In a summer where Manchester United simply have to rebuild their midfield, it’s unsurprising that stellar names such as Toni Kroos, Cesc Fabregas and Arturo Vidal have all been linked with a move but maybe the relatively unknown Jordy Clasie is the one who should make the switch to Old Trafford.
Diminutive, he may be, but don’t be fooled—Clasie has enough bite and tenacity about his play to fill one of the three midfield slots that Louis van Gaal tends to favour in his starting lineups.
At just 22 years old, the Feyenoord man doesn’t have the experience required to single-handedly reinvigorate United’s midfield, but there’s no doubt that he could work well alongside another dynamic midfielder.
With many of Van Gaal’s targets on show at this summer’s World Cup, the newly appointed United boss will watch on intently.
Maybe, just maybe, the Dutch national team manager will be keeping a close eye on one of his own players—Jordy Clasie.
What’s important for United this summer is that they sign midfielders who are effective in a defensive and attacking capacity.
Kroos and Fabregas just don’t fit the bill in that regard, but Clasie does; he has the all-round game. What he lacks in raw strength he makes up for in determination and work rate.
The only concern would be playing both him and Juan Mata in a midfield three. Size certainly does not matter when it comes to carving out a successful career in football, but having both Clasie and Mata in the same midfield might be a step too far.
Regardless, it’s crucial that United draft in someone who can win the ball in midfield and, at the same time, offer a creative spark. Clasie is very much that type of player.
In the Netherlands’ World Cup warm-up game against Ecuador, Clasie demonstrated his panoramic vision and range of passing, particularly with his assist for Robin van Persie’s stunning goal.It was the type of pass that United dearly missed last season.After the game, Van Persie was quick to heap praise on his young compatriot
'' That pass made the goal possible. That was a world class ball. That pass gave me the opportunity to do my thing. I think that pass was more beautiful than my goal. The only thing I had to do was control the ball and score. That pass from Clasie was world class.''
For United fans, that duo linking up on a frequent basis at Old Trafford would be a welcome sight.
And while it would be ludicrous to sign a player based on one pass, never mind one game, it’s precisely the kind of play that epitomises the young Dutchman.
Clasie is a ball winner, a competent passer and he has a quick turn of pace that allows him to carry the ball forward with intent.
That’s the kind of player Clasie is, and that’s precisely what United need.
He may not be tested at the very highest level, and he would need to be complemented by another physically capable midfielder, but Clasie is a classy player. United would be wise to invest in him.
Somewhat inevitably, United have been inked with a number of up-and-coming Dutch stars following Van Gaal’s appointment.
Clasie is just one of those mooted to make the switch. It may be a question of how many Dutch players join Van Gaal at United, not if they do.
Clasie is very much a player who could work well in the system that Van Gaal will likely adopt at United next season. Playing alongside another midfielder, sat behind Rooney or Mata, he could really shine.
And if Clasie impresses Van Gaal in the next few weeks, then there’s no reason why bringing him to United should be seen as a step down from Kroos or Fabregas.
Clasie is much closer to what United need right now than that duo, and he would be following in the footsteps of his current national team manager, which could help him settle.
BR