All posts by Will Burns

Contrary to the Dutch philosophy; the Oranje backline seems evident for silverware

May 31, 2015 Will Burns Leave a comment

The key to being successful in ‘The Beautiful Game’ is defense; as the old saying goes “Offense wins games, Defense wins championships”. For ‘Oranje’, the latter seems to always take a back seat, but with defensive clubs such as Chelsea and Juventus having remarkable success, maybe it is time for the Netherlands to change their perspective. With talented young defenders moving up through the ranks of their respective clubs, there could be a new horizon for the Netherlands. So here is a look at a few promising defenders that could take Holland from contender to champions. Thomas Tittley writes…

VIRGIL VAN DIJK

The 23-year-old defender for Celtic has flourished in the Scottish Premiership and is now ready to move on, as he has been linked to both Everton and Southampton. Van Dijk has dominated the Scottish league and while some sceptics will claim it is a rather weak league, he has proven his talents by playing exceptionally well in Europe. Van Dijk is a tall 6-foot-3 (1.93m), and is a bull on defense, using his size and strength and athleticism to overpower attacking players. Capable of muscling strong center forwards off the ball, while having the pace to keep up with quick and shifty wingers, Van Dijk averaged 0.7 tackles a game in Europe. Virgil has also shown his aptitude tactically as well, averaging an outstanding 3.4 interceptions a game in. To put that into perspective, Chelsea, one of the top defensive teams in England, averaged a total of 9.8 per game. Hopefully for Van Dijk, and Dutch fans, he will soon get his first international cap and be a part of a winning culture.

STEFAN DE VRIJ

The young central defender from Lazio has been a part of the Netherlands senior squad for a number of years now as the 23-year-old has already made 27 appearances, even wearing the captain’s armband during Holland’s friendly against Spain on March 31^st after Sneijder left the pitch. He impressed during the bronze medal World Cup run as he appeared in every match that Holland played, even scoring the third goal of the 5-1 thrashing that the Netherlands handed Spain in the first game. This is proof that De Vrij is highly respected within the dressing room and by the coaching staff. Fortunately, it is not only his leadership and poise that are his desired attributes, his skill on the football pitch is evident. Like Van Dijk he is also rarely caught out of position, averaging 3.6 interceptions a game and 6.1 clearances a game, comparing that to the legendary Sergio Ramos, who only averaged 2.4 interceptions and 3.9 clearances, De Vrij’s numbers are extraordinary. If Holland are to succeed, De Vrij will have to continue to show his skills on the pitch and in the dressing room.

JETRO WILLEMS

If you could create a left-back in a simulator, it would be Jetro Willems, a player with dynamic pace able to bomb forward and harass defences, while still able to track back and help his own back line. It is that dynamic pace that leaves managers around the world salivating over his potential. Not only does the young man possess vast amounts of pace, but the ability to pick a pass. The electrifying winger linked up well with now former teammate Memphis Depay to create a devastating left wing attack, and when able to get by a defender, possesses great quality in his left foot and whip in crosses to devastating effect. Willems accumulated a staggering thirtheen assists this season in the Eredivisie, second most behind only Hakim Ziyech. To put that into perspective, the closest defender to that assist total was Bart van Hintum with 7, which put him tied for 14^th in the league. But with his partner Depay gone, there is much speculation that Willems could also be headed out of the Eredivisie. Young Willems surprisingly made the 2012 Euro cup squad and even played in a handful of games, although nothing extraordinary. He has improved drastically since then, particularly attacking-wise, and will look to be the long-term left back for the Oranje in the future.

DARYL JANMAAT

Janmaat was a Dutchman who had a bit of a coming out party during the 2014-2015 season with Newcastle United. The 25-year-old right back moved from Feyenoord last season and struggled early on trying to adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League, but he eventually settled in and became one of Newcastle’s only consistent players. A very attacking right-back, Janmaat is strong in the tackle and has a sharp eye for making key passes that dissect opposing defences. Daryl totalled six assists this season, impressive for a right-back, particularly one that had an incredibly stagnant offense like Newcastle. Something Janmaat specializes in is the long pass, making 2.1 long passes a game, crucial for a team trying to attack when transitioning from defence to offense. This type of pass is particularly effective when wingers who possess immense amounts of pace are on the receiving end of the pass. With players who possess this type of speed such as Arjen Robben, Memphis Depay, Quincy Promes, Eljero Elia and Jeremain Lens available, the long pass could be the difference between winning and losing. Fortunately, Janmaat also takes care of his defensive responsibilities, tallying 2.8 tackles a game, tied for 20^th in the entire Premier League, remarkable for a player more known for his ability to dribble at defenders and attacking flare. Janmaat could be the key that unlocks the treasure chest of trophies available for the Netherlands in the years to come.

These young men will have to continue to develop and improve if Holland wish to become truly elite and finally win that ever elusive World Cup.

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EREDIVISIE, FEATURE

Eagles Grounded – the demise of Go Ahead’s season

May 27, 2015 Will Burns Leave a comment

As the final whistle brought an unceremonious end to Go Ahead Eagles’ two year stay in the Dutch top flight, a defiant chant of “EAGLES TIL’ I DIE!” filled the early afternoon air at De Adelaarshorst. Muted applause mingled with jeers and whistles greeted the deflated players who made a sheepish lap of the pitch before taking refuge in the relative safety of the dressing room. The fans exchanged rueful glances and disbelieving shakes of the head; the Eagles would embark on their first campaign in European club competition since 1965-66, earned by virtue of a UEFA Fair Play place, as an Eerste Divisie club writes Steven Davies.

A 2-0 aggregate defeat over the two legs of the promotion/ relegation playoffs against De Graafschap, a side that could only finish sixth in the Eerste Divisie table, was too much for some fans to take; many letting their heroes know exactly what they thought.

The fans demanded far more from those who pulled on the famous red and yellow jersey.

The 2014/15 Eredivisie season had promised much for the Deventer club after a fairy tale first season back in the top flight since 1996. An impressive 13^thplace finish in 2013/14 had few putting the Eagles down for relegation with many backing the usual suspects: Willem II; the epitome of a yo-yo club if ever there was one, back in the top flight once more, Excelsior; perennial overachievers and largely dependent on the good graces of their bigger Rotterdam neighbours, Feyenoord, and FC Dordrecht; a team with a meagre budget, as most likely to be making the return journey to the Eerste Divisie come May.

The Eagles had defied the critics with a number of shrewd loan signings, a strong team spirit and crucially, a great home record. The club had lost a number of key individuals in the form of Jarchino Antonia, Erik Falkenburg and Xander Houtkoop, who collectively had netted 22 goals between them, but with the addition of Alex Schalk from NAC Breda, Giliano Wijnaldum from FC Groningen along with loan signings Lesley de Sa and Mickey van der Hart from Ajax; manager, Foeke Booy’s young team seemed well stocked for the season ahead.

This optimism was soon dispelled however as an opening day 3-2 home defeat at the hands of Groningen was followed swiftly by a similar reverse away from home at the hands of newly promoted Excelsior before the stuttering Eagles’ attack drew a blank in a frustrating home stalemate with nailed on relegation certainties, FC Dordrecht. One point from a possible nine after three fixtures that included two at home served as a dark portent of things to come.

A surprise 2-0 victory in the KNVB Beker at De Adelaarshorst against Feyenoord at the end of September was only the second success in the opening eight games of the season for the club in all competitions and swiftly followed by a reality check in the league as the Rotterdam giants returned a few days later, soundly thumping their cup conquerors 4-0.

The fact that the team mustered just nine goals in its opening eight games in all competitions was no doubt a worry to Booy and goal scoring would prove to be their Achilles heel as their strike rate over the course of the remainder of the season failed to improve. In all, the Eagles netted just 29 league goals while conceding 59; the 22 goals scored over the course of the previous campaign by Antonia, Falkenburg and Houtkoop were sorely missed.

Three wins in the remaining eleven games prior to the mid-season break did little to dispel the growing air of disquiet amongst those on the terraces; the Eagles’ once intimidating home had become anything but with only four wins, two draws (one of which was actually a defeat on penalties to FC Twente in the KNVB Beker) and four losses in all competitions prior to Christmas. Meanwhile, results on the road proved even harder to come by with the solitary victory at Utrecht in October their only success away from de Adelaarshorst; the Eagles losing five and drawing the remaining three.

The New Year brought renewed hope in the form of a pair of high profile loan signings; Glynor Plet, returning to the Netherlands from exile at Zulte-Waregem in Belgium and Wesley Verhoek, similarly on the outer at Feyenoord under Fred Rutten. Yet time would prove neither to be the answer to the Eagles’ attacking woes; a dismal 3 goals scored in 28 games between them. Verhoek, would be remembered as much for becoming the subject of the ire of the travelling Eagles’ support following the 1-0 reverse in the away leg of the promotion/ relegation playoffs against De Graafschap in Doetinchem, as having his block knocked off by Plet’s wayward howitzer against parent club, Feyenoord in De Kuip.

The second half of the season rapidly became something of a nightmare for the Deventer club with just three wins, two draws and an astounding twelve (fourteen, including the two legged promotion/ relegation playoff) defeats. In that time just seven goals were scored and a whopping twenty five conceded.

De Adelaarshorst became a welcome destination for visiting teams as the home side crumbled under the weight of expectancy of a demanding home support. This was illustrated most notably in the form of Mickey van der Hart’s air-swing clearance against reigning Landskampioen and parent club, Ajax; the ball bobbling awkwardly under the young goalkeeper’s left foot from team mate, Verhoek’s innocuous back pass and trickling into the back of the net.

With the fans patience wearing thin, things became increasingly hostile; left back Giliano Wijaldum was involved in an angry altercation with fans outside de Adelaarshorst in the wake of a home defeat to FC Twente, accused of not showing enough commitment to the cause as the Eagles nose-dived towards the promotion/ relegation playoff places.

Fleeting glimmers of hope came and went; a solitary home victory over ADO Den Haag in January, away successes against Zwolle the following month and the miraculous victory at De Kuip against Feyenoord in April.

Following the inevitable sacking of Foeke Booy as manager in March, Dennis Demmers oversaw the unprecedented victory in De Kuip; his only success while at the helm. The unexpected win which followed a seven match losing streak proved ultimately to be a false dawn. Even with the added support of former Bondscoach, Bert van Marvijk, who returned to the club in an advisory capacity, the club amassed a measly four points from its last six Eredivisie games; only NAC Breda and Excelsior, who themselves each garnered just three points, performed worse over the same period.

Overall the club won just seven games, drew six and lost an incredible twenty one amassing just twenty seven points; only FC Dordrecht had more defeats inflicted upon them over the course of the league season with twenty two. The fact that Alex Schalk finished the season as the club’s top scorer with a paltry four goals to his name told its own story.

The future now appears to be one of rebuilding both on and off the field for the club as they prepare to host European club competition at their adopted home, the Jens Vesting Stadion in Emmen (De Adelaarshorst undergoing a belated 21^st Century face-lift over the the summer) as a second tier club once more.

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NEWS, TRANSFERS

Man Utd linked with Ajax keeper, club say not for sale

May 20, 2015 Will Burns Leave a comment

With strong reports in previous months linking David De Gea with a move back home to Spain, Louis Van Gaal has been scouring the continent for his replacement. Surprisingly, Manchester United already have Victor Valdes who many believe should fill the void should De Gea move to Real Madrid writes Darren Harrison.

Furthermore, fresh reports are linking Van Gaal with a move for Ajax goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, somebody he has worked closely with during his spell managing the Dutch national team. It may come as a surprise to many to see fresh reports linking Cillessen with a move to United, especially for a fee of around £25 million pounds. Subsequently, United goalkeeping coach Frans Hoek, also worked with Cillessen during his spell as goalkeeping coach of the national team, this could be one of the reasons Van Gaal is looking at Cillessen to replace De Gea.

On the other hand, Ajax manager Frank De Boer is reluctant to let his goalkeeper leave, Cillessen has most recently been voted best goalkeeper in Dutch football and Ajax club player of the year. Marc Overmars, sporting director for the Amsterdammers spoke to De Telegraaf and stated the stopper was not for sale: “Not even for £25 million”.

Although unlikely after Overmars’ comment, if Cillessen leaves Ajax, potential replacements for the keeper may come closer to home. Mickey van der Hart recently spent time on loan at Go Ahead Eagles, while FC Groningen stopper Sergio Padt may be a better replacement for Cillessen, having impressed for Groningen this season and broke into the Dutch under 21 squad, Padt could possibly be identified to replace Jasper Cillessen should he leave the Amsterdam club this summer.

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EREDIVISIE, FEATURE

Where does Feyenoord go from here?

May 19, 2015 Will Burns Leave a comment

With Fred Rutten leaving Feyenoord before the end of the season, and before the crucial Europa League play-offs, its leaves the great Rotterdam side in a sorry state of affairs despite finishing fourth in the league writes Max Griffin.

After crunch talks with Martin van Geel, the clubs sporting director, Rutten and the club have decided to part ways. Meaning they go into the crucial play-offs manager-less and in very poor form, three losses and two draws in their last five games to be exact meaning AZ pipped them to the crucial third spot and an automatic Europa League place – it’s also the first time they’ve finished outside the top three since the 2010/11 season where they finished tenth.

It’s not exactly surprising that the club have had an indifferent season this term, with them deciding to sell five key players in the summer. This included 23-goal striker Graziano Pelle and Dutch international right-back Daryl Janmaat without adequate replacements coming in to reinforce the squad. This made them unable to compete for the title, something they had the basis to do with the squad that finished the 13/14 season (other key players sold in the summer: Bruno Martins Indi, Stefan de Vrij and Ruud Vormer).

If they do manage to qualify for Europa League, even though they are some way off yet with Heerenveen and either PEC Zwolle or Vitesse standing in their way, it would merely be a consolation prize from a season largely filled with disappointment.

With rumours already beginning about key players at the club such as Jordy Clasie, Tonny Trindade de Vilhena and Lex Immers wanting moves away from the club to pastures new, the squad at De Kuip could be left with big gaps, and players such as captain Clasie will be hard to replace.

With last summer’s recruitment not going entirely to plan, the club left themselves worse for wear and it has affected them this season. Most notably at the start of the season where they managed only five points from their first six games, patches like this one and their most recent wobble where they have lost three games in five are why they have struggled to finish fourth.

With the inexperienced Giovanni van Bronckhorst now took over and rumours of major exits this summer, it is down to the board to get it right with their summer business, if not another poor season surely awaits the club, creating further unrest in the stands.

The signs are that things could be getting worse for Feyenoord before they get better. If things are not sorted out quickly by the board, starting with the crunch match with Heerenveen on Thursday where a loss could see the side without European football for the first time in three years, something a club of their stature would expect every season. If the board don’t get things right, could a repeat of the 2010/11 season where the club finished tenth be on the cards?

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FEATURE

Total Dutch Football 2014/15 Manager of the Season

May 19, 2015 Will Burns Leave a comment

The votes proved that there was only one manager worthy of our first annual ‘Manager of the Season’ award. All staff were asked to name their top three managers. Each first pick received three points, second place received two points and one point was awarded for the third pick. The results are below…

Winner – PHILIP COCU (PSV) 15 points

Great players, do not make great managers right? In only his second full year as coach, former international midfielder Philip Cocu guided PSV to their 22nd Eredivisie championship title. As an inexperienced manager, Cocu has led a team with an average age of 23, to an emphatic league victory winning by gigantic 17 points over bitter rivals Ajax.

Next season perhaps sees Cocu’s biggest challenge, a Champions League campaign and trying to retain the Eredivisie shield without some important cogs in this season’s wheel. Memphis Depay has already departed, whilst big money moves for Georginio Wijnaldum and Jetro Willems are surely round the corner. Cocu will have a large amount of money to spend, but former international team-mates Frank de Boer and Giovanni van Bronckhorst will be building squads themselves for a title fight.

2nd – EDWIN VAN DE LOOI (FC Groningen) 8 points

The 43-year-old from Huissen, clinched his trophy for the Pride of the North defeating PEC Zwolle in the KNVB Beker final earlier this month, the first time in the clubs history. A eighth place finish was a great achievement after losing many big names last summer, and another punt at the Europa League next season is to look forward too.

3rd – RON JANS (PEC Zwolle) 3 points

The beginning of the season was a great start for Jans and Zwolle, defeating Ajax in the Johan Cruyiff Schaal. A KNVB Beker final defeat was not to be shamed of, and finishing in the top six, the highest in their history is an unbelievable turnaround from the little team that couldn’t a few years back.

OTHERS

HENK DIJKHUIZEN (Excelsior) 1 point

JURGEN STREPPEL (Willem II) 1 point

FRED RUTTEN (Feyenoord) 1 point

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TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

FEATURE

Total Dutch Football 2014/15 Player of the Season

May 18, 2015 Will Burns 1 Comment

After yet another set of entertaining Eredivisie and KNVB Beker campaigns, the TotalDutchFootball.com workforce has been voting all week and we are now ready to dish out our prestigious first ever ‘End Of Season’ awards.

All staff were asked to name their top three players. Each first pick received three points, second place received two points and one point was awarded for the third pick. The results are below…

Winner – MEMPHIS DEPAY (PSV) 15 points

Like his manager, Philip Cocu, Depay was a unanimous winner picked first by all five voters. Over the past season no-one can doubt that without Depay, PSV would not have experienced the success they have this term. Depay notched 22 Eredivisie goals along with five assists that earned him major plaudits across the globe and a four-year deal at Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United next season.

His superb free-kick technique led to seven of those goals – leaving most goalkeepers stranded as he lined up the set pieces from the edge of the area. The flamboyant winger hit an average of 5.4 shots per game (according to Opta) and three assists (from 2.1 key passes per game).

With his tremendous determination, speed, skill and awareness, Depay has linked up well down the left with Jetro Willems (our runner-up). Connecting with the left-back has helped the 20-year-old create 13 goals in the league (an Eredivisie high).

This cocky youngster is heading to the Premier League, to a team who used to try and contain the cockiness of one Cristiano Ronaldo. He has all the attributes and swagger to hold his own in comparison to the now-Real Madrid star.

PSV and Eredivisie watchers will thank Depay for the memories this season and it is sad to see him go abroad but I’m sure all, including all the readers of this website, wish him good luck and keep chasing those dreams.

2nd – JETRO WILLEMS (PSV) 6 points

Depay’s team-mate is runner-up after a successful season appearing in 30 out of the 34 leagues games for PSV. Willems was a vital part of the Eindhoven set-up this year under Philip Cocu and they will be hoping to hold onto him as long as they can.

OTHERS

JASPER CILLESSEN (Ajax) 2 points

GEORGINIO WIJNALDUM (PSV) 2 points

LUUK DE JONG (PSV) 2 points

MICHIEL KRAMER (ADO Den Haag) 1 point

HAKIM ZIYECH (FC Twente) 1 point

MARKO VEJINOVIC (Vitesse) 1 point

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TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

FEATURE

Total Dutch Football 2014/15 Breakthrough Talent of the Season

May 18, 2015 Will Burns 1 Comment

Throughout this year’s campaign, we have seen some great talents emerge as scouts from all over Europe honed in on them. Myself and the remainder of the staff at TotalDutchFootball.com have been assessing who can be declared as the best ‘Breakthrough Talent of the Season’.

All staff were asked to name their top three talents. Each first pick received three points, second place received two points and one point was awarded for the third pick. The results are below…

Winner – JESUS CORONA (FC Twente) 5 points

The little Mexican nicknamed “El Tecatito”, signed on a free transfer aged 20 from Liga MX side Monterrey after rejecting a new contract from the Mexican club in 2013. After taking a while to settle in under Albert Schreuder, Corona now 22-years-old, has shown he is perfect example of a pacy winger with a tremendous dribbling ability to torment full-backs down either flank.

He appeared in 27 games for Twente this year, notching nine goals and supplying four assists, showing to be a shining light, in a what has been a disappointing season for his side. Tecatito’s consistency has enhanced his already impressive skills. His speed and trickery make him a very elusive footballer who provides depth to the team, which results in goal opportunities.

Due to Twente’s crippling financial status, Corona looks to be moved on next season and could end up leaving the Eredivisie. However, the young Mexican has finally shone in Holland and he is surely set to raise a big chunk of funds for the Enschede club.

Joint 2nd – MARK UTH & SAM LARSSON (Heerenveen) 4 points

The Heerenveen pair have been surprising successes for Dwight Lodeweges this year. Both used as replacements for summer sales, Alfred Finnbogasson and Hakim Ziyech respectively have excelled. The stocky German striker, Uth has scored 15 times in 32 outings to become the club’s top scorer and managed to use his strength to hold the ball up and created 10 assists. Also notching goals is Swedish winger Larsson with eight with four assists. Both players have linked with moves away themselves this coming summer, not an unusual process for Heerenveen.

OTHERS

ALBERT RUSNAK (FC Groningen) 3 points

TJARONN CHERY (FC Groningen) 3 points

ANWAR EL GHAZI (Ajax) 3 points

TOM VAN WEERT (Excelsior) 2 points

TERENCE KONGOLO (Feyenoord) 2 points

WESLEY HOEDT (AZ) 1 point

NEMANJA GUDELJ (AZ) 1 point

DALEY SINKGRAVEN (Ajax) 1 point

BERTRAND TRAORE (Vitesse) 1 point

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TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

EREDIVISIE, NEWS

Rutten leaves Feyenoord, Gio may take over early

May 17, 2015 Will Burns Leave a comment

As expected this evening Fred Rutten has left his role as Feyenoord manager with immediate effect reports Ross Anderson.

A meeting was called with Feyenoord’s sporting director Martin van Geel and Rutten resigned after the talks. The 52-year-old former PSV, Twente and Vitesse manager took the decision to leave following his sides failure to reach the Europa League outright after a 3-0 defeat at PEC Zwolle this afternoon.

This result allowed AZ Alkmaar to overtake them in third place on the final day of the season, meaning Feyenoord will have to gain entry into Europe through the play-offs. The defeat in Zwolle was the last straw for club and manager as they both feel a change will be needed in order to navigate their way through the play-offs.

Rutten was already set to leave at the end of the season with assistant Giovanni van Bronckhorst to be in charge next season. We understand Van Bronckhorst will now step up to try and help the Rotterdammers claim a European football place.

Rutten’s side only managed a poor tally of two points from their last five games as they slumped to home defeats to Go Ahead Eagles and Vitesse and away draws with Willem II and Groningen before losing heavily today.

It was ultimately a mixed season in charge of the Rotterdam club for Rutten who never really won the full support of the fans. After a sketchy start to the season where they won only five points from their first six games, which included home defeats to Utrecht and fierce rivals Ajax and found themselves stuck at the wrong end of the table.

The team seemed to find their feet after that and charged up the table into the top three and finished top of their Europa League group with eventual finalists Sevilla. After their title hopes were cruelly dashed in a thrilling 4-3 loss to PSV, they still found a certain consistency in results and looked set for a top three finish before a poor end to the season has cost them.

With Vitesse only managing a draw at home with Utrecht, Feyenoord finished fourth and will play Heerenveen in the play-off before playing either Zwolle or Vitesse in the final should they win.

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FEATURE

How Koeman’s Dutch revolution has possibly changed Southampton forever

May 17, 2015 Will Burns Leave a comment

It was 16^th June 2014, Southampton Football club appoint Dutch legend, free scoring former Dutch international centre back Ronald Koeman as manager after he left Feyenoord at the end of a three year stint, where he managed to guide the Rotterdam side to two second place finishes and one third place finish, becoming a fan favourite in the process. Little did he know what would lie ahead writes Max Griffin.

After The Saints managed back to back promotions to rejoin England’s elite, finishing 14^th and then eighth in alternating seasons under the guide of the cold and calculated Nicola Cortese the signs were looking good – ‘little Southampton’ were on the up. Steadily the club were writing off their debt, left from the financial crisis at the club that landed them with a ten point deduction and in League One (England’s third tier). However, slowly but surely they were re-finding there feet in the Premier League, a division they were in for 27 years consecutively before being relegated in 2005. The eighth place finish the club managed at the end of the 2013/14 season under the guide of Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino showed that the club’s progression under Cortese was ongoing. The South-coast side jumping six places from the 2012/13 season where Pochettino had come in to steer the club from the threat of relegation, (replacing fan favourite Nigel Adkins to wide criticism), speculation was rife and rightly so.

Finishing eighth was one off a Europa League qualification place and players such as Dejan Lovren, Jay Rodriguez and Morgan Schneiderlin were all touted as targets for clubs bigger than Southampton, such as Tottenham, Liverpool and Arsenal. As if this wasnt bad enough speculation was begging to mount that Cortese, the man who Southampton supposedly owed their regained Premier League status too was once again dropping hints he may leave the club, with Pochettino likely to follow suit. Cortese was spouting that he would leave the club if he was not allowed more control over the day to day running of the club from owner Katharina Liebherr, including more money for transfers. An agreement was not reached and on the 15th January 2014, Southampton accepted Cortese’s resignation, and so began the clubs famous ‘meltdown’.

Just days after Cortese’s resignation, Pochettino was fielding questions about his future at the club, as in the 2012/13 season he said he did not see a future at the club without Cortese, his direct quote being ‘me on a personal sense, I would not understand a Southampton without Nicola being here’ – he refused to answer directly to questions about his future, saying that he would play out the season and talk to the board when all was done. On the 27^th May 2014, Pochettino was unveiled as manager of Tottenham Hotspur. The two most influential men at the club who all the players signed and played for, were gone. Instantly speculation arose with the Saints players being linked with new clubs left, right and centre, the club was in free-fall. Something needed to happen and fast.

Up steps Ronald Koeman with his brother Erwin as his assistant (the first time the Dutch legends had worked together in the dugout), signing a three-year deal, it was just the lift the club needed, a big name in football with a reputation. Early signs were positive, with Koeman and the clubs new director Les Reed speaking positively about keeping the current squad together and building from the top half finish they had the season before, but in the modern game players have all the power.

Despite their efforts one by one the Southampton exodus began, young left-back Luke Shaw signing for Manchester United, captain Adam Lallana signing for Liverpool, along with Rickie Lambert and Dejan Lovren. All in all, the Saints lost five of their key players, making over £90 million in the process – Koeman was not deterred. With the club being touted for relegation back to the Championship and having a miserable season to follow their even more miserable summer, things looked bleak. The famous Koeman brothers had a big task on their hands, and a rebuilding task that scared even the shrewdest of operators.

Koeman acted fast, blocking a move for Morgan Schneiderlin to follow Pochettino to Tottenham, the news coming from the club was that the selling was over, now it was time to rebuild, in the Dutchman’s image. Investing the transfer money straight back into the squad, which was vastly depleted of resources. In came the cavalry, with the club making a string of big money signings, to match the new direction the club wanted to go in. First in from the Eredivisie came attacking playmaker Dusan Tadic (one of the league’s hottest properties) from FC Twente, and from Koeman’s former club Feyenoord – Graziano Pelle. Two players who understood wholly Koeman’s footballing philosophy and style, the fans were beginning to be won over and believe not everything was bleak.

Following Tadic and Pelle came Fraser Forster, Florin Gardoș, Shane Long, Ryan Bertrand, Sadio Mane and most importantly Belgian international Toby Alderweireld – a ball playing centre back, schooled in Ajax who played the Dutch way. As a signing it was a massive statement of intent that Southampton where looking to improve, despite their summer of turmoil Southampton seemed to have a well rounded squad, that was in fact stronger than last season’s and was capable of at least staying up.

The players that had been brought in, proved Koeman was looking to stick to his principles of building from the back, bringing in three defenders and a goalkeeper. He was moulding his squad to be flexible, playing a 4-2-3-1 formation with attacking full backs and aggressive ball playing centre midfielder’s sitting in front of the defence, his philosophy was to play attractive, passing football, the Dutch way as he was taught by mentor and former manager Johan Cruyff. He wanted a side who could play out from the back, but mix it up and be hard when needed to be. The combination worked. From early on in the season everyone could see what Koeman was trying to do and that he was not far off from creating a real force in the English game.

The season started of with a 2-1 loss away to Liverpool, the side who had poached three of Southampton’s key players from last season. The remaining players had something to prove. Despite the loss, they were impressive – pressing Liverpool, having much of the possession, the goal coming from neat passing in and around the Liverpool box when a Tadic backheel through the legs of Lovren opened up the defence, on ran Nathaniel Clyne from right back to rifle home a finish into the top corner. The goal epitomized everything Koeman was trying to achieve, attractive passing football, with attacking full backs looking to cause havoc in the oppositions half. Despite the loss, the Southampton players could hold there heads high, knowing if they carried on in this vain that they would be okay.

After the loss to Liverpool came a 0-0 draw at home to West Brom, then everything clicked. On came a six-game winning streak. Solid at the back, free scoring in attack, a 4-0 win over Newcastle and most notably a 2-1 away win to Arsenal in the Capital One cup where Koeman’s men were particularly impressive. They have carried on in a similar vain all season, including beating Sunderland by a massive 8-0 at St.Mary’s where Tadic and Pelle particularly shone, continuing to prove that Koeman knew his stuff in the transfer market.

Despite threatening to challenge for top four and Champions League qualification all season, Southampton have fallen short. This was always to be inevitable because of the spending power and deeper squads the league’s elite have but despite this, they have never abandoned their principles playing the same way in the 8-0 victory and the disappointment of a quarter-final Capital One Cup loss to League One outfit Sheffield United. With the strong partnership of Jose Fonte alongside Alderweireld, Southampton have got one of the strongest defensive records in Europe, something Koeman should be understandably proud of. Goalkeeper Fraser Forster being top of the clean sheets charts with 13 clean sheets all before getting injured against Burnley in march and missing the rest of the season, proves just how solid the base that Koeman has built is.

It’s one of the top defences in all of Europe’s top 5 ‘power leagues’ and they also have the fewest goals conceded by individual errors, proving that they are well drilled and are switched on, focused on the task in hand. They’ve also broken the clubs points record in the Premier League, it’s the best the club have ever done since the formation of the division in 1992, with a record finish of at least seventh and potential Europa League football on the horizon.

The club have once again improved and if they can secure a top seven finish it would continue the steady progression of the club, from 14^th, to 8^th to top seven in three years would be a massive achievement, European football for the first time since 2003 when they qualified through being runners up in the FA cup would be quite something for a club of Southampton’s size. Potential champions league football could be on the horizon if the club continues to improve in this way, especially under the safe hands of Ronald and Erwin.

Because of his achievements, Koeman has major plaudits coming his way being linked with major jobs elsewhere, such as at his beloved Barcelona where he is a club hero and the Holland national team (touted for the job by fellow Dutch legend Ronald De Boer) he has denied interest in all of them….for now. Loyalty being a major thing for Koeman, one of his many desirable qualities, but when his contact is up at the end of 2016/17 season, Koeman is sure to move onto pastures new, a club/country matching his ability, such as Barcelona.

If there’s one thing you should know about Koeman and his tenure at the South Coast side, its that the club will never be the same. His eye for detail means no stone is unturned and when he leaves he will surely leave the club in a much healthier state then when he took over, making Southampton a consistent, top-ten quality side capable of being a player in the European game.

The Dutch revolution at Southampton may have just begun, but its clear to see that when he leaves, Southampton will never be the same side again. Once a League One side, hours from going out of business, into a quality Premier League team. It can be argued that much like with the sacking of Adkins and replacement with Pochettino, if it had not have happened this natural progression that’s taken place at the club may not have happened at all. Perhaps the club would have been just treading water, although it seemed a disaster at the time Pochettino moving on seems to have been a blessing in disguise, Southampton have been majorly brought on by the quality of ‘Tintin’ and long may it continue.

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FEATURE

The next big thing at PSV – Jetro Willems

May 16, 2015 Will Burns Leave a comment

Jetro Willems has long been destined for great things in Holland and this season he has kicked on at PSV in their title winning campaign. The left back has been a key part of what the side do in both halves of the pitch and is very much a modern day full back, with the quality to create in the final third. He has an incredible engine which allows him to get up and down the pitch, which is a key part of a wing back’s game. After first coming onto the scene at Euro 2012 when he became the youngest player to appear at a European Championships, but he hasn’t progressed as he would have liked since then.

This season has been a positive one both personally and professionally for the left back as he has performed brilliantly for a side which has won their first Eredivisie title since 2007. He has been key part of the side, scoring twice and getting twelve assists which is a great achievement for a left back. At the age of 21, Willems will be beginning to look towards his next move and PSV will be worried about losing their left back in a summer which could see them lose a lot of their big players.

Willems has been linked with clubs such as Manchester City and Real Madrid in recent months, which highlights how well he has done this season. The defender will have to be careful when selecting his next move as many before him have rushed to leave the Eredivisie and have found their careers regressing outside of Holland. The PSV player has a huge future ahead of him and could develop into one of the best attacking full backs in the world, but he needs regular first team football to achieve that.

It is easy to see why many clubs are looking at Willems as he is a modern day full back who adds an extra edge to his side when going forwards. He is quick, direct and is capable of beating his opposite number to put in dangerous crosses into the penalty area. His crossing and passing are both excellent as he has the technical skills that people come to expect of Dutch footballers. Meanwhile defensively, he is very good in the air, and his concentration and reading of the game are both excellent as he often intercepts passes before launching his side into attack with lung bursting runs forward.

The main concern surrounding his game is his discipline as he fouls often, as can be seen by his tally of 9 yellow cards and one sending off this season. The red card was actually the quickest ever in Eredivisie history as he was dismissed after just 29 seconds against NAC Breda. This is an area he can work on and if he improves it, he has the attributes to develop into a fine left back.

This summer is going to be key for both PSV and the Eredivisie as the league has benefitted from having a side other than Ajax topping the table. PSV must hold on to the majority of their current side and sign some new players so they can challenge for the title again, as Ajax will be going all out to regain the championship. Willems is an example of a player who is likely to move to another European league in the near future, but at the age of 21, he has time on his side, and would benefit from another year in Holland. Especially as PSV will be playing Champions League football in the 2015/16 season.

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FEATURE

A Dutch injection of youth

May 14, 2015 Will Burns Leave a comment

The end of an era is inching closer:

Arjen Robben 31 years old, 86 appearances, 28 goals

Robin van Persie 31 years old, 96 appearances, 49 goals

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar 31 years old, 71 appearances, 39 goals

Wesley Sneijder 30 years old, 113 appearances, 28 goals

Rafael Van Der Vaart 32 years old, 109 appearances, 25 goals.

These players have been the staple of the Oranje for the last seven years, now all of them are on the wrong side of thirty. To say that they do not have valuable playing time left would be foolish, Robben is having the best scoring year of his career, and if not for injuries would have eclipsed the twenty goal mark for the first time in the Bundesliga, while Van Persie was the leading goal scorer for Manchester United before also picking up an injury. These injuries are proof that these legendary Dutchmen are slowing down, and that father time is creeping up on them. It is time for change, time for new stars to be bloom and become legends themselves.

Thankfully for the Oranje Crush, young players are making strides at all levels, making their debuts for clubs in Holland, moving to bigger leagues, and are donning the KNVB jersey for the first time at a senior level left, right and center. So who will be the stars of the future? Which players will shine bright on the international stage? Thomas Tittley investigates…

MEMPHIS DEPAY

If anyone in the footballing community has not heard of the electrifying left winger by now, they shall soon be introduced to his brilliance as he has just signed for Manchester United and Dutchman Louis Van Gaal. Compared by many to Ronaldo, Depay surprisingly made the national team during the World Cup in Brazil last summer, however was far from disappointing, scoring twice including a stunner against Australia.

The 21-year-old has incredible pace and balance, able to explode down the wing with his fantastic dribbling skills, cut into the middle causing defenders to twist and turn, before releasing a powerful strike with his cannon of a right foot. The young man has found the back of the net 22 times in the Eredivisie this season, many of which have been highlight reel goals, including a whopping seven free kick goals.

Depay will play left wing, a position where the Netherlands have lacked scoring for several years, with Eljero Elia, Ibrahim Afellay and Jeremain Lens all failing to make a serious impact on the squad. Eventually, the young man will have to replace Robben as the main threat on the wing. He will undoubtedly become a world-star, however will he be a big enough star to lead the Oranje to their first major international trophy since 1988.

BAS DOST

Yes this one is somewhat surprising, but every great squad needs a great striker up front, and Dost has all the tools to become a great striker. No other country in the world has produced as many quality strikers as the Netherlands, from Marco Van Basten, to Patrick Kluivert, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Robin Van Persie; there is seemingly no end to the talented goal-scorers. Unfortunately for Holland, Robin Van Persie, the all-time leading scorer for Holland, and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, the third leading scorer, are both 31-years-old.

Dost offers a glimmer of hope, the 6’5 Wolfsburg striker is one of the most polarizing players in football, fans do not know if they should despise his inconsistent play and slow starts, or marvel at his goal scoring tally. Incredibly, Dost has scored 16 times in the Bundesliga, despite having only one goal through the month of November. While he was on his scoring streak he had a shooting percentage of 82%, scoring on more than eight out of his every ten shots. With Dost, the Netherlands could play beautiful attacking football, with him holding the ball up for the insane amount of pace that Holland possess on the wings, very similar to how PSV played with Luuk De Jong. Yet when you have a 6’5 striker who is talented in the air, sometimes the temptation to go route-one is too strong, which was evident against Turkey a few months ago. This temptation is something Guus Hiddink should try and stay away from as it takes the rest of the squad out of the flow of the game and is easy to defend.

Bas Dost could end up as either one of the most prolific strikers in Europe or a total bust, for now just enjoy his quality in front of goal, and pray that he continues to develop.

GEORGINIO WIJNALDUM

The 24-year-old Wijnaldum is the rare midfielder that combines skill and athleticism, capable of picking out a brilliant pass, as well as beating a defender for pace. He showed this talent while playing for the Oranje in Brazil last summer where he impressed with his distribution ability and even scored in the bronze medal game against Brazil.

The young man playing in Eindhoven has converted from a winger, which he played at the Under 21’s and was arguably Hollands best player during that tournament, to a box-to-box midfielder. Wijnaldum has impressed both offensively and defensively, as well as being the leader and organiser of the Eredivisie champions PSV Eindhoven. Scoring 13 goals and three assists throughout the season, he impressed many using his athleticism to take defenders on and has terrific finishing in front of goal. Since moving to the midfield he has thrived, his passing ability evident averaging 32.8 passes a game, 1.2 of which are key passes, with and 84.7% success rate (WhoScored.com).

Wijnaldum has also embraced the new defensive responsibilities with 1.1 tackles a game and one interception a game, pretty fair for someone who was a winger two years ago. Now it is time for Wijnaldum to take on a new challenge, with the brilliant season for PSV behind him, Premier League squads are eyeing the attacking midfielder who has been linked with Manchester United, Newcastle United and Liverpool.

KEVIN STROOTMAN

Injuries have ravaged promising careers of Dutch players, such as Elia and Afellay, who showed so much promise, were slowed by multiple long term injuries. The Netherlands should pray that Kevin Strootman is different. When healthy, he is one of the best distributors in the world, capable of picking out a pass with ease and slicing open a defence like a knife through cheese. After the 25-years-old Strootman moved from PSV to AS Roma for a hefty £17 million, great things were expected.

Unfortunately, a knee injury in March of 2014 kept him out of the World Cup where he would have without a doubt been the favourite to start in the midfield beside Wesley Sneijder. In January of 2015 Roma announced that Strootman needed ACL surgery which would keep him out for a lengthy period of time. Although these injuries seem grim, in only seven appearances for Roma he already has two assists, making 41.3 passes a game, 1.3 key passes a game, averaging a passing accuracy of 85.9% (WhoScored.com). Those are gaudy numbers for the playmaking Strootman, who will hopefully make a full recovery and continue to open up defenses on the international stage.

The Netherlands have been contending for big trophies for the past decade, if they wish to continue their success and add to the trophy case, then this injection of youth that was seen in the 2014 World Cup, will have to continue throughout the Euro qualifiers and beyond.

Data courtesy of Opta

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TRANSFERS

Swansea set to sign Heerenveen’s top Swede stopper

May 13, 2015 Will Burns Leave a comment

Premier League side Swansea City are finalising a deal with Dutch side SC Heerenveen for Swedish goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt. The 25-year-old has a contract until the summer of 2016 writes Martijn Hilhorst.

Therefore the (unknown) transfer fee wouldn’t be that enormous for the Garry Monk’s side, who are seeking a competitor for Lukasz Fabianski regarding the first goalkeeping position. As stated before, both parties have already agreed a transfer fee. Still, Swansea needs to do some convincing towards the Heerenveen-goalie, because it’s important for Nordfeldt that he will regularly play during the upcoming season with the Euro Cup 2016 in sight, where he will most likely will be called up by Sweden.

Kristoffer Nordfeldt has already made seventy appearances for SC Heerenveen since he joined in 2012 and the goalkeeper has not missed one minute this season and managed to keep his clean sheet in nine of 33 Eredivisie matches this term. Potentially, a great coup for the Welsh side.

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FEATURE

How does PSV replace Memphis Depay?

May 11, 2015 Will Burns 3 Comments

The announcement last week of the transfer of Memphis Depay to Manchester United has left PSV with a significant hole to fill. Luckily for PSV, they have money in the bank now in order to try and fill this hole. We all know and appreciate Memphis’ talents and he might be one of those once in a generation footballers but PSV need to ask the question “How do we Replace Memphis”? Even with Memphis leaving, PSV still have a very talented side but they will certainly miss the X-Factor that he provided. Replacing Memphis will be a hard task but there are some options at PSV’s disposal. Rogier Waalder looks at the candidates:

Jesus Manuel Corona (FC Twente)

One of the only players in the Eredivisie this year who catches the eye as much as Depay does, is the Mexican winger Jesus Corona, who plays for FC Twente. A very tricky and skilful winger, he certainly has the ability to turn a game like Memphis does. He has scored 13 goals in his 32 games this season and his dribbling, first touch and technique are in the same class as Memphis. He does lack the power and free-kick abilities of Memphis but is only 22 years old. FC Twente will be holding a fire-sale in the summer to clear their debts and so Corona is very much on the market. A big stumbling block, though, is his wage demands with a recent poll showing that 85% of PSV fans do not think he is worth the reported 1 million EURO salary that he is after.

Sam Larsson (SC Heerenveen)

Swedish international Larsson is a new arrival to Heerenveen this season, after joining from Goteburg in the off-season. He has proven to be yet another potential Scandinavian jewel that the Heerenveen scouting team has delivered over the years. Has all the same hallmarks as Corona but represents a more powerful, cheaper option. Larsson has contributed 8 goals and 6 assists in his 20 games this season. Heerenveen have already offered him a new contract, but he has refused to consider this at present. He has a contract until 2018 so Heerenveen aren’t in any rush to sell but PSV might be tempted to make them an offer they can’t refuse.

Ricardo Kishna (Ajax)

Yes he plays for Ajax presently and yes this is probably the biggest obstacle in Kishna going to PSV, but transfers between PSV & Ajax are not unheard of. Kishna is a year younger than Memphis and despite his young age has already proven that he can light up the Eredivisie. His flair, trickery, dribbling and pace are very comparable to Memphis and he has a return of 5 goals and assists from 20 matches this season. This current Dutch youth team player only has 1 year to run on his Ajax contract, so he could force the issue if PSV make a serious play for his services.

Elvis Manu (Feyenoord)

Plays for Feyenoord, so again some question marks surrounding a desire to sell him to PSV but he also has the hallmarks of someone who could replace Memphis. A 21-year old natural Left Winger, Manu has had a good season for Feyenoord with 14 goals in 34 matches, including some great performances in the Europa League. Manu has great pace and strength but his overall technique and consistency would need some improvement to reach Memphis levels but definitely a great raw talent.

Steven Berghuis (AZ Alkmaar)

Berghuis has been a standout performer for AZ this season with 10 goals in 22 appearances. The former Twente youth player can play on either wing or as Striker and has excellent technical and passing abilities. He has a strong desire to succeed (much like Memphis does) and would arguably be the cheapest of the options presented thus far. He probably isn’t quite at the standard that Memphis is but would be a good squad player, in conjunction with another big name signing.

Bilal Ould-Chikh (FC Twente)

If PSV are looking at a longer term prospect that they can bring up to Memphis’ standard then Ould-Chikh might be their guy. Only 17 years old he has already played 15 full games for FC Twente this season. An out and out winger with great technique, pace and dribbling abilities Ould-Chikh certainly has the potential to rival Memphis one day. FC Twente might be needing cash to satisfy their creditors at the moment, but surely they’ll want to hang on to their star prospect and try and build a team around him.

Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United)

Januzaj has been on the outer at Manchester United since Van Gaal’s arrival and was rumoured to have been offered as part of any deal taking Memphis to England. It doesn’t look like this has eventuated but a cashed up PSV could do a lot worse than taking the talented Belgian to Eindhoven, even if it is on loan. Even though he has not scored in the Premier League this year, the footballing world is very aware of Januzaj’s abilities with a ball at his feet and his technique and flair do rival those of Memphis. He is on a massive salary at Man Utd and this is why a loan move but be the best for both teams, particularly as Memphis will certainly be a direct rival for Januzaj.

Serge Gnabry (Arsenal)

Another potential loan option is the Arsenal youngster, Serge Gnabry. Like Januzaj Gnabry burst onto the scene last season before injury curtailed his plans and has had limited game time since. He may be best suited to a spell in the Eredivisie, whilst also getting guaranteed Champions League action. Gnabry has fantastic physical attributes and his attacking tendancies would be very well suited to this PSV side.

Ola John (Benfica)

For a 22-year old John seems to have been around for a long time, and certainly his club movements would indicate the same. Currently at Benfica, the lure of returning home to PSV may be one that suits John as he looks to break back into the Dutch national team setup. Another out and out pacy winger John could be the perfect provider for Luuk de Jong.

Filip Kostic (Stuttgart)

22-year old Serbian Kostic played 2 seasons in the Eredivisie with Groningen before earning a move to Stuttgart in the off-season. He has played reasonably well in a struggling side with 3 goals and 7 assists thus far. He has tremendous cross abilities and is also an accomplished finisher. If Stuttgart do get relegated this season this might be enough to convince Kostic to return to the Netherlands and the lure of Champions League football.

There are some options available internally at PSV at present headlined by the wantaway Zakaria Bakkali and the raw but very inconsistent Florian Jozefzoon. A long term potential replacement is the exciting young Steven Bergwijn, who made his Eredivisie debut on the weekend at the age of 17. Bergwijn is very highly thought of at PSV and has tremendous pace and acceleration. If his technical abilities continue to develop over the next few seasons he is definitely one to watch.