All posts by Will Burns

PSV interests Belgium hardman Steven Defour

July 22, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

If PSV and FC Porto can agree a transfer fee, Steven Arnold Defour could be on the verge of joining the Eindhoven club after 3 years with the Portuguese giants. Defour’s agent Paul Stefani was originally quoted as saying “PSV are a big club and would certainly be of interest to Steve”. He is now saying that Defour has an agreement in principal with PSV but that it also depends on whether Porto allow him to leave.

Porto are certainly not lacking in midfield with players such as Hector Herrera, Josue and Juan Quintero already there and both Casemiro and Oliver Torres joining this summer on loan. Presumably as one of the more senior players at 26, Defour is likely to be on higher wages than most at the club so Porto will probably allow him to leave. PSV will bring him in to provide cover in midfield after Park Ji-Sung retired and Bryan Ruiz returned to Fulham. Also after having such a good World Cup, Georginio Wijnaldum could be a target for one or two European clubs.

Defour was born in Mechelen, Belgium and played youth football for KV Mechelen, before moving to KRC Genk in 2004. At the age of just 17 he became first choice for Genk in the 2005-06 campaign and finished it with 26 games and 1 goal. That season Genk failed to reach European football and this made Defour try and force a move to Ajax. Genk refused because the Dutch club had approached the player without the club’s permission, forcing Ajax to pull out. Defour threatened to leave over this but Ajax were no longer interested and Defour ended up signing for Standard Liege for a much reduced fee.

In his 2^nd year at Standard he was named Captain at just 19 and won the Belgian Golden Shoe (Domestic Player of the Year) for helping his team to the domestic title for the first time in 25 years. During his time at Standard he was linked with quite a few big European clubs, including Manchester United after Defour received a letter from Sir Alex Ferguson wishing him well after Defour broke his foot in 2009.

In the summer of 2011 he signed for FC Porto for €6 million, signing a five-year contract. In his first year he made 37 appearances and scored 2 goals helping Porto to the league title. Last season he wasn’t as vital in Porto’s midfield as he had been in previous years, making only 16 appearances and scoring no goals, which is probably why he is linked with a move away.

Steven Defour is an accomplished central midfielder, who has good vision as well as being a tough tackler; he will add some bite and drive to the PSV midfield, which already contains the likes of Maher and Wijnaldum. If PSV can sign him and keep Wijnaldum then they will surely challenge for the Eredivisie title this year because they will have signed a player coming into his prime and already a proven winner.

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NEWS, TRANSFERS

Feyenoord reject bid for Man Utd target

July 21, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Feyenoord have rejected a €6m bid for defender Stefan de Vrij from Serie A side Lazio and it now appears that Louis van Gaal may be in the driving seat to take the 22-year-old to Old Trafford.

It is understood that the Eredivisie giants want around €12m and Feyenoord sporting director Martin van Geel has spoke to RTV Rijnmond and stated if the club received an acceptable offer than they would not stand in the player’s way if he wished to depart the Rotterdam club.

“It’s logical for him to leave but it has to be for the right club for Stefan at the right price,” Van Geel said. “I am happy that we did not accept Lazio’s offer as it was too low. A second higher offer has not been received as of yet.”

Sources in Italy suggest that Lazio are thought to be lining up a counter-bid, however, it is unlikely to be near the €12m figure that the Rotterdam side value him at.

Van Geel continued: “Until a sufficient offer has been received then Stefan will be a Feyenoord player after he returns from his leave after the World Cup.”

New Manchester United boss Van Gaal led De Vrij and his Oranje team-mates to third place in the World Cup this summer and now beginning life at Old Trafford has led to many stories linking members of the impressive Dutch squad to a move to Manchester.

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NEWS, TRANSFERS

Bakkali offer accepted but Liverpool still in the hunt

July 21, 2014 Will Burns 2 Comments

UPDATED 21st July 2014 – 19:10

PSV Eindhoven contract rebel Zakaria Bakkali is wishing to move to the Premier League with Liverpool under Brendan Rodgers in an €8m deal. Although, reports tonight coming out of Holland suggest that PSV have agreed a fee with Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.

The young highly-rated Belgian winger has rejected PSV’s approaches with a new five-year contract due to the Eindhoven club unable to guarantee the 18-year-old first team football. Even though PSV technical director Martin Brands and head coach Philip Cocu highly-rate Bakkali, the emergence of Memphis Depay and Luciano Narsingh have made sure that the youngster is sitting on the bench.

By rejecting PSV’s offers, the club has saw this as a slap in the face and are looking to cash in on Bakkal, less than week after sending the player to train with the Jong PSV squad. At only €8m, Bakkali could prove to be a real snip for Liverpool, but he may well be spending time on the sidelines at Anfield also. England international Raheem Sterling has cemented his role on the right-wing after a tremendous season last campaign at only 19 years old and has no signs of letting up.

Bakkali himself burst on the season last year with a great start in a 5-0 win against NEC Nijmegen on 11th August 2013. At 17 years and 196 days, he became the youngest player in Eredivisie history to score a hat-trick.

Even with his great feats in the Eredivisie last season, PSV are set to ditch him due to his attitude regarding his future. Although he shows great ambitions, the youngster could find himself kicking up a storm in Liverpool within a few months. This is something that Brendan Rodgers will have to take into hand before signing the prospect to a deal.

Indeed a deal with Eintracht Frankfurt has been agreed, however, it is understood that Bakkali is holding off for a better offer. Could that be the mighty Reds?

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FEATURE, TRANSFERS

Western Sydney Wanderers ready to top with Castelen

July 21, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

The Western Sydney Wanderers have enjoyed a charmed life in the A-League since their inception two years ago with successive second place finishes. This meteoric rise from nothing to powerhouses of the Australian football scene was in part down to the recruitment of an astute young manager, Tony Popovic but also a playing roster that had excellent balance and experience.

However, since the end of last season, the Wanderers have lost key components of their team with the likes of Shinji Ono, Aaron Mooy, Youssouf Hersi and Jerome Polenz all departing for pastures new.

Popovic himself was rumoured to be leaving to seek a new challenge but instead has stayed on and clearly the challenge of rebuilding this successful side is one that appeals to him. So all eyes were then on his player recruitment and the early signings of Dean Bouzanis and the Brazilian Vitor Saba from Brescia were steps in the right direction. The announcement this week of the signing of former Dutch international Romeo Castelen has really set tongues wagging and the Wanderers firmly believe that they’ve picked up a potential star.

Castelen was released by the relegated Eredivisie side RKC Waalwijk at the end of last season and despite some good offers to stay in Europe, has decided to try a new adventure Down Under. The diminutive right winger has been capped 10 times for Oranje and a lot is riding on him to be the creative force in the team that Hersi was over the past 2 seasons. Castelen certainly has the pedigree to not only match, but eclipse Hersi’s stellar spell in the red and black jersey. Castelen, who was born in Suriname, started his career with ADO Den Haag and after 3 productive seasons with them joined Feyenoord. It was here that he established his career and earned his International Caps but his time at the club was cut short by injuries. Castelen moved over the border to Hamburg but failed to reach his previous highs and only played 17 first team games in 4 seasons.

Castelen took a sabbatical after his Hamburg contract expired and after a year out of the game signed on for Russian outfit Volga Nizhny Novgorod, but again injuries cursed him and he was released after only playing 2 games in his first season. RKC then offered him a lifeline and seemingly with his injuries behind him was a star performer in an otherwise disappointing season that ended in relegation. Castelen ended up playing 29 games and scoring 6 times and this form is what has pricked the attention of Popovic and in fact it was Popovic himself who’s words of inspiration convinced Castelen to make the move to Sydney.

Much will be expected of Castelen in Wanderers colours as they seek to try and better the runner-up slot and go one better. If he can produce the form from his early Feyenoord days and last season with RKC then the Wanderers will have one of the most exciting players in the league on their books. Let’s hope for Castelen, the Wanderers and the A-League that his injuries are behind him and he enjoys his time in Australia.

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FEATURE

Feyenoord – A bright future ahead

July 20, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

In the Dutch squad for this past summer’s World Cup, Feyenoord contributed more players than any other Dutch club. A total of nine of the squad either had been a youth player trained and educated at Feyenoord at their famous Varkenwood academy, still played for them or had left to a club in another country. Their names are Bruno Martins Indi, Daryl Janmaat, Stefan De Vrij, Terence Kongolo, Jordy Clasie, Robin Van Persie, Jonathan De Guzman, Leroy Fer and Georginio Wijnaldum writes Andries Oosterveen.

At the time of writing due to Holland’s excellent run at the tournament, the big clubs from some of the biggest leagues have already come calling. This has led to sad but inevitable break up of a Feyenoord side that I believe had a very strong opportunity to win the Eredivisie title, KNVB Beker and make an impact in the Champions League.

Ronald Koeman has left to coach Southampton with his brother Erwin Koeman in the English Premier League and has been joined by Graziano Pelle for a fee of €8m. His goal to game ratio for Feyenoord was lethal and is certain to be missed though hopefully properly replaced. Daryl Janmaat made it three by joining Newcastle United for a modest fee of €5m. The latest player to leave is the speedy versatile giant of a defender Bruno Martins Indi who has signed for FC Porto of Portugal in a €7.7m deal. The latest rumour concerns young defender Stefan De Vrij and a possible €8m transfer to Lazio in Italy or a possible €10m transfer to Manchester United.

What is good however about the above transfers is that these players will move to highly competitive leagues with top teams who play top teams each weekend, are coached by world class coaches and are rarely out of European competitions. The value of that in terms of their own personal development and different experiences is priceless and can only benefit the Dutch national team in the future and add another positive note and reference to Feyenoord’s highly successful Varkenwood youth academy. There is also the funding for the new 75,000 capacity stadium that needs to be found and considered.

Yes, both Koeman and those players need replacing and the easy thing would be to buy outside of Holland like clubs in the Premier League do. However, this is Holland, where quality recruiting and youth player development has always been top of the priority list. As a result Koeman´s replacement was chosen as Fred Rutten.

Rutten is 51 years old and spent his whole playing career at FC Twente. After retiring he managed FC Twente, Schalke 04, PSV Eindhoven and Vitesse Arnhem. His management win ratio at those clubs was 52% FC Twente, 41% Schalke 04, 70% PSV Eindhoven and 55% Vitesse Arnhem.

Rutten will also keep the Feyenoord playing style alive as the fans expect the players to work like they do, chase opponents down and play at a high intensity. This would also be in line with the famous club saying of “Geen Woorden Maar Daden“ which in English means “Not Words But Deeds“.

In 2010, Feyenoord was almost made bankrupt which was the catalyst for them to turn to youth first before looking elsewhere to provide players for the first team squad. There was no cash for new players so the youth academy was the main supply for the squad. The academy is known as Varkenwood and has been voted now for the fifth year running as Holland’s best youth academy since 2009. The head of youth development is Damien Hertog and the Academy manager is Rob Kurvers. Proudly in May 2014, they again collected the Rinus Michels Award for this achievement.

The great story of Feyenoord’s Varkenwood youth academy was started by the great Stanley Brard who was a player at Feyenoord for most of his career. In February 2006, he was appointed chief of the youth academy and in the 8 years since turned Feyenoord’s youth academy into the best in Holland. Sadly Stanley Brard has now left Rotterdam to coach in Azerbaijan at FC Gabula but the success is continuing and the fanatical Feyenoord fans now have a homegrown team which is more than capable of achieving sustained success.

Besides appointing a new head coach, Feyenoord have in this month signed the experienced former Dutch international defender from Brondby in Denmark known as Khalid Bouhlarouz, who at 32, will add experience in defence, but recruiting from within to replace those sold is surely the priority as the success of Varkenwood shows.

In line with the great work being done at Varkenoord, here are some youth players to look out for and who could fill the void left by those already gone:

TERENCE KONGOLO (Defender)

Ronald Koeman has described him as the perfect defender. He made his Feyenoord debut this season. As he is tall, fast and intelligent, he is seen as a natural defender and is potentially the best defender of the De Vrij, Willems, Veltman, Indi, Rekik, Bruma and Denswil generation. His talents were noticed by Van Gaal and as a result he was included in the Dutch World Cup squad ahead of more experienced players.

ANASS ACHAHBAR (Striker)

A stocky striker, strong with the ball, lots of ambition and handy in the use of his body. Roy Makaay, Feyenoord’s attacking youth coach was once told by Achahbar that Feyenoord should not sign Graziano Pelle as they had him.

TONNY VILHENA (Midfielder)

Seen as a box to box midfielder in the Steven Gerrard or Patrick Vieira mould, he combines his technical abilities with a strong physical appearance. He possesses offensive and defensive qualities and is able to nick the ball away and create danger with sharp crisp passing. Former PSV coach Aad De Mos once called Vilhena the biggest talent in the Eredivisie.

JEAN-PAUL BOËTIUS (Winger)

A fast winger who combines speed with technique and creativity; he enjoys taking on right-backs with no fear and pressure. He is consistently proving to be a rising star which was evident in his debut goal against Ajax in October 2012 with a composed finish.

NEWS, TRANSFERS

Redknapp keen as QPR look to Van der Vaart

July 20, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

QPR have been linked with a move for Hamburg’s Rafael van der Vaart. The R’s manager, Harry Redknapp, coached the Dutch man during his time at Tottenham Hotspur and would like to rekindle the partnership as Redknapp aims to keep his team in the top flight following a successful campaign last year that resulted in promotion.

Redknapp has spoken about the London-based clubs need for six signings during the current transfer window, and the manager at Loftus Road has a history of signing players that previously worked with him – this theory only strengthened by the signing of former West Ham player Rio Ferdinand just last week.

Van der Vaart, signed with Hamburg in the Bundesliga, following a two year stint with Tottenham Hotspur under the guidance of Redknapp. There were tumultuous spells between the manager and the midfielder when the latter complained publicly about being made play on the right wing. Redknapp responded by dropping the former Dutch international and claiming that van der Vaart needed to concentrate on his fitness.

It is unknown how much Hamburg would try to extrapolate from the sale of their club captain, who has appeared for the club 172 during two spells with the club. The 31-year-old cost €13 million when purchased in 2012, but given his age and the fact that Hamburg struggled desperately last year might mean that they are willing to move in another direction. The former Dutch international has one year left to run on his contract.

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NEWS, TRANSFERS

Chelsea set to loan out another to Vitesse

July 20, 2014 Will Burns 2 Comments

Colombian striker Joao Rodriguez is set to become the third player currently on loan from Chelsea at Vitesse Arnhem, according to multiple reports.

The striker joined the club in 2012 after a successful trial as an Under-16 and would join up with Blues’ teammates Wallace and Bertrand Traore in the Eredivisie if the deal to Vitesse Arnhem goes through.

The issue that arose from Rodriguez’ transfer to Chelsea, and the reason why he hasn’t joined up with the squad is due to the fact that he can not obtain an English work permit. This is the reason he was sent back to Deportes Quindio after his initial signing, and the reason why he will likely be loaned out to the Eredivisie club, where a work permit might be more accessible.

Vitesse Arnhem have lost three Chelsea players from last season including Ghanaian winger Christian Atsu, Patrick van Aanholt and Lucas Piazon but will benefit from the additions of Wallace and ongoing loan deal involving Traore.

The partnership between Chelsea and Vitesse Arnhem appears to be growing stronger and stronger.

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NEWS, TRANSFERS

Stefan De Vrij – A bright future ahead

July 19, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

As of the 19th of July it seems almost certain that Stefan de Vrij will become the latest player to leave Feyenoord this summer, after Graziano Pelle, Daryl Janmaat and Bruno Martins Indi. He has been strongly linked with a move to Lazio of Serie A and the latest info seems to be that the Rome club have bid €7m for the 22-year old while Feyenoord are holding out for a figure closer to €9m.

This disagreement in transfer could leave a small gap for another club, such as Manchester United, to swoop in and sign the player, but this is unlikely because reports are saying de Vrij is keen on Lazio. Stefan de Vrij missed only 2 games in the Eredivisie last season and contributed 4 goals which helped his side to finish 2^nd and earn a Champions League qualifying spot. However it now appears that de Vrij will join the growing list of names in Feyenoord’s ‘talent drain’.

De Vrij was born in Ouderkerk aan den Ijssel, a small village in the province of South Holland. He is the son of Jan de Vrij who played for local team vv Spirit. When he was 10 years old he was talent spotted by Feyenoord as a midfielder and was later turned into a defender. He developed rapidly and in July 2009 he signed his first professional contract with Feyenoord. In 2012 he replaced Ron Vlaar as the captain but was stripped of the captaincy last season after a poor run of form.

The Oranje international has now made 19 appearances for the national side; with his only international goal coming at the 2014 World Cup in the infamous 5-1 win against then World Champions Spain. Together with former club teammates ‘Concrete Ron’ Vlaar and Bruno Martins Indi he formed a rock solid partnership that conceded only 4 goals in 7 games at this World Cup, which is the same as World Champions Germany.

Overall he is an accomplished centre-back who is comfortable on the ball, very strong and is good in the air both attacking and defending. Whatever club he goes to, Lazio or somewhere else, as long as he gets significant game time then he certainly has a bright future. It looks like the only way is up for another Feyenoord youth product.

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FEATURE

Who could be Eredivisie 2014/15 top scorer?

July 19, 2014 Will Burns 2 Comments

The top goal scorer in the Eredivisie last season was won by the Icelandic international and SC Heerenveen striker Alfred Finnbogason. He top scored with 29 goals proving that he was worthy of his market value.

Although this coming season, the Eredivisie will not be home to the likes of Finnbogason or the runner-up of last season’s title Graziano Pellè, who scored 23 goals last term for Feyenoord.

Both strikers have left the league for their new clubs. Finnbogason signing for the La Liga side Real Sociedad and Pellè joined his former manager Ronald Koeman at Premier League side Southampton.

As both first and second place top scorers of the league last season have departed along with other competitors such as Dušan Tadić. The Serbian international notched 16 times last season and finished fourth top goal scorer for his club FC Twente. Tadić has also recently transferred to Southampton and this leaves a massive opportunity for other young talented players to make a name for themselves this coming season.

Here are a number of players that I consider will be competing to win the ‘Golden Boot’ in the Eredivisie.

LUC CASTAIGNOS

The Dutch born striker who plays for FC Twente showed us why he deserves to play for the Jong Oranje last year as he went on to score 14 goals, unlike other strikers strangely none of his goals came from the penalty spot. His playing style has led the media to compare him to the French legend Thierry Henry and he also holds the all-time Netherlands Under-17s leading goalscorer honour.

Twente lost their top scorer from last season Tadić, this should mean that the club will rely on Castaignos even more during the coming season to provide them with more goals than he usually is expected to score.

ARON JÓHANNSSON

I have high expectations for this AZ Alkmaar striker during the 2014/15 campaign. During last term, he managed to score 17 finishing third behind Finnbogason and Pellè.

He is also returning from the World Cup in Brazil, where he represented the United States during their very successful campaign. Jóhannsson made his World Cup debut during America’s opening match against Ghana, coming on for the injured Jozy Altidore, himself a former player for AZ. His experience was short lived though, as he made very little impact and did not play in their last three matches of the tournament.

The 23-year-old will have to undergo ankle surgery and will be out for the opening six to eight weeks of the season. Considering the only two players that scored more goals than him last season have both left the league means that he should be in with a shout this season no matter if he misses the opening few weeks of the season for AZ.

MEMPHIS DEPAY

This left winger for PSV Eindhoven has always come up with the goals when their needed, but most importantly his World Cup success with the Dutch, finishing third overall in the competition, will come as a massive learning curve for this young talent. After scoring twice during the tournament, Depay’s confidence will be sky high coming into the start of the season. Once Depay is given the license to play an attacking role for his side then he should bag more than his fair share of goals during the 2014-15 campaign.

LEX IMMERS

The number 10 for Feyenoord is sure to score more than a few this season. The departure of Pellè will mean that more will be expected of Immers and he has proven that he is a threat to any defence in the league after notching 12 times last campaign.

This attacking midfielder should be more than just competing for the Eredivisie championship this season.

THE OTHERS

Other names such as NAC Breda’s new signing Erik Falkenburg will also be attempting to make an impact at his new club and to become the top goalscorer would be the perfect way to do it.

Names such as Bryan Linssen (Heracles), Jens Toornstra (FC Utrecht) and Jurgen Locadia (PSV) are players that cannot be ruled out to challenge for the title of leading goalscorer in the Eredivisie during the upcoming campaign.

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NEWS, TRANSFERS

QPR target Sigthórsson is “close to transfer”

July 18, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Kolbeinn Sigthórsson is leaving Eredivisie champions Ajax after having spent three seasons in Amsterdam. Head coach Frank de Boer earlier today stated that “Sigthórsson is close to transfer” and is set to leave to Amsterdam club writes Alex Pieter.

He is set to join English side Queens Park Rangers for a reported fee of £5m. The striker duties in Amsterdam are now the responsibility of new signings Arkadiusz Milik and Ricardo Zivkovic.

Sigthórsson’s time in Amsterdam can best be described as tumultuous. The Icelander never really developed into the player Ajax hoped he would when they bought him from AZ Alkmaar in 2011 for €4.5m. A large part of this was due to Sigthórsson’s inability to stay healthy. He suffered a series of injuries while at Ajax and was rarely in peak fitness or form. When he was, he showed brief flashes of his true potential. However, Sigthórsson did have a knack for scoring important goals for Ajax. This past season he managed 10 goals in 30 league appearances and many of those coming at vital times.

Sigthórsson’s biggest problem in Amsterdam was that he never had the attributes of a classic Ajax number nine. Sigthórsson is at his best when he is receiving a steady diet of crosses, something Ajax, traditionally, is not keen on doing.

For one, Sigthórsson struggles to create for himself and often needs his chances served to him on a silver platter in order to deliver. He is very average on the ball and lacks pace, which can be attributed to his long injury history, particularly his fractured ankle in the 2011-2012 season.

Frank de Boer tried him on the wing this year with very limited success, so versatility is another issue for Sigthórsson, as he is best as a lone or paired striker. His finishing is very inconsistent, something that must improve if he is to succeed at QPR.

Sigthórsson also has a bit of a “clutch factor” about him. It seemed this past year when Ajax was truly in need of a goal Sigthórsson was someone they could turn to, and many times he delivered. For example, he scored a huge goal in de Klassieker against Feyenoord which levelled the score 1-1, Ajax would go on to win 2-1. Another example is when he scored the lone goal in the first match back from the winter pause, to give Ajax an important three points against PSV.

For all of Sigthórsson’s shortcomings, he is still a very solid player. It may be that the Icelandic international just needs a change of scenery and a club that plays a style for suited to his strengths. A capable passer, Sigthórsson is also a physical attacker, standing at 6’3 he is a force to be reckoned with through the air.

If he is able to stay healthy, get quality service and fit into the QPR system he could end up being a very solid investment for the Premier League club.

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EUROPA LEAGUE, EUROPA LEAGUE REPORT, NEWS

EUROPA LEAGUE: Aberdeen 0-0 FC Groningen

July 18, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

THURSDAY 17TH JULY

EUROPA LEAGUE – SECOND ROUND QUALIFYING – FIRST LEG

ABERDEEN 0 – 0 FC GRONINGEN

FC Groningen travelled to Aberdeen and fought out a 0-0 draw at the Pittodrie Stadium in the first leg of their Europa League second qualifying round tie.

Groningen named two new signings in their starting line-up, with former Ajax striker Danny Hoesen and goalkeeper Sergio Padt making their debuts.

The hosts created the best openings against skilful opponents who made up for their lack of speed in the team with some no-nonsense tactics at time. They were opened up on several occasions but showed enough glimpses in possession to suggest it will be a very tough test for the Scottish side in the Euroberg Stadium in seven days time.

In the first-half, Aberdeen had an appeal for a penalty rejected when captain Russell Anderson felt he was fouled in the box, with Portuguese referee Hugo Filipe waved away protests from the Dons players. And with the first half clock ticking down, Groningen almost sneaked a crucial away goal just before the half-time whistle.

Attacking left-back Hans Hateboar got the better of Jonny Hayes down the right-hand side, his cutback was deflected off Aberdeen centre-back Mark Reynolds, but Langfield was on hand to save the defender’s blushes. The loose ball then fell to Hoesen, who from an acute angle was unable to get on target.

The second half began to get a bit heated with Peter Pawlett and Hayes continuing to be the victim of unfair challenges. Groningen saw two players cautioned as tempers began to flare, first Nick van der Velden received a booking for a challenge on Hayes, while Johan Kappelhof picked up a yellow for a foul on midfielder Ryan Jack.

In the closing stages, it was Groningen once again who almost got that all important away goal. The two substitutes Jarchinio Antonia and Dino Islamovic linked up well, with the later flashing a shot the wrong side of Langfield’s near post.

TEAMS

ABERDEEN: Langfield, Logan, Anderson, Reynolds, Hayes, Jack, Flood, Robson, Pawlett (Low 89), McGinn, Rooney (Goodwillie 76).

SUBS NOT USED: Brown, Taylor, Considine, Smith, Wright.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: Hayes.

FC GRONINGEN: Padt, Hateboer, Botteghin, Kappelhof, Burnet, Lindgren, Kieftenbeld, Chery, Van der Velden (Islamovic 82), Hoesen (Antonia 65), Kostic.

SUBS NOT USED: Van der Vlag, Magnasco, Van Nieff, Hiariej, De Leeuw.

GOALS: None.

BOOKINGS: Hateboer, Lindgren, Kieftenbeld, Van der Velden.

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NEWS

Van Gaal promises entertaining football at Man Utd

July 17, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Former Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal was unveiled as the new manager of Manchester United today at Old Trafford with promises of entertaining football and more intimacy on the training ground at Carrington.

Van Gaal took an unfancied Netherlands side to a World Cup semi-final and only then lost out narrowly to Argentina on penalties.

An unfancied Manchester United side, who finished seventh last season, will benefit from van Gaal’s deiscipline, tenacity and know how. While Van Gaal was not willing to give away to much, his number two at the World Cup, Patrick Kluivert, asserted how Van Gaal would be definitely trying to win the title in his first season, and went on to throw his name in the hat regarding a coaching position with the club, via an interview with TalkSport.

There has been a rash of speculation reagrding the players that Van Gaal is looking to axe, with Anderson, Nani, Wilfried Zaha, and Ashley Young some of the names mentioned. The Manchester United squad leave for their US tour today with Anderson staying behind to do work at Carrington, meaning the Brazilian has been on the end of several media reports today.

The Dutch coach was introduced alongside club legend Bobby Charlton at 3pm. Van Gaal was full of praise for Chalrton and his influence on the English game before offering his first glimpse of the icy figure that he is sometime sportrayed as, when asked about predictions on United’s success, “I will not give predictions. It is the biggest club in the world. When you see my career you can see what I have won. The future will show if I can do that again.”

This was before sending out a warning to any clubs threatening to steal United’s crown as England’s biggest club, “’It is a great challenge because of that and that is why I chose this club. I have coached Barcelona, Ajax and Bayern Munich who are all No 1 in their country. Now I am at Manchester United which is No 1 in England.”

The speculation linking players with moves away means little to Van Gaal, however, who appears quick to give every player a chance using his innovative tactics, “’Shaw and Herrera were already on the list. I gave my approval because I like them. I want to see the (current) players perform with my philosophy.”

A lot has been said about the importance of Van Gaal’s captain within his squad and the new manager reiterated this point, “All the players are a possible candidate. But I have to get to know them. The captain’s role is very important and I need time.” before going on to state the obvious following questions about himself, “‘I am democratic. I am empathetic to human beings and I have a strong personality.” and this was also before the inevitable was mentioned, Alex Ferguson. Ferguson and van Gaal are said to enjoy a certain amount of control, but van Gaal claims there is a difference between being autocratic and strong personality.

A relationship with Sir Alex is something that van Gaal says he is looking forward to cultivating, while mentioning that sharing a glass of wine is something that he would enjoy. Despite the fact that Ferguson is now retired, he still holds a very special place at Manchester United.

A massive amount of Van Gaal’s players are young, inexperienced and unknown. This is something the Dutchman certainly tries to instill in his squads, stating that experience is not a very big factor for him.

So it seems Louis van Gaal is the same man as we thought he was. Big on bringing in youngsters, quick with a phrase to journalists speaking out of turn, and always quick to defend his philosophies and management style. David Moyes lacked the kind of personality to make it at the top level, but van Gaal certainly looked at home and confident during his first press conference with his new club.

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DUTCHMEN ABROAD

Dutchmen in the Bundesliga

July 17, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

While they may be big rivals on the international stage, there is a history of Dutch players plying their trade in the German top division. There have been successful spells like Roy Makaay winning the double twice in a row with Bayern, and there have been less successful spells like Luuk de Jong’s 2 year spell with Mönchengladbach.

Last season there were eight Dutch players in the Bundesliga and as of the 17^th July 2014 there are now only seven with Ola John returning to Benfica. This is a review of the main Dutch players in the 2013/14 season. Some had a good season while some had a not so good season by Ryan O’Grady. Enjoy…

ARJEN ROBBEN (FC Bayern Munich)

What can you say about this ‘Flying Dutchman’? He came third in the Bundesliga Player’s Player of the Year Award. He notched 11 goals and five assists en-route to helping Bayern to win a second successive title in record time. The former Real Madrid winger also helped his side clinch the DFB Pokal by opening the scoring in extra time. He was unfortunate to miss out on the FIFA Club World Championship triumph with a deep cut on his right knee.

KLASS JAN HUNTELAAR (FC Schalke 04)

It was a mixed season for the ‘Hunter’ he missed five and a half months with yet another injury, but still managed to score 12 goals in only 18 games thanks to a much better second half of the season. If he can stay fit for most of next season he should be in with a shout of winning the top scorer award in what is now a team with some young stars and a bright future ahead of them.

RAFAEL VAN DER VAART (Hamburger SV)

A terrible season for van der Vaart. His team only narrowly avoided relegation after winning their relegation playoff. When his team needed their star man to deliver he failed to, being completely outshone by youngster Hakan Calhanoglu. He is lucky to be still be at the club and almost certainly would have have been forced out had the team been relegated.

PAUL VERHAEGH (FC Augsburg)

A brilliant season for the Dutch defender. He helped his team to a magnificent eighth place after narrowly avoiding relegation the season before. As a near permanent member of the defence he helped them to the fifth best defence in the league, better than some teams who finished above them, including Wolfsburg.

BAS DOST (VfL Wolfsburg)

A poor season for the big Dutchmen. A meager return of 4 goals from 13 games looks to have convinced the club hierarchy that it’s time for Dost to go. They’re have been recent reports linking him to Feyenoord where he can hopefully gain back some of the form that saw him score 32 goals in 34 games for Heerenveen.

ELJERO ELIA (Werder Bremen)

In a word disappointing. For a player that was voted Dutch Talent of the Year in 2009 and is now at the age of 27, it does not look like he will ever live up to the hype. Although this past season’s return of 4 goals was better than last season’s return of 0, it’s still a disappointing return for a very attacking winger.

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