Kevin Strootman

 

{Player Profile Updated 01/09/2012}









Date of Birth: - 13th February 1990.



Height: - 6ft 1inch



Position: - Central Midfielder



Nationality: - Dutch



Current Club: - PSV Eindhoven



Estimated Market Value: - No less than 20million Euro's, although I am unsure of an actual figure, as PSV are very, very reluctant to sell.



Linked With: - Liverpool FC

- Manchester United

- AC Milan

- Arsenal











Club Statistics





Sparta Rotterdam:

2007/2008 season - 3 appearances, 0 goals and 0 assists.

2008/2009 season - 25 appearances, 2 goals and 3 assists.

2009/2010 season - 31 appearances, 5 goals and 1 assist.







Utrecht:

2010/2011 season - 16 appearances, 2 goals and 0 assists.







PSV:

2011/2012 season - 46 appearances, 6 goals and 17 assists.

2012/2013 season - 5 appearances, 2 goals and 1 assist.









General Comments:



I haven't seen an awful lot of Strootman I will admit, but watching the Eredivisie on demand isn't as easy as you think I assure you. Nevertheless, I have a few thoughts on Strootman.



To sum up his game, I'd have to say he is an old-school central midfielder. He loves to pass; he loves to make runs off of the ball; he loves to power through defences; he loves to defend;he loves to keep the opponent guessing; he has a hell of a bullet-shot when needed. I love this type of midfielder, as I think they're a dying breed. How many midfielder's can you name off of the top of your head that do all the things I listed? Not very many, at top level anyway.



You find in the modern game it's all about being an attacking midfielder or a defensive midfielder, never both. Strootman isn't the most skillful player in the world, but that's what's great about him, he doesn't need the tricks because he has the vision to make up for it. Once he see's a pass, he'll do all he can do make that happen. I don't mean to be too pushy or anything but, he reminds me of a very young Steven Gerrard, or a modern day Scholes with pace - and these are meant as massive compliments.



However, the issue is that this is the Eredivisie, and unfortunately that league is not what it once was, and isn't even a top league any more, so translating talent is a very difficult thing. Strootman definitely has the potential to achieve something in a higher league, but it would take very hard work and determination, which I think he has. But for anything more than 20 million Euro's to me seems daft, as he's unproven at top level at the minute. However, when he's played for Netherlands he's looked the same. Admittedly, not as outstanding - but that's due to him being surrounded by very experienced dominant players such as Van Persie and Robben, so he may be a little star-struck if you will. Nevertheless, this kid's got a lot of potential, and I think he's definitely worth a shot at signing for a Premier League team at the right price.





Would Strootman Cut it in the Premier League? - In my opinion, yes he would. Its a risk to say that, but he has some real class in the centre of midfield and I feel he has the potential to be the real boss of that midfield in most sides to be honest.





















The Business End of the Profile:



Ed052 Update on 23rd May - Strootman will be moving this summer. Although the above clubs all have an interest in him, Liverpool probably wont be able to afford him; so they can be ruled out. Arsenal have other targets. I expect, if and when he moves, United would be a very possible destination



Thanks all,





Ed022-}