Davy Klaassen

[Sydney Gooner]

According to Algemeen Dagblad Arsenal are considering a move for Ajax midfielder Davy Klaassen after scouts watched the 20-year-old score a hat-trick in Saturday's 4-0 win over NAC Breda.
Source

<a class="postlink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davy_Klaassen" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davy_Klaassen</a>

<a class="postlink" href="http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/en/klaassen/profil/spieler_182932.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/en/klaas ... 82932.html</a>

<a class="postlink" href="http://int.soccerway.com/players/davy-klaassen/158581/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://int.soccerway.com/players/davy-klaassen/158581/</a>

<a class="postlink" href="http://www.whoscored.com/Players/108860/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.whoscored.com/Players/108860/</a>

<a class="postlink" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmnNntGH11I" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmnNntGH11I</a>

 

[Sydney Gooner]

For an Ajax midfielder praise from Johan Cruyff is equivalent to being touched by the hand of god. In his analysis of Ajax's win over Barça, which he attended, he reserved special mention for Davy Klaassen. "He played with tremendous intellect."

Klaassen symbolises the restoration of intelligence in Ajax's game. Under the auspices of De Boer it's not technique, or lack thereof, that has underdone them in Europe, but their mindset. It's understandable given their relative youthfulness and inexperience at the highest level.

However it's a process that can be accelerated; the challenge in these European games is to overcome a sense of inferiority. "The coach believes it when he says we shouldn't be afraid of anyone," Klaassen told Voetbal International. "That confidence spills over into the group. I stood in the tunnel, looked at the Barcelona players and thought: 'bring it on'. When the game finished, I literally thought: 'this is not normal'. We felt mighty."

Their performance against Barça is an example of what's possible. De Boer doesn't have a seasoned squad but clear and concise instructions with a strong emphasis on the 'Michels model' (individualised training), which has shown attaining a high level isn't beyond them. It's now adding consistency to their ever-maturing game.

Progression to De Boer's starting line-up has been gradual for Klaassen. He was sidelined for the majority of last season due to a lingering groin injury, and subsequently sent to a specialist in Barcelona at the behest of Cruyff, a long-time admirer. This campaign he's started twice in Europe: the home victories over Celtic and Barça.

Even though Ajax no longer utilises a 'number ten' Klaassen acts as a quasi-deep-lying forward; he is comfortable with both feet, and good passing technique (35.5 per game with a success rate of 80.3%) has allowed him to settle into the Amsterdammers midfield carousel.

His best assets include playmaking – he has created more chances per game (1.5) in the Champions League than any of his teammates – vision, intelligent movement, an excellent first touch and spatial awareness. He combines individual skill with stamina (essential to Ajax's pressing game) and defensive qualities but also has an eye for goal: 6 in the league, including a well-taken first hat-trick for the club this past Saturday against NAC Breda.

Milan know the onus is on Ajax, a point is enough to see the Italians advance, but it's a scenario De Boer relishes. His side will remain patient, sticking to their philosophy: "create triangles on the pitch, engineer a numerical advantage in midfield, and create danger from that". Klaassen will again be integral.

<a class="postlink" href="http://www.whoscored.com/Articles/rvv3jq8z6uguln7vhyqlcg/Show/Team-Focus-Homegrown-Talent-Key-to-Ajaxs-Chances-in-Milan" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.whoscored.com/Articles/rvv3j ... s-in-Milan</a>

 

[clockwork orange]

No t ready for a move to Arsenal.

This rumour is probably based on someone noticing an Arsenal scout at Ajax. Klaassen did well, so we want him. Very thin (rumour) at best.

 

[Wouterus]

It's more likely he'll sign a new contract at Ajax. Talented player, but hasn't even played 15 Eredivisie games yet.

 

[Jury]

I think that article could have at least made it clear to us that the player is of no relation to Dutch darts player, Jelle Klaasen.

 

[Pires7_Legend]

Maybe replacement for Rosicky?

 

[The Gooner]

I am sorry for bumping this old thread because I know bumping old threads without a credible link is a serious offense on this forum but I believe this guy would make a pretty decent addition to our Midfield.

I have been following Eredivisie for a long time now. I think I started watching the Duth league on a part time basis when that young Ajax team had defeated Milan for the European Cup at Vienna. Since then Ajax have been my favourite team in the Netherlands.

I have watched Ajax in the last few years and I can confidently confirm that Davy Klaassen has been their best player for the last two years. He scores goals, makes goals and even protects his centre backs in defence. He is Ajax's best player at the moment and is a natural leader in the midfield who likes to control the game. Today he again scored for Ajax in their win and is their top goal scorer this season. He has also done well for Ajax in the Europa league this season.

I think he's a bright prospect in the midfield and he's just 23. His best years are ahead of him and we should get him before one of our rivals does! He will be a good addition to our squad and Ajax's style of possession play means that he is a good passer of the ball. With Cazorla getting old, I belive Klaassen can be a long term replacement for him. He's young, energetic and talented, something our midfield is sorely missing! Also at 6' he is pretty good in the air too.

Also, lets not forget that one of Arsenal's best player (Dennis Bergkamp) was a former Ajax guy. Ajax has a rich history of producing world class players and I believe Klaassen can be the solution to our midfield woes and he won't be beyond our budget.

Thanks

EDIT:

Not ready for a move to Arsenal.

I think 3+ years later he is.

 

[Aevi]

I am sorry for bumping this old thread because I know bumping old threads without a credible link is a serious offense on this forum but I believe this guy would make a pretty decent addition to our Midfield.

I have been following Eredivisie for a long time now. I think I started watching the Duth league on a part time basis when that young Ajax team had defeated Milan for the European Cup at Vienna. Since then Ajax have been my favourite team in the Netherlands.

I have watched Ajax in the last few years and I can confidently confirm that Davy Klaassen has been their best player for the last two years. He scores goals, makes goals and even protects his centre backs in defence. He is Ajax's best player at the moment and is a natural leader in the midfield who likes to control the game. Today he again scored for Ajax in their win and is their top goal scorer this season. He has also done well for Ajax in the Europa league this season.

I think he's a bright prospect in the midfield and he's just 23. His best years are ahead of him and we should get him before one of our rivals does! He will be a good addition to our squad and Ajax's style of possession play means that he is a good passer of the ball. With Cazorla getting old, I belive Klaassen can be a long term replacement for him. He's young, energetic and talented, something our midfield is sorely missing! Also at 6' he is pretty good in the air too.

Also, lets not forget that one of Arsenal's best player (Dennis Bergkamp) was a former Ajax guy. Ajax has a rich history of producing world class players and I believe Klaassen can be the solution to our midfield woes and he won't be beyond our budget.

Thanks

 

[A_G]

Could have just used the wishlist tbf.

 

[BBF]

Reported

 

[Dennis_Bergkamp_10]

Don't think he's good enough. You want a 'Verratti' in midfield to up your game, not another player that does well when your team does well but probably can't hold his own when the **** hits the fence.

 

[HollandGooner]

Not good enough tbf, I have seen enough from him to analyze that he is just not good enough.