It has been a considerable length of time since my last transfer target, and to kick the new season off, I'll give you a profile of World Cup hotshot Daley Blind.
Similar to most Dutch stars, past and present, he came through the fabled Ajax youth academy and made his senior debut for the Amsterdam side aged 18 in an away match against FC Volendam in 2008, where he made an immediate contribution by setting up the first goal. For the remainder of that season he was utilised sparingly, only making another 4 appearances in the league and another 1 in the UEFA Cup.
It has been highly documented about recent activities in the transfer market with relation to Blind. Reports are appearing that Ajax and Manchester United have agreed a fee for the 24 year old. For a team in transition the signing of Blind will add security to a leaky defence. I am thinking that he may rotate with Luke Shaw, or if another wing back is signed, then he will play in front of the defence and will try to break opposition play up.
Similar to most Dutch stars, past and present, he came through the fabled Ajax youth academy and made his senior debut for the Amsterdam side aged 18 in an away match against FC Volendam in 2008, where he made an immediate contribution by setting up the first goal. For the remainder of that season he was utilised sparingly, only making another 4 appearances in the league and another 1 in the UEFA Cup.
Blind was to remain patient and was loaned out to FC Groningen for the remainder of the 2009/2010 season. Up until the end of the 2011/2012 season, Blind has made a total of 68 appearances for both clubs.
All of Blind's hard work finally paid off in the 2012/2013 season where he helped Ajax to their third Eredivisie title in a row and was also named AFC Ajax Player of the Year. His impressive performances for the Amsterdam outfit sparked interest from Dutch national coach Louis Van Gaal and he received his first cap for his country aged 22 in a friendly draw against Italy.
Last season was possibly the Dutchman's most memorable. Playing in a holding midfield role, he aided Ajax in their push for a fourth consecutive Eredivisie title, and in doing so, was named Dutch Footballer of the Year. To top a successful season off, he was named in Van Gaal's Dutch World Cup Squad, and scored his first international goal against Brazil in the third place play off.
It has been highly documented about recent activities in the transfer market with relation to Blind. Reports are appearing that Ajax and Manchester United have agreed a fee for the 24 year old. For a team in transition the signing of Blind will add security to a leaky defence. I am thinking that he may rotate with Luke Shaw, or if another wing back is signed, then he will play in front of the defence and will try to break opposition play up.
Daley Blind burst onto the football scene after splendid performances in the World Cup and I would be delighted if Louis Van Gaal brought him into the Premier League. No matter where he goes, I am sure that he will have a glittering career.
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