Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has encouraged the club to look into signing AZ Alkmaar star Kees Smit as a possible alternative to the likes of Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton.
Smit has established himself as a regular at AZ far quicker than many expected. Operating primarily as a central or defensive midfielder, he has already amassed more than 30 senior league appearances, contributing goals and assists in both Eredivisie and European competition despite his age.
During the current campaign, he has started the majority of AZ’s league fixtures, logging over 1,500 minutes. His output has been particularly impressive given his role, with strong numbers for chance creation, goals and assists when compared to others in his position across the division.
Those performances have reinforced chasing clubs belief that Smit has the technical and tactical profile to adapt to the Premier League, but if chasing clubs really want to get Smit signed up at the end of the season, they will have to pay big money
What did Ferdinand say?
‘Elliot Anderson, I would love to have him at the football club, 100 per cent,’ the ex-United and England defender said. His energy, his physicality… I think he would be a great signing. He knows the league.
‘Adam Wharton, I’ve spoken about him. Maybe he might be too similar to Kobbie Mainoo. We’d then lack a bit of physicality in the midfield area if it’s maybe him.
‘I’d probably lean towards Elliot Anderson this season, after the way that he’s played. His traits would suit and blend to someone like Kobbie Mainoo, if he’s going to start next season, a bit better.
‘The are others in the market as well, a couple of young ones,’ Ferdinand continued. Kees Smit, I like him a lot. If you don’t know who he is, go and have a look at him, guys! Kees Smit is a player.
‘He’s a young midfielder, he can do a bit of everything really and he’s performing to a very good standard.’
To have some of the biggest clubs chasing this young man just shows the kind of ability that he has, and the player that they all believe he could be in the coming seasons if he develops at the rate that he is right now.
The summer window is a few months away, there will be plenty of time for all the big clubs to try and sign Smit, and he may even decide to agree a new contract at his current club, but there will be alot more speculation to come.
It will be interesting to see where he ends up though as Manchester United will pay whatever it takes to get him signed, if they really want the lad.
More Manchester United News And Gossip
Top Read: World class £80M Manchester United target makes decision about making Premier League move in summer
Most Read: £350k-a-week star to leave Man United – Red Devils wants £60M star – Man United target expected to make summer move
LOVE MAN UNITED? CLICK RIGHT HERE FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND GOSSIP
Related
Discover more from IcFootballNews –
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.