Hi guys, some of you may have known I went off to Amsterdam for a few days for a little birthday break with some mates, what I didn't know was my two cousins who came out there with me booked up tickets for all of us to go to the Ajax vs PSV game! Naturally I was chuffed to bits, not just because it's pretty much the El Classico of the Eredivisie (Ajax won 3-1) but there's been a few players we've been linked with and mentioned as possible targets from both sides - Christian Eriksen, Toby Alderweireld and Dries Mertens so I thought I'd give a little analysis. All 3 of them had moments of class. Christian Eriksen (Ajax Attacking Midfielder) - showed why he's rated as one of the best prospects in the game, he did drift out of the match at times but his passing is top notch, technically brilliant - as you'd expect from an Ajax player. Made about 3 or 4 defence splitting passes and showed he's got decent skill to take on a player. Downside is he doesn't like to work for it so he's definitely a "luxury player" and therefore you'd need a Sandro/ Parker in the same side as him. I spoke to a group Ajax fans on the train journey to the stadium, I asked them about Eriksen and surprisingly they didn't rate him as highly as I expected. They said he's not the most consistent but when on form he's unplayable, I asked them how much they'd rate him at as I said I'd love him at Spurs and that we've been linked with him, two of them said "15 million Euros" which really shocked me as I was expecting a figure in the 20 million bracket at least (not that they have a say in transfers ). Good enough for Spurs? - Yes, without a doubt, providing he can improve on his consistency. Alderweireld (Ajax Centre Back) - Worked well along side Moisander and never seemed too troubled aerially (though PSV weren't the biggest side) which some have said is a downside and even managed to nearly score from a header but it smashed against the bar. Like Vertonghen, "he can play" - you can see similarities, though he hasn't got the skill to run forward with it like Jan. Good enough for Spurs? - Yes as a squad player, I wouldn't say he's better than Kaboul, Vertonghen or Caulker (and Dawson for the matter) at the moment but he's got the attributes to suit our style and as he plays RB for Belgium, he could definitely give Walker and Naughton a challenge for sure. Mertens (PSV Winger/ Second Striker) - A fairly quiet game if I'm honest, he skinned van Rhijn a couple of times which was very impressive but bar that, it was a pretty quiet game for him. Good enough for Spurs? Although it wasn't his best game, he showed at times his speed and skill which allows him to ridicule a full back and get a cross in and so that alone gives me the belief he can definitely make our team. Now on to a couple of players we've not mentioned/ been linked with: Jeremain Lens (PSV Striker) - His goal was a brilliant solo effort, skinned one or two players then hit a curler from the edge of the box past Vermeer into the top corner. Caused the Ajax defence a few problems and was a willing runner for his team - chasing down any lost cause. Definitely someone that, based on that performance, can add something to our team. Now onto the man of the match (by a country mile!), a player who I'd never heard of prior to the game: Viktor Fischer - He was playing as a second striker/ winger and the kid was amazing - I read on wiki that he's only 18 and has played 6 times for the first team, scoring 3 goals - And he'll certainly play a lot more if he continues like that. He dribbled past 3 before laying off for Hoesen to score a tap in for Ajax's second and then capitalised on a defensive error to then round the keeper and score Ajax's third himself. He had everything you'd expect from a typical winger/ second striker - pace, skill, vision and an eye for goal. I know it's based on just one game but the kid looked awesome, seriously someone to watch out for. Anyone got a direct line for Levy or AVB? I need to tell 'em about this lad!
Lens is being looked at by a number of Premier League teams, if I remember right and Fischer's put in some big performances in the Nextgen, so the likes of Man Utd and Arsenal are watching him. Cheers for the info, SoS. The Dutch league's always worth keeping an eye on. Goals from the game: http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/ajax-3-psv-1/
Hi SoS I am taking a look at the Ajax keeper next week when they are in England for a NextGen game with Chelsea. Hopefully Fischer might be appearing as well as I know he's made a few appearances in this competition this season. If he does, I will let you know what I think.
Hi SC, on the subject of keepers, both lads in the England U16 game got plaudits, Scotlands Robby McCrorie and our own Ryan Huddart, you seen much of these two?
Strange that u mention Viktor Fischer, I signed him for Spurs on FM2013 and he's become our star man.
No probs. I've been reading about the interest from the top clubs, really not surprising if that performance is anything to go by. Lens' goal looks even better on video, the cut-back to get himself into a shooting position was first class. Morning Spurcat, Do you reckon he'll play next gen now after his recent involvements with the first team? Would be surprised if he went from first team vs PSV to U-18's vs Chelsea, if he does though any feedback would be great, cheers Not surprising KH, think I'll definitely be signing him too! Like I've said I appreciate my opinion of him is based on one performance but for an 18 year old making only his 6th/7th league appearance, the maturity, skill and ability he showed was of someone way more advanced. Looks a very bright talent, outshone some top players in Eriksen, Mertens, Lens & De Jong.
