With the season complete, many names are being mentioned regarding possible options for United to invest in over the summer. With a defensive midfielder an outlined position that requires improvement, 23 year-old Dutchman Teun Koopmeiners is one of a few of note within that position. Though he may not be number one target with the likes of Declan Rice favoured, he is definitely somebody I would contemplate.
Koopmeiners plays for an AZ Alkmaar side rich with young quality, captaining the team since the tender age of 21. Immediately, that emphasises his maturity and mentality to lead from a very young age. Similar to Harry Maguire since joining United, Koopmeiners' availability has been a key asset for the Dutch side; he has only missed three matches since 2018 (all through illness). The Alkmaar academy product likely wouldn't cost a whole bunch relative to the modern market, once again exacerbating why he should be assessed as a viable option - and I will detail just why he should be considered.
As a left-footed defensive midfielder, he has proven his versatility by also operating as a left centre back within a back three during phases of matches. Sometimes, when AZ are in possession, he lies deeper and covers in defence which can allow the fullbacks to push forward (something very much part of Solskjaer's ethos). His capability to play in the back line is the epitome of his defensive ability, with an excellent statistical output for assets such as interceptions, tackles and clearances. For a matter of fact, only Wan-Bissaka (88) completed more tackles for United in the league than Koopmeiners (84) managed in the Eredivisie this campaign. Furthermore, on average, he regains possession 10.5 times per game; this is reminiscent of the likes of Joshua Kimmich (9.2), Casemiro (10.2) and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (10.9). There is a clear efficiency with regards to potentially offering stable cover within a midfield alongside a more offensively-minded partner in the pivot - in our case he could create an excellent bond with Pogba.
When he's in possession of the ball, people have referred to Koopmeiners as a 'deep playmaker'. There is an assured ability to control the play using his quality from deeper areas, with his capable passing range massively aiding fluidity in transitions. He provides an effective link within the midfield between the defence and attack, with an ability to break lines from deep and subsequently enable more space to be created against low blocks. His average total of 75 passes per game is the same as total City's Rodri, accentuating his capability to dictate from the pivot. Moreover, an average of 1.07 key passes every match is more than the likes of Fernandinho (0.72), Thiago (0.78) and Leon Goretzka (0.82); it is the same output as Leicester's Youri Tielemans despite Koopmeiners' operating within a more defensive role that the Belgian.
In conclusion, Koopmeiners could be the ideal solution to the lack of balance often prevalent in the pivot. Both in and out of possession, there is an offered sense of stability. His defensive output for Alkmaar has been superb, whilst he also offers efficiency when attacking. Though it most definitely isn't his sole purpose to produce goal contributions, the 17 goals and 5 assists the Dutchman contributed this season epitomises his multifunctionality. He is certainly capable from dead ball and set piece situations, scoring the most goals from set pieces in the league this campaign.
On the opposing front, well, his defensive numbers speak for themselves!
2nd best young player at Alkmaar!