After the successes of Graziano Pelle, Dusan Tadic and Daryl Janmaat to name just three, Premier League clubs may opt to look at players in the Eredivisie to strengthen their squads before the deadline. It is an attractive league to buy from due to the technical ability on show, but there are always risks as the physicality is nowhere near the levels of the Premier League. There have been successes and failures from the Eredivisie in England. It remains a gamble that clubs, especially in mid table, will make as the finances involved make it attractive. There still remains the opportunity to sign a potential star for a very modest fee. In this article, Jake Jackman discusses three players who could be on the radar of Premier League clubs.
Luc Castaignos (FC Twente)
Luc Castaignos has featured in numerous gossip columns over the past year. Although they aren’t the most reliable, it’s evident he is on the radar of English clubs. He was once regarded as one of the brightest talents in Holland, but a move to Inter Milan at the age of 18 stunted his development. A move to FC Twente saw the striker return to playing first team football, and he is now ready to leave the Eredivisie for a second time, with England an attractive possible destination. This season he has been more consistent, scoring 10 goals in 14 matches across all competitions.
His football intelligence is arguably his best attribute, as his positioning and off the ball runs often see him get the opportunity to shoot. The majority of his goals come in the penalty box, highlighting his ability to find space in the final third. He can also beat a man with his pace, while Castaignos is very effective when playing as a lone front man, with the ability to bring midfielders into play. Several sides in the Premier League should be looking at the forward. Swansea were rumoured to have agreed a fee for the Dutchman in the summer of around £6.5m. That is good value in the striker market and the likes of Newcastle, Southampton or even Swansea might be tempted with all three lacking in depth in the striking position.
Jeroen Zoet (PSV)
Holland have had an embarrassment of riches when it comes to goalkeepers. Tim Krul and Michel Vorm have both come to England and had success, compatriot Jeroen Zoet could be the next to do just that. His size is more suited to England, than that of Ajax keeper Jasper Cillessen who impressed in the World Cup. Zoet has been on the fringes of the Holland squad, but is yet to make his international debut. After a successful period on loan at RKC Waalwijk, he returned to PSV and has been their number one for 18 months, it’s clear to see he has the potential to move onto a bigger league.
The goalkeeper is a very impressive shot stopper, with a save percentage of 79.41% before the winter break, which was up there in the top ten goalkeepers in world football. In some matches this season, Zoet has shown his concentrations, pulling off crucial saves in games which his side have dominated. Several clubs will know about the PSV goalkeeper and could be looked at by Liverpool or Tottenham, if Hugo Lloris leaves in the summer.
Joel Veltman (Ajax)
Joel Veltman has been consistent for Ajax this season at the heart of their defence. At the age of 23, he has already forged a reputation in the game, having played in the World Cup. This season he has shown his ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch, with three goals to his name. He has averaged 2.6 tackles and 2 interceptions per game, highlighting his ability to read the game and win possession back for his side.
As a Dutch player, it might be unsurprising to hear that he is good with the ball at his feet, and he likes to bring the ball out of defence. He is also capable in the air, although he may initially find the physicality of the Premier League difficult, given he is only 23 years old. Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal are all clubs in which he would fit in well, with a route into the first team mapped out, as none of those clubs have defensive strength in depth.
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