Donny van de Beek | van de Beek's father: "[Moving to United] a dream come true."

[United Pro]

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For the muppets.

It's probably not the right thread to discuss this, but this account has got an awful lot correct recently (can only think of Gomes contract that he got wrong, but got King, Ighalo and now VDB correct before any main stream media/other "ITK's"). Clearly got a source.

Either way, VDB is a solid signing and is very much needed. If Bruno/Pogba were to get injured the drop off in quality for the replacements were stark, so this strengthens the squad significantly. I can't see all of VDB, Pogba and Bruno starting (at least not without stifling say VDB's attacking movement by playing further back).

 

[Chief123]

The high press wasn't a thing in Keane's time but he would excell at it if he was around today IMO. He also was a midfielder who played a highly intensive game which helped us maintain a high tempo. His stamina levels were also superb IMO.

Roy Keane wasn’t a defensive midfielder for most of his career. This not Makelele we are talking about here.

Have you ever seen a defensive midfielder put in the kind of performance he did in Turin?

Keane in his 30s was a different player because he no longer had the mobility he had previously, and was therefore much more defensively minded.

Him and Viera in their pomp would dominate in today’s game.

I think my point got lost in translation some point along the line.

Roy Keane was probably the wrong name to use as an example for my point.

Of course Keane has virtually everything you would want in a midfielder. Absolutely loved him and was one of my favourite players. If he was playing today he’d arguably be the best all round midfielder in the world.

In my original point, I was referring to the fact that a traditional “holding” midfielder who’s job is to sit in front of a defence and shield the defence, tackle and win the ball back and then distribute the ball to those in front were not as necessary in this day and age than it used to be.

I used Keane’s name wrongly. A more apt name would have been someone like Deschamps or Kante. Keane obviously had a lot more attributes than that role.

My reference was to the style Bayern have adopted this season whereby non typical holding midfielders were used in the holding positions such as Thiago and Goretzka. Even Kimmich who normally plays there isn’t a ball winning water carrier type player.

Successful modern teams now prefer to win the ball high up the pitch and press higher winning the ball back in the attacking third rather than winning the ball back on the edge of their own area in the defensive midfielder zone.

 

[Vidyoyo]

With this signing maybe we'll finally witness the birth of the Two-Pronged Pivot

In this completely made-up system, two high attacking midfielders create a pincher like motion enveloping the middle pitch to spray balls to the wingers who spray balls back to the middle. A holding midfielder sits back sweeping up the loose balls while the attacker tries to score but also becomes a fifth centre back when necessary.

 

[VP89]

Looked for some videos of how he fares against PL defenders.

Scored a goal against Spurs:


Goal vs Chelsea:


Here he is against some other not so well-known EPL team:

You're just picking his good moments. I've shared a full highlight clip of him vs Juve/Real/Bayern a few pages back. It gives a more realistic view of him.

We need to know he's not outstanding but he is functional. I think he makes errors in simple passes actually, but his link up play and flicks in tight areas are better than I thought. Also likes to get in the opponents face quite a bit.

 

[DeeDee7]

Matic

Truuue. Lol! He slipped my mind. However my point still stands and Matic is actualy lowsy at everything a DM is good at. However his ability to pass and control the play along with his physicality has always been a huge asset of his.

 

[RUCK4444]

With this signing maybe we'll finally witness the birth of the Two-Pronged Pivot

In this completely made-up system, two high attacking midfielders create a pincher like motion enveloping the middle pitch to spray balls to the wingers who spray balls back to the middle. A holding midfielder sits back sweeping up the loose balls while the attacker tries to score but also becomes a fifth centre back when necessary.

Ease up on that coffee this morning buddy

I half like it though if it means lots of attackers on the pitch ha

 

[Faetheshire86]

I have to disagree. It became obvious to me that he didn’t trust them and used them as sparingly as possible. Usually to give Matic a rest or when a game was already won, or for the final 5 minutes.

I could be wrong, but I think this was more down to the situation, we got on a good run of form and didn't want to change it. Then you had squad players who hadn't played in months, come in and look rusty. However I still feel these two, along with maybe Bailly were the better of our squad options. Pre-lockdown they both had had pretty good seasons.

 

[Falcow]

Delighted with this signing. At 23 he still has plenty of potential, we haven't had a midfield great in years and badly need one. Hopefully it can be him.

The timing certainly makes Maguire thing old news. Is that a bit too cynical?

 

[SATA]

Medical today, lads?

 

[MyOnlySolskjaer]

Medical today, lads?

Definitely the early part of this week. Not sure on the exact date. Many sources have said medical Mon-Weds.

 

[Himannv]

You're just picking his good moments. I've shared a full highlight clip of him vs Juve/Real/Bayern a few pages back. It gives a more realistic view of him.

We need to know he's not outstanding but he is functional. I think he makes errors in simple passes actually, but his link up play and flicks in tight areas are better than I thought. Also likes to get in the opponents face quite a bit.

Sorry, these videos only highlight performances against PL opposition.

 

[Smithy89]

Brilliant signing, he's so much better than Scott and Fred also which helps.

 

[GenZRed]

He’s a DM. The fact he can also play CM doesn’t make him less of a DM.

Well according to someone who coached him he is quite an offensive-minded central midfielder.

I've never actually seen him play though.

 

[ivaldo]

I hate to break it to you but Keane played for us prior to Ole becoming a manager.

I am glad we're changing our strategy though. VDB is probably Ole's alternative to Grealish and a signing which was suggested to us by VDS just as Bruno was suggested to us by Ronaldo and James by Giggsie. However I believe he'll be a far better player to him. Let's hope we continue on that course. There are top quality players out there on the cheap if we bother searching for them.

That strategy you pretended we had for half a season, you mean? Out of the three windows Ole has had significant input into, we will have signed foreign players in 2 of them. It's strange you've continued to persist this was a real thing.

 

[CG1010]

Reminds me of a young carrick with more skills
Wouldn’t be surprised if that’s the long term role

I don't see that at all. Carrick's main strengths coming into United were his passing between the lines and accuracy of long passes. He seems to much more of a short passer and flicker, etc., more like Herrera.

Also he plays more forward now with more goals into him than Carrick had ever.

 

[GenZRed]

I hope we aren't signing him to be used as DM. From what I've heard about him he is normally a CM who likes to roam forward. I gett he impression that he will be given a license to attack more when playing 'lesser' sides and perhaps benched when playing against top teams, while starting a midfield three of Bruno-Pogba and Matic.

I am glad about this signing though. About time we have some depth in midfield. We just need one quality CB and a good RW.

 

[12OunceEpilogue]

I hope we aren't signing him to be used as DM. From what I've heard about him he is normally a CM who likes to roam forward. I gett he impression that he will be given a license to attack more when playing 'lesser' sides and perhaps benched when playing against top teams, while starting a midfield three of Bruno-Pogba and Matic.

I am glad about this signing though. About time we have some depth in midfield. We just need one quality CB and a good RW.

I'm happy to be firstly signing an actual footballer, and secondly as you say more depth is sorely needed across the squad. I don't feel Donny would be a key part of the puzzle but I like him.

 

[Cloud7]

Also likes to get in the opponents face quite a bit.

We've been missing a guy to rile up the opponents since Herrera left. Underrated niche.

 

[Annihilate Now!]

We've been missing a guy to rile up the opponents since Herrera left. Underrated niche.

Agreed, In our first team there's only really McT who can be a bit of a dick /wind up opponents.

 

[BenitoSTARR]

I'm a reddit ITK. Man Utd are interested in Donny van de Beek. You heard it here first

I think he is too, I think like you said he plays Fred’s role and Fred, Mctominay and Matic are their cover. I don’t think Ole believes in pure defensive midfielders.

Maybe we’re looking at a more systemic high press and he apparently is very good at that.

I’m becoming more convinced that especially against “weaker” sides DVB could work. Admittedly I’ve only seen a lot of him the last two seasons though.

Well according to someone who coached him he is quite an offensive-minded central midfielder.

I've never actually seen him play though.

I was on about Matic mate. Read the post I’d quoted.

 

[MichaelRed]

Agreed, In our first team there's only really McT who can be a bit of a dick /wind up opponents.

Don't do the absolute shithouse that is Brandon Williams a disservice like that.

 

[Faetheshire86]

Well, I'd imagine you can't just buy players in the order you want, you have to respond to what's happening elsewhere, too. It's been reported that the interest in VDB had picked up, so presumably that (seemingly uncomplicated) transfer became a priority.

My only concern is about allocation of resources. If you look at each position in our squad as starter and backup I think Pogba / McTominay is strong compared to some of the other areas. Especially when you consider that Fernandez and Fred can also fill in there. If we have budget to strengthen another 3 or 4 positions then you're right, it doesn't matter what order they come in.

Hopefully VdB comes in and is so good, that it makes signing him look like a no-brainer

 

[red4ever 79]

Definitely the early part of this week. Not sure on the exact date. Many sources have said medical Mon-Weds.

Would assume he has the medical before he joins the national team as their game is scheduled for the 4th of Sept

 

[Squeaky Bumtime]

He’s a DM. The fact he can also play CM doesn’t make him less of a DM.

Agree to disagree.

 

[buchansleftleg]

Welcome to the club Donny. A touch of Dutch class!

 

[MIC_FIN]

Have to applaud OGS, since the arrival and departures of Moyes, LVG and Mourinho, we are finally restoring our identity, signing players who want to play for the badge, and weeding out the rot in players such as Lukaku. Need to send a few more on their way now and sort out the right flank.

 

[golden_blunder]

I don't see that at all. Carrick's main strengths coming into United were his passing between the lines and accuracy of long passes. He seems to much more of a short passer and flicker, etc., more like Herrera.

Also he plays more forward now with more goals into him than Carrick had ever.

Players can evolve. Keane was a regular goal scorer when he came from forest

 

[BenitoSTARR]

Agree to disagree.

332 games at DM vs 31 at CM....

91.4% of his midfield games he’s been a DM. He’s a DM.

Sorry but you’re wrong. He’s a DM.

 

[Nikelesh Reddy]

A very solid signing,for a reasonable price as well.Hes an extremely gifted CM who can pretty much play across the midfield in any position...He can play as a 6 in front of the back 4,but he can also fill in for Pogba/Bruno by playing in a more offensive position.He would definitely be a great signing...

 

[Fluctuation0161]

To the skeptics,

Van De Beek was among 2019 Ballon d'Or nominees. Get that sink in first. We are not signing any mediocre part time midfielder.

*rubs hands together*

 

[devilish]

Not sure what this has to do with it. I was merely pointing out another of your factual errors in recent times.

At least this time you held your hands up and admitted the error.

Unlike the time you said Ole only targets British and Norwegian players while a Portuguese player that Ole signed was tearing it up in our midfield.

That strategy you pretended we had for half a season, you mean? Out of the three windows Ole has had significant input into, we will have signed foreign players in 2 of them. It's strange you've continued to persist this was a real thing.

It's difficult to say because while people (including Ole) change opinion, posts are a snap shot of what was going at the time. What we do know is during our first transfer window we spent 145m on 3 decent but ridiculously overpriced players (at least Maguire and AWB were) who were nowhere near to WC level. We also wanted Longstaff in the summer as well + King in the January sales. Did Ole finally learnt from his mistakes? It's early to say. We did go for Grealish as our first option and maybe VDB is an endorsed player (ie through VDS) just as Bruno (Ronaldo) and James (Giggs) were.

What recent post clearly show is

a- I have no qualms apologising when I believe I messed up. I did that with my Roy Keane's blunder
b- I have no particular agenda against Ole or the club.Someone who does have an agenda will nitpick on everything including this deal. I am over the moon on us signing VDB and I applaud the club & Ole for getting it done
c- As said many many times its possible to make top signings on realistic fees. I hope Ole notices that as he won't be able to turn this weak side with a 60m-120m a pop signing.
d- Regarding my so called anti British agenda. It kind of got debuked in the Brooks thread were I fully endorsed a potential deal. 30m on Brooks is in line to what I believe United should sign at this point in time ie young hungry players who have the potential to become top quality player.

 

[cyberman]

Saw this on reddit

You clearly never watch Ajax outside of that UCL run.

Tadic is not the most advanced player centrally and Van de Beek has played as a DM in double pivot just as much as he has as an attacking midfielder that goes into the same space as Griezmann.

They easily could’ve played together

 

[Squeaky Bumtime]

332 games at DM vs 31 at CM....

91.4% of his midfield games he’s been a DM. He’s a DM.

Sorry but you’re wrong. He’s a DM.

Nah. But carry on.

 

[slir32]

This was my second most important position to strengthen behind right wing. So happy with this signing.

 

[Brian McNair]

What squad number does he get?

 

[RDCR07]

He reminds me of a better Herrera. Lots of energy, drive and enthusiasm to play for a club but doesn’t jump of the page in terms of his name or his game.

 

[Acole9]

We've been missing a guy to rile up the opponents since Herrera left. Underrated niche.

I think Fernandes has a tendency to do that. Not as much as Herrera did though.

 

[LuckyScout78]

This boy is a energetic player. Full of energy and guts. And he is best when he play to his max. Not only potential, but energy, guts and punch too. Dont limit him. Let him be free to express himself. Then the best role for him like he has been playing for Ajax. A free cam role, as wingers and as LCM or RCM.

Remember. At this age and of his skills and energy. Dont use him as nr.8 in a only 2 central midfield partnership. If Pogba is out. Pull down Bruno as Pogba option and atlernative as a deep laying playmaker. Beside a hard working and a bit more defensive cm player.

Someone has asked if he can play as a winger?Then we have to ask what abilities need to play as a really good winger?

Ability to play as a winger are :

+ Ability one on one and beat/past players with ease. And
+ Ability to have good crosser and passer from the wide. Or 45 angle pass from down the line.

De Beek has really high level on those 2 abilities. Then that are the reason i think why he can do a good consistent job as RW or LW. And the reason and factor behind those 2 abilities above are. The boy has good and quick acceleration. High skill with the ball in high tempo and good ball control on high tempo.
He knows when he has to pass the ball from the wide or look up to deliver a 45 angle or straight to another player pass.
He two feets players. But best with right.

How to line him up?

De Beek - Bruno - De Beek + Greenwood/Rashford. In a 4231 formation United are using.

4-3-3 : De Beek/McTom - Matic/Fred - Bruno/Pogba/De Beek

As a free nr.10 CAM. I prefer Bruno over De Beek. Because of Bruno more calmness with the ball. De Beek, this boy is full of energy. And he is best when he is on max energy. Then a free winger role will suit him. He can use his max speed and skill to beat and pass players. Like you can see he has done some Zidane piruette. This boy has high ball skills. And because he has quick explosive. He use it most. Compare to Martial who dance pass players.

And in the end. De Beek is for a similiar Grealish role. And personally. I easily pick De Beek over Grealish. From mine observing as a full packet football player. De Beek better than Grealish. And for the money of 40, compare to Aston Villa expecting price 70-80. De Beek is a good deal.

Use him right. Free and let him play to the max. Then i think and believe he will be a consistent really good and creative attacking player.

Yepp. That are mine observing of him and description of him as a player. Clearly and attacking and creative player. Offensive category.

Edit:

His ball skill does match Bruno and others attacking players like Rashford and Greenwood. Martial is a bit special. Against tight defend Martial left wing one on one ability is alfa omega. Until Sancho is coming. Martial one one one is best at United. And which player need one one ability most and is specialist?Of course wingers.
Back to De Beek. Like i said. De Beek know when he has to pass the ball. And you know where football school is from?The dutch few touches quick and direct football. So De Beek will suit well with United attacking players. Like Bruno and the rest.

And with really good attacking players already here. It will not take long time to...deliver good conistent performances. Bruno had lifted everyone performances. So playing beside really good teammates and football player. It does help a lot. Get De Beek and Sancho. Let them gel together as a team like Bayern Munich. A team machine. Aggressive, hard working and good team football. Yeah, result of those factors. Will be really good.

This boy knows how to play football. Precise pass and moving football. Direct, few touches and effective/end product if you can.

 

[Tiber]

Ziyech is a huge Redcafe favourite, but Van De Beek scored more goals last season and is 4 years younger.

 

[AltiUn]

Does anyone know if he used to play a lot of Futsal? That's a very Futsal-esque style of dribbling.