As reported by Talksport, Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan believes that Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek is keen to join either Tottenham Hotspur or Manchester United. The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Amsterdam after an incredible campaign, and it is believed that the youngster would prefer a move to either of these two teams this summer.
“I think he’s got his eyes set on a club like Man United or Tottenham Hotspur. I’ve been talking to his agent, and he said if that would materialise it would be something right up his street.”, van der Kraan said.
van de Beek’s rapid rise to prominence
After making his breakthrough during the 2017/18 campaign, van de Beek has been a regular in the Ajax midfield. He has already made 138 appearances in all competitions since being promoted to the senior side back in 2016.
Van de Beek played a crucial role in the Ajax midfield unit this past season, making 34 appearances, in which the youngster scored nine goals and ten assists. His services in the middle of the park helped the Dutch outfit secure their 34th Eredivisie title as well as reach the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League.
What can van de Beek bring to the table?
The Dutch ace is someone who likes to anchor the midfield using his impressive passing range. He is excellent when it comes to distributing possession and bringing others into play. He is also adept in delivering that defence threading through ball. The 22-year-old has notably averaged 1.2 key passes per game this past season.
Aside from his passing, van de Beek’s nifty footwork allows him to nestle through tight spaces and evade opposition press, which is a priceless asset to any modern day midfielder. He likes to move forward with the ball, often finding himself at the end of a scoring opportunity. As a result, the Dutchman has netted nine goals in 34 matches.
Should Tottenham make a move for van de Beek?
Van de Beek is equipped with a specific set of traits that could help him thrive in Mauricio Pochettino’s system at Tottenham Hotspur. The young midfielder will surely enhance Spurs’ possession game while his tendency to venture forward could make him an upgrade to someone like Harry Winks.
The Ajax starlet can be utilised in the double-pivot alongside the more robust Eric Dier. Alternatively, he can also slot in as a central midfielder in a three-man midfield unit, alongside Dier and either of Moussa Sissoko or Winks.
However, a lot will depend on whether or not Tottenham lose out on the services of Christian Eriksen. The Dane has been linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer. And his potential departure could ideally force the Lilywhites to make a move for van de Beek, who is more than ready to make the next step in his career.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
