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In this new series of Top Fives, I will be looking at the top five prospects from each of the major footballing nations. To be regarded as a ‘prospect’ for inclusion in this list the players must still be developing and not yet regular first team internationals. There is no age restriction as such but the focus will by and large be on players who have established a reputation but still have potential to unlock. I’ll have a look at their strengths and weaknesses and offer a comparison to a star player.
First was Spain, now their 2010 World Cup Final opponents Holland.
Kevin Strootman (PSV, 23)
Background
Strootman learned his trade at Sparta Rotterdam before a brief spell at Utrecht alerted PSV to his talents.
Position
Strootman is a pure box to box central midfielder. He can play deeper if needed but to best use his talents he needs license to roam around.
Strengths
Strootman is absolutely relentless and is a big physically imposing presence in midfield. He is a long strider who seems to eat ground with a Vieira-like ease. He is a ferocious leader and has uncanny determination which saw him drag an inconsistent PSV to be runners up in last season’s Eredivisie. He scored 6 and made 10 goals in 32 games domestically and his rates of goal involvement have gone up year on year throughout his career. He is an intelligent player, always well positioned and involved in the game.
Weaknesses
He’s not the most subtle player or overloaded with technical ability.
The next: Edgar Davids
Like Davids, Strootman is a dominating presence on the field and an incredible leader. Like Davids, Strootman is a tidy passer but his strength lies in his boundless energy and drive. Of non-Dutchmen, Strootman is similar to Patrick Vieira or Steven Gerrard.
Georgino Wijnaldum (PSV, 22)
Background
Wijnaldum was developed by Feyenoord but had to be sold to PSV in the grip of financial catastrophe.
Position
Wijnaldum is best as a number 10 or second striker although can play out wide if needed.
Strengths
Wijnaldum poses constant danger of scoring or making a goal. This season, he has scored 26 in 52 games in all competitions, a rate that most strikers would be proud of. He is a pure technician when striking the ball which means he can score in a variety of ways, including long range. Not only can he strike a ball amazingly, he has great nous for getting in to dangerous areas and making danger. He does all of this at extreme speed which is unusual for his positional profile. He’s not the common slower technical 10, he does it all quickly which adds even more threat. Capable as a direct dribbler.
Weaknesses
Not the hardest worker and can be a bit patchy with form but if he works hard he can correct that.
The next: Wesley Sneijder
Although quicker than Sneijder, Wijnaldum shares many similar attributes. Sneijder has always scored goals at an excellent rate and is one of the best technicians in the world. They both make menace when in and around the opposition penalty area.
Stefan De Vrij (Feyenoord, 21)
Background
A product of the Feyenoord youth system De Vrij is already the club captain at just 21 years of age.
Position
Central defender
Strengths
De Vrij is big, strong and very elegant. He is a head up defender, able to glide in to midfield when in possession and relying on his intelligence for positioning and intercepting rather than outright physicality. He can handle himself aerially but is at his best when dueling with the wits of an attacker rather than their legs. Impeccable football instincts.
Weaknesses
He’s not especially quick which can cause issues against real burners, preferring to use his quick brain to gain advantage.
The next: Jaap Stam
Stam wasn’t quick, but didn’t need to be. He was always in the right place and made sure that everyone else in the defence was too. Very tough and never took a backward step.
Ola John (Benfica, 21)
Background
Of Liberian descent, John moved to Benfica having made his breakthrough at Twente.
Position
Left wing or secondarily right wing in a 433 type shape.
Strengths
John has pace in abundance. Genuine, defender terrifying speed. Not only is he quick when not on the ball, he is quick on it which is even scarier for defenders. He is very direct and will let defenders know they’ve got a game on their hands with the bravado of his play. He is also a tidy finisher and became more and more involved in making goals for Benfica over the second half of last season. He is a blur of motion and speed which is hard to tame.
Weaknesses All this rapidity of movement and action leads to a few mistakes and he is very raw in his decision making.
The next: Arjen Robben
Like a young Robben, John has the speed and immense self belief that he can take on anyone. Like the more mature Robben he make intelligent runs and is starting to add goals to his game.
Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord, 21)
Background
Clasie is from near Rotterdam and is the star product of a Feyenoord system which is churning out stars. He is a life long fan and epitomises the Rotterdam attitude to football.
Position
He can play anywhere in the midfield but he’s a ‘regista’ when at his best. A deep lying playmaker.
Strengths
Clasie is an ideal modern all around midfielder. At Feyenoord he predominantly plays as a deeper lying playmaker. His passing skill is excellent, displaying variety and accuracy and increasing penetration. On top of his attacking and tempo setting contributions he is also a defensively sound and very rugged presence. He won’t back down from a challenge. He is tough, and able to give as well as take tackles. A very strong leader both vocally and with sheer presence on the field.
Weaknessess
Although improving, his assists totals aren’t great. He needs to display more precision and adventure in advanced areas if he is live up to his tag as a Dutch Xavi.
The next: Clarence Seedorf
Seedorf made passing the football look unfeasibly easy at times but wasn’t afraid to get involved in tackling. If Clasie can make more goals and add some more penetration to his passing there’s no reason he can’t replicate Seedorf’s immensely successful career.
