He's the undisputed face of the National team. He's got figures like Lebron James wearing his jersey on instagram pics. Huge marketing potential
I haven't followed him closely but i feel i used to hear his name much more two seasons ago or so. Weigel too. Very quiet since then.
I think we're pretty set at midfield for the future. I'd be more interested in Matthijs De Ligt if we're looking to sign an Ajax youngster.
Every time I see him play I'm impressed but I'm consciously avoiding hyping him to try and mitigate any future disappointment.
I'm normally very cautious with Ajax prospects (as they seem to have a 'world beater' every season and then they are gone through the back door, i.e. Fischer, Andersen, Boilesen, Bazoer, Tete, Cerny etc. etc.), but Frenkie is really, really exciting. He's had relatively minimal time in the first team of Ajax, but the quality and class is very easy to see. I'd like him to stay one more season at Ajax and play regularly as a CM (not as a CB..), before having him make the jump to a bigger club. However, if you have to believe the reports, all of Europe seems after him.. Strengths in my opinion are: forward passing (he always looks vertical, insane), vision, driving runs from the back (a bit like Mateo, but Mateo has more acceleration) and his combination play. He's really a fun player to watch, but probably needs more time.
I was not too high on him before as I thought he was a bit slow and made too many costly mistakes (I believe I have even said that here), but he's completely won me over. I take a 'loss' with that one, as he really is a huge prospect who will probably make an immediate jump to the highest tier of clubs. He's strong, reads the game exceptionally well, is a very good header of the ball (defensively, so no Ramos), goes for the pass rather than row Z and is already captain of Ajax at the age of 19. He's the next big thing from the Netherlands as far as CB's go (and together with I guess Frenkie, the only positives to probably come out of the NL in the next few years...). Maybe @Oscar can jump in as well, as I believe he follows Ajax more closely than I do (if I remember correctly).
He should be our main target at CB if Vallejo doesn't pan out due to injuries (although I still have faith in Jesus, let's hope he gets to stay healthy this season).
Tbh, the players you named don't come even near the talent De Jong has. The kid is down to earth too, Bazoer left way too early and thought he was Modric already, Fisher, Anderssen and the rest were nothing special. De Jong and De Ligt are the first players since Suarez who I see getting to the level of world class. Neres is one of Ajax I should keep an eye on too. They are not only talented, but are humble too.
I still like De Ligt, on VI they classified him as the best defender in his age class. And even though they are obviously biased, as a Dutch show, I can't really name any other ones I would put above him around that age. He would be perfect for us age wise with Ramos leaving in a couple of years, but we're not connected to him whatsoever De Jong, I don't know. Everybody is hyping him up to the max.....but I don't know yet.
De ligt is legit. I’m certainly on that bandwagon. The time is now to get him as well. Sergio has a couple of more years in him. We shouldn’t wait to buy him from a EPL side and pay double the money.
With modric aging and isco breaking...and Mourinho's emotional state..Pogba should come running into our arms...heeheeehehee
I was initially the same with De Jong to be honest. He is already 21 and didn’t really make the jump to the first team until (very) late, especially considering other talents at Ajax who made that jump much earlier. But man, I reaaally like watching him play. A true football player, with the right kind of arrogance. I don’t understand why they waited this long with him to be honest, but I guess they had Bazoer, VD Beek and (even) Schone.
That’s all in hindsight though, Bazoer was regarded as one of the gems of the Netherlands. Fisher made his debut at 17 I believe and was sensational at times (just too injury-prone). Andersen was being called ‘the next Laudrup’ and everyone at Ajax was incredibly enthusiastic about him. I don’t think they were considered ‘lesser’ talents at all, on the contrary even. Especially Bazoer and Fisher. Re Neres: not high on him at all. I don’t think he’s going to be something big. Everytime I see him play, he always seems awkward with the ball at his feet. He’s going to get exposed. Only player we need to keep an eye on there is De Ligt (as he has the talent to make the immediate jump to an elite club). De Jong has to be considered as well, but he probably will need a step in between the top of Europe.
Doesn't matter, he can play, and if he was to come to Real Madrid, interest would follow. Before last year hardly anyone knew about Mohammed Salah, except for Egyptians and Roma fans. After his performance he was all over the place on TV in the Middle East.
After Modric, I just don't think we should ever have a team without a class holding midfielder, I just can't imagine it anymore. Much of our success is thanks to him.
Are you serious? Every football fan knew Salah or people just don't follow the game enough. He was amazing at Basel, even in the CL.