3 months ago
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Photo by Photo Prestige/Soccrates/Getty Images
Another day, another Dutchman.
As was the case when Erik ten Hag took the reins at Manchester United, Arne Slot’s nationality and coaching history means Liverpool will be linked with just about every Eredivisie standout imaginable. Unlike the mancs, though, Liverpool have an established and competent player recruitment set-up, able to work independent of the manager’s whims, and thus the majority of these links can be taken with a healthy amount of scepticism.
Nevertheless, the Reds are in need of a long-term solution at the six — particularly with Wataru Endō looking like he might be offloaded after just a single season at the club — and Joey Veerman was arguably the best player in the Dutch league last year, as PSV broke the Eredivisie points record in a powerhouse campaign, so Jacque Talbot reporting that Slot’s transfer boffins are considering the 26-year old should come as no surprise at all.
Featuring mainly as the more defensive player in a double pivot, Veerman nonetheless spent the majority of his time in the opposition’s half last year, owing the PSV’s staggering territorial dominance. The Volendam youth product lead the team in progressive passes, passes into the box, and through passes, indicating that he fits the sort of progressive DM profile the Reds have been looking for, while also finishing third in tackles and interceptions, and fourth in ball recoveries, demonstrating that he is not dependent on others doing the dirty work for him.
Though no price has been suggested, the Dutch international is entering the penultimate year of his contract and will turn 26 in a few months, so the time to make a move feels right for both club and player. As such, don’t be surprised if this is one that sticks around, at least until Veerman signs for West Ham or something two weeks from now.
