Scout Report: Riechedly Bazoer
The search for the next big superstar hits Holland as Chelsea and Arsenal are battling for the signature of the 19-year-old Ajax midfielder. It has been quite a while since the next big Dutch name has come up in the footballing circle, not to forget about Memphis Depay but Riechedly Bazoer could well usurp the Manchester United forward if things go his way.
From Ajax to London
The youngster started his career with USV Elinwijk before being signed up by PSV where he made most of his progress. He was then signed up by rivals Ajax even though he attracted a lot of interest from top Premier League clubs.
Riechedly has made 51 appearances for the side and has scored six goals for the Dutch side. The young midfielder had also broken into the senior Holland side and has made one appearance for them but with the big fish circling around him and with a move away to the Premier League beckoning, we find out just what Bazoer’s game is all about.
Riechedly plays mostly in a central role and can play as an advanced attacker or as a defensive midfielder. He makes some incredible box to box runs and is seen as someone who can do something like that on a regular basis but he hasn’t forgotten his defensive duties even though he likes to make runs forward.
He is equally adept at breaking up play, something that will come to great use in the tough world of the Premier League. Bazoer has a keen eye on providing the passes as well and can start attacks from deep in midfield, though he is better with the ball at his feet and running at defences rather than trying to spray passes around.
His inconsistency with the passing will get better over time a greater worry is the fact that he isn’t as proficient in front of goal. There have been comparisons with Paul Pogba, one of the best box to box players in the world but he isn’t up to that level yet, playing in a 4-3-3 midfield for Ajax does give him ample freedom to boss around but playing in the Premier League wouldn’t be a walk in the park for the 19-year-old.
Riechedly Bazoer has a long way to go to become a household name in the world of the Premier League. Joining either Chelsea or Arsenal wouldn’t guarantee him an automatic starting spot but moving to England should help his growth into the talent that he can be.