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RTs would really help in reaching some more qualified people for feedback, thanks! hope you enjoy the read!
My ideal replacement for Nemanja Matic :
Teun Koopmeiners of AZ Alkmaar.
RTs would really help in reaching some more qualified people for feedback, thanks! hope you enjoy the read!
My ideal replacement for Nemanja Matic :
Teun Koopmeiners of AZ Alkmaar.
This is the first profile I have ever done so allow room for mistakes please, there are limits to my knowledge on him as I cannot watch the Eredivisie as much as I would like.
In addition, I don't claim to be a scout or have anywhere near as much knowledge as one. Lets begin
In addition, I don't claim to be a scout or have anywhere near as much knowledge as one. Lets begin
Teun is a 22 year old central midfielder who is the current club captain of AZ Alkmaar.
Last season, he spearheaded their best table return in over 5 years. They finished level on points with Ajax conceding the least goals in the division (17); COVID cut the season short
Last season, he spearheaded their best table return in over 5 years. They finished level on points with Ajax conceding the least goals in the division (17); COVID cut the season short
Personally I love the way Dutch clubs are run, Ajax and AZ in particular:
As you can see Teun can be deployed as a holding midfielder or equally as a centre half. This is partly due to players at AZ not being tied down to a position until they are 16.
As you can see Teun can be deployed as a holding midfielder or equally as a centre half. This is partly due to players at AZ not being tied down to a position until they are 16.
Remind you of anyone ?
He certainly seems like a typical Blind/ van Bommel type player.
With his versatility comes excellent positional awareness, which I feel is a HUGE weakness of our United side we see play today.
He certainly seems like a typical Blind/ van Bommel type player.
With his versatility comes excellent positional awareness, which I feel is a HUGE weakness of our United side we see play today.
At the moment we seem to be heavily linked with Declan Rice, either signing I find would benefit us massively - with each capable of playing in a single pivot in accomplice with great leadership qualities.
However, I have my concerns over Declan Rice.
However, I have my concerns over Declan Rice.
Due to his status in the West Ham team, the fact he is an England International now, we are looking at a £75-80m buyout fee.
Teun however, a year older, has a market value of £15m - well suited to our current strategy of team-building under Ole.
Teun however, a year older, has a market value of £15m - well suited to our current strategy of team-building under Ole.
It isn't related much but its important to note that a transfer of Rice/ Koopmeiners will probably depend on Paul Pogba leaving/ staying.
Personally I can't see him staying but if he did I could see us prioritising an offensive midfielder.
Personally I can't see him staying but if he did I could see us prioritising an offensive midfielder.
This summer, in my opinion, I would like to see us move on the following to other clubs:
Mata
Matic
Pereira
Lingard
Dalot
Jones
If possible though I would love to see Juan become a coach at United, players like Mejibri, Diallo, Iqbal, Shoretire will benefit so much from it
Mata
Matic
Pereira
Lingard
Dalot
Jones
If possible though I would love to see Juan become a coach at United, players like Mejibri, Diallo, Iqbal, Shoretire will benefit so much from it
Back to Teun:
This was his heatmap last season, where he played as a centre half, filling in for injuries. This is quite broad and impressive considering Alkmaar play possession football.
As you see, he prefers the left side to operate on:
This was his heatmap last season, where he played as a centre half, filling in for injuries. This is quite broad and impressive considering Alkmaar play possession football.
As you see, he prefers the left side to operate on:
The heat-map also shows focus around the corners, penalty spot and just outside the box. The player in focus is a very capable set piece taker - especially from the spot 
credit : AZ
credit : AZ
This season alone Teun has contributed to 15 goals in 21 appearances, similar to Harry Maguire - playing 100% of Alkmaars minutes.
A dynamic of his game I will be honest I was not aware of, but goals from midfield are crucial in this division!
A dynamic of his game I will be honest I was not aware of, but goals from midfield are crucial in this division!
As a team we often rely on a ball over the top or through the channel for our rapid forwards to run onto.
Well, this is an assist from his own box against Ajax last year
credit: AZ
Well, this is an assist from his own box against Ajax last year
credit: AZ
And another pass of the same type :
The best aspect of his game is most likely his passing, averaging 87% this season, the same as our pastor Fred. This is excellent considering Europes average is 82% for midfielders.
However, from what I have seen - his ball retention capacity is far far better
However, from what I have seen - his ball retention capacity is far far better
This again, is props to his positional awareness, which I feel both Fred and McTominay suffer from. In congested midfields it is vital that we have a head in there that is always switched on and expecting mistakes to happen!
Last summer alone the following chased for his signature:
Everton
AC Milan
Leeds
Every one of those teams is missing a heartbeat deep in midfield (Kalvin Philipps is not that solid defensively but of course is one of the best passers of a football in our division)
Everton
AC Milan
Leeds
Every one of those teams is missing a heartbeat deep in midfield (Kalvin Philipps is not that solid defensively but of course is one of the best passers of a football in our division)
A brief list of his Strengths:
- Positional Awareness
- Leadership
- Passing range
- Positional Awareness
- Leadership
- Passing range
A brief list of his Weaknesses :
- Mobility on the transition
- Tight area control
- Decision making when carrying the ball forward
- Mobility on the transition
- Tight area control
- Decision making when carrying the ball forward
Passes from midfield breaking the lines is something we have really struggled on and I think this guy will provided some much needed passing quality. Thats it, thats the end of my first albeit unprofessional but honest thread !
Again, I am by no means qualified on any of this but through some extensive research last night and this morning I have tried my best with limited experience actually watching him play. I hope you enjoyed and have a good day
