Why Manchester United should sign Steven Bergwijn from PSV
According to a report in Sun Football, Premier League giants Manchester United are set to scout PSV winger Steven Bergwijn. It will be done with a view of making a £25m bid for the player during this month’s transfer window.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to bolster his attacking options and the Norwegian views the Dutch international as an ideal player to do so. The caretaker boss will deploy scouts to watch the 21-year-old closely as the winter break comes to an end in the Netherlands. (Sun)
As per another report in Sun, United already sent representatives to watch the player in October during a Champions League game. They were joined by representatives from Liverpool as well. However, it is clear that the Red Devils are itching to sign the player. Here’s why they should make a bid sooner rather than later:
Bergwijn’s qualities would enhance United’s attack
Predominantly a left-winger, Steven Bergwijn is perfectly capable of playing on the right wing or as a centre-forward. He is versatile enough to play as a second striker in a 4-4-1-1 formation as well.
The 21-year-old has scored 9 goals and supplied 7 assists in 16 Eredivisie appearances so far this season. He is one of the key members of a PSV squad who are leading the table in a gruelling title race with Ajax.
In terms of attributes, the Dutch international possesses the pace to terrify any defence in the world. Furthermore, he is pretty good at shooting towards the goal when given space and time with the ball.
His average key pass rate of 2.4 epitomizes his propensity to pick out the right pass in the final third. Bergwijn’s dribbling average of 2.9 per game depicts his talent on the ball. He is a nightmare when in one-on-one situations in and around the opposition penalty box. All in all, he is an all-around threat to the defenders.
Manchester United have Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford playing in wide areas. But while the former prefers operating on the left wing, the latter’s best position is leading the line. Hence, they need someone who can cause havoc on the right-wing. Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard are other options but they are more like attacking midfielders.
Therefore, it makes sense from their point of view to look for a player of Bergwijn’s calibre. The Dutchman can cement his position on the right-wing and simultaneously challenge Martial’s position on the left. United shouldn’t think twice before signing the 21-year-old.
Stats Courtesy – Whoscored.com