making him one of the most sought-after players in the Dutch top flight.
How Does He Fit Into Leeds United?
Koopmeiners’ potential addition to Leeds United is an interesting prospect for the club for multiple reasons.
The Whites already have a reliable holding midfielder in Kalvin Phillips. However, it is the Dutchman’s ability to play across various positions that could make him a real asset for Marcelo Bielsa.
Koopmeiners can be considered as an alternative to the ageing Hernadez in the attacking midfield role. His tenacious nature should combine well with the robust Mateusz Klich, giving Leeds more fuel in the first line of press.
Moreover, the Alkmaar midfielder can even operate as a centre-back, meaning he can also be considered as a back-up for the defensive trifecta of Robin Koch, Diego Llorente and Liam Cooper. It could be useful, especially given the fact that two of those three players are new to the Premier League.
Therefore, Koopmeiners certainly seems like a good option for Leeds United as they look to further strengthen their ranks following a promising start to the Premier League campaign this season.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
