If we can get Clasie for 5 I´d grab him faster than HR would a great professional. Fsk, for 15 I´d still do it. I thought Eriksen for 11 was a steal, but Clasie for 5 is ridiculous. If we can get Clasie, Davies and Schär this summer, without losing anyone central to the team I´d be giddy as a schoolgirl.
Saw a tweet earlier that puts that Eriksen deal into perspective...
Eriksen: 9goals and 8 assists, £11million
Ozil: 5 goals and 10 assists, £40million
Enough said!!
As much as a I like Clasie and believe that we're in need of that 'metronome' type midfielder, I think with Van Gaal in charge, we could develop some of our current younger midfielders like Bentaleb and Carroll to be effective in this pivotal position, as they both have the qualities and potential to do so (especially the former).
I don't think Clasie is ready for the EPL. He is likely to get passed up for Strootman's spot on the national team by one of Fer (most likely imo), Schaars (will probably play next to Fer), De Guzman, de Jong, or Vilhena. He isn't physical enough (and doesn't contribute enough defensively) to be a starter in van Gaal's team, and I wouldn't expect him to have an impact on our squad for a few years. That being said, he would be a good purchase at £5m.
Holtby as well. That's why I can't understand the clamour that we absolutely need such a midfielder.As much as a I like Clasie and believe that we're in need of that 'metronome' type midfielder, I think with Van Gaal in charge, we could develop some of our current younger midfielders like Bentaleb and Carroll to be effective in this pivotal position, as they both have the qualities and potential to do so (especially the former).
Holtby as well. That's why I can't understand the clamour that we absolutely need such a midfielder.
Holtby as well. That's why I can't understand the clamour that we absolutely need such a midfielder.
I can actually see Chiriches becoming a CDM under LVG, and by that I mean a CDM that drops into defence when the 2 CB's split.I love Holtby, and believe in him, but as much as it pains me I must admit I have my doubts about Dembele and Capoue. If one or both of them leave, I can see a huge upgrade in Clasie. Besides , no one loves the rotating midfield three more than lvg. Seeing sides with a three of:
Holtby/Paulinho/Eriksen/Clasie/Sandro/Bentaleb makes my mouth water.
Holtby as well. That's why I can't understand the clamour that we absolutely need such a midfielder.
His work rate is incredible, but he simply isn't as versatile as Strootman. van Gaal needs someone who can play in front and dictate the tempo from in back. He would be great to partner with a more creative player, but van Gaal will be looking for a player to work on both defense and offense (a real Gerrard-type), and Clasie has failed to meet expectations on the international stage. He hasn't held onto the ball well (lacks physicality) and has gone completely missing in many of his caps. He needs to mature his game a bit before he is ready for the next step (which is why I also don't think he is ready for the EPL). I definitely think he will get there some day, as he most definitely has the drive and skillset to get there.Not physical enough? have you actually ever watched him play? his tackling is one of his strengths. I know football is a game opinions but to say he isn'y physical enough is beyond me
His work rate is incredible, but he simply isn't as versatile as Strootman. van Gaal needs someone who can play in front and dictate the tempo from in back. He would be great to partner with a more creative player, but van Gaal will be looking for a player to work on both defense and offense (a real Gerrard-type), and Clasie has failed to meet expectations on the international stage. He hasn't held onto the ball well (lacks physicality) and has gone completely missing in many of his caps. He needs to mature his game a bit before he is ready for the next step (which is why I also don't think he is ready for the EPL). I definitely think he will get there some day, as he most definitely has the drive and skillset to get there.
for £5m, he is a no-brainer, I just wouldn't place any expectations on him to come in and have an immediate impact.Indeed, but I believe that the time is near. I also cant see us being able to get him in 6-18 months when he really breaks through.
Besides, LVG likes him.
His work rate is incredible, but he simply isn't as versatile as Strootman. van Gaal needs someone who can play in front and dictate the tempo from in back. He would be great to partner with a more creative player, but van Gaal will be looking for a player to work on both defense and offense (a real Gerrard-type), and Clasie has failed to meet expectations on the international stage. He hasn't held onto the ball well (lacks physicality) and has gone completely missing in many of his caps. He needs to mature his game a bit before he is ready for the next step (which is why I also don't think he is ready for the EPL). I definitely think he will get there some day, as he most definitely has the drive and skillset to get there.
for £5m, he is a no-brainer, I just wouldn't place any expectations on him to come in and have an immediate impact.
Not physical enough? have you actually ever watched him play? his tackling is one of his strengths. I know football is a game opinions but to say he isn'y physical enough is beyond me
I wouldn't have worded it as you did, but he's definitely physical for a guy his stature. He's got a squatty build and he's had over 90 tackles and 60 interceptions this year in the Eredivisie. Granted, it's a less physically imposing league, but it shows that he's not afraid to do the dirty work in defense. I would love to have him as a DLP given that he's obviously got passing talent but he can also contribute and will contribute by breaking up play effectively.