MX23RW : Saturday, November 23 04:57:43| >> :120:24728:24728:

A closer look at new Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek

A closer look at new Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek
© Reuters
The 23-year-old has swapped Ajax for Manchester United.

Manchester United have signed Holland midfielder Donny Van De Beek from Ajax.

The 23-year-old helped the Dutch club reach the semi-finals of the 2018-19 Champions League, which saw his stock rise as he was linked with a string of top European clubs.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at the qualities of the youngster.

A good schooling

Donny Van De Beek (back row, third from left) came through the renowned Ajax youth system
Donny Van De Beek (back row, third from left) came through the renowned Ajax youth system (John Walton/PA)

Van De Beek has been with the Ajax youth system since the age of eight and followed a path well trodden before making his first-team debut against Celtic in a Europa League tie during November 2015. Like any from the production line, Van De Beek has learned to become as comfortable with his play off the ball as he is with it at his feet. How quickly, though, he can bring those home-grown skills into the hustle and bustle of the Premier League will be the acid test.

Forward thinking

Ajax's European run – which was eventually ended by a remarkable late fightback from Tottenham in Amsterdam – highlighted how versatile Van De Beek can be at slotting into different midfield positions whether needed to operate centrally or 'box-to-box'. A fine technician, Van De Beek can switch play with a ranging crossfield ball as efficiently as playing a short give and go. Always on the front foot, his positive approach opens up plenty of space behind defenders – which you expect will be latched upon by United's maundering frontline.

Movement matters

Donny Van De Beek (left) has impressed in the Champions League
Van De Beek (left) has impressed in the Champions League (Mike Egerton/PA)

Supplementing an attack when not in possession is another of Van De Beek's strengths, with the holding position or looking to stretch the opposition key features of the Dutchman's approach. He is not shy to cover plenty of grass as Van De Beek looks to make an impact in the final third with late runs in the penalty area – but he also knows when standing your ground is the best course of action.

The best is yet to come

At just 23, Van De Beek is expected to develop into one of the most impressive midfielders in the game. Already fast-tracked into the senior Holland national team, Van De Beek has come a long way in a short time. Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, he will be given every opportunity to fulfil that potential and grow alongside the likes of England's own Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood.

ID:412672: cacheID:412672:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:13510:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek pictured in October 2019
Read Next:
Man Utd confirm Donny van de Beek signing
>
Read more about Donny van de Beek Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City117222213923
3Chelsea115422113819
4Arsenal115421812619
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest115421510519
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton115421915419
7Fulham115331613318
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
9Aston Villa115331717018
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1151523131016
11Brentford115152222016
12Bournemouth114341515015
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Leicester CityLeicester112451421-710
16Everton112451017-710
17Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
18Crystal Palace11146815-77
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves111371627-116
20Southampton11119721-144


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!