Former Ajax youth team coach Alfons Groenendijk feels Dutch Under-19 midfielder Riechedly Bazoer has the ability to become the next Patrick Vieira, matching the Arsenal legend's feats in the game.
Schooled at Ajax’s youth academy, the 18-year-old has made steady progress through the ranks at the Amsterdam ArenA and has established himself as a regular in the first eleven in the second half of the season.
His assured performances in the middle of the park for Ajax this season have caught the eyes of many and he has already been tipped to achieve bigger things in the future.
His ability to play at the base as well as the tip of the midfield has added a different dimension to the Ajax team and he has started nine out of their last ten league fixtures.
Groenendijk is pleased to see Bazoer taking giant strides as a footballer at such a very young age and believes that he has all the attributes to become a top midfielder, like former Arsenal captain Vieira.
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“It’s nice to see that he is playing so well and don’t forget he is still just 18”, Groenendijk told De Telegraaf.
“I see him as the future Patrick Vieira of Ajax.
"He is tall, has a beautiful style of football and is a true athlete.
“You always need these types of players; I am confident that he will get stronger and reach the top.”
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