Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is reported to have instructed the club’s scouts to assess more signings in the Eredivisie.
Following the route which led to a bargain deal for Tyrell Malacia, Ten Hag feels there is more untapped talent in the Dutch top flight, The Sun report.
One player reported to be on the manager’s list of targets is Joey Veerman, a player with an interesting skill set.
Here is a look at what you need to know about the potential target…
Joey Veerman club record
Joey Veerman signed for PSV Eindhoven in the January 2022 transfer window in a bargain £4 million deal from Heerenveen.
The central midfielder had spent three seasons at Heerenveen, after signing from second-tier Volendam in 2019.
Overlooked and uncapped at the international level, Veerman has made 102 Eredivisie appearances, scoring 20 goals and providing 29 assists, contributing a goal in more than half of his games.
He has two career goals in Champions League qualifiers, and three goals in Europa League matches, including a strike in a win over Arsenal.
He is currently playing under former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, netting seven goals in 27 matches.
Joey Veerman’s playing style
Joey Veerman’s passing is cited among his qualities, with Heerenveen board member Hans Westerhof telling AD a year ago: “He has exceptional qualities.
“How he passes a ball over 50 meters… I don’t even see Frenkie de Jong doing that.”
Back in the summer, he was praised by Ronald de Boer ahead of PSV’s tie with Rangers, who told The Herald: “Joey in particular, he is very influential in midfield, he makes the attack fluid. Most of the time attacks start with him.
“Veerman has the patience to play the ball between the opposition midfield and the defense or behind the opposition defense.”
Rafael van der Vaart has gone as far as to compare Veerman to Italian great Andrea Pirlo.
He is quoted by Football Oranje: “I’m exaggerating enormously, but I call him a bit the Pirlo of Heerenveen. When he touches the ball, something special always comes out of his feet.
“Delicious balls, all tailor-made. It all looks very easy for him. It took no effort for Pirlo either. Everything is so relaxed, off the cuff. He also likes to play football. I like it when a player does that.”
Joey Veerman profile
- Full name: Joey Veerman
- Age: 24
- Height: 1.85 m (6 ft)
- Nationality: Dutch
- Date of birth: 19 November 1998
- Place of birth: Purmerend, Netherlands
- Position: Midfielder
- Club: PSV Eindhoven
Verdict
Veerman could be an astute signing for Erik ten Hag if he is unable to pull off a move for Frenkie de Jong, once again, this coming summer.
United wants to find a midfielder with technical ability who can split the playing time with Christian Eriksen, with Scott McTominay falling out of favor.
Veerman could be available at a very reasonable price in comparison to signing a player with similar ability from the Premier League, and it is for this reason, Ten Hag wants United to explore this market more.
The midfielder was unlucky not to make the Dutch squad for the World Cup, included on their shortlist, he is a future international, with a new era beginning since Louis van Gaal’s post-tournament departure.
A move for Jude Bellingham or Moises Caicedo may be more tempting for United, but if these are not possible, or if the majority of the transfer funds go on a striker, then a move for Veerman may become an option.
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