Page 3 – AZ Soccer

MANCHESTER UNITED DROP POINTS TO AZ ALKMAAR

Manchester United struggles continue this season as they played out another unaspiring goalless draw against Az Alkmaar.

The outcome of the match and an uninspiring performance by both Az Alkmaar and Manchester United could also be attributed to the state of the pitch. The match was played at the Ado den Haag ground on an artificial surface after the collapse of part of a stand of Az own stadium meant the Dutch side were not able to host Manchester United in front of their home fans.

AZ ALKMAAR HELD TO DRAW BY WILLEM II

AZ Alkmaar headed into their clash against Willem II looking to keep pace with early pacesetters Ajax and PSV. There have been feel-good factors for the club after holding Manchester United to a 0-0 draw on Thursday, where the away side failed to make a shot on target.

AZ, as expected, dominated the opening exchanges with quick chances for Myron Boadu and Calvin Stengs leading that charge. In the 22nd minute, the pressure paid dividends as Boadu was brought down in the box by a clumsy challenge.

Felix Correia Joining AZ Alkmaar on Loan

When Felix Correia had been signed in the summer of 2019 by Manchester City, it came as a surprise among supporters.

It will not be wrong to say that Correia had been an unknown by a majority of the fans of Manchester City. However, as soon as the team was linked with him, people began searching for him frantically on YouTube for highlight clips. Nevertheless, he had made very less appearance and thus, there was not much to see.

Correia had been an eighteen-year-old forwards but he could play at the Right Wing, too. He had primarily played under Sporting Lisbon under-19 and also a few runs outs for under-19 team of Portuguese. Irrespective of the lack of action, he had some buzz around him in 2018.

The 7 goals which he had scored in Portugal in twenty games for the Sporting Under-19 had brought him into the limelight. This garnered the attention of the biggest club in Europe. He was being scouted by Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund. Juventus, Barcelona, and Manchester City had been lingering to make a new bid.

The Portuguese press had called him the next Ronaldo. Portugal has a history of developing young talent. On 6^th August, Correia was purchased by Manchester City with a 5-year deal. Joao Felix is already having an impact on Atletico Madrid since the time he has been signed in summer and there is a lot of hope regarding Correia’s future development.

Hence, it doesn’t come as a surprise that city has announced Correia joining AZ Alkmaar on loan in the Dutch League for the season. It is being hoped that his next step will be to be a part of a team in a prime European League.

Jordy Clasie might move to AZ Alkmaar

There are reports in the Dutch press that Southampton player Jordy Clasie might be making a move to Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar. Since his arrival in England, the player has not had the best of seasons and had to spend last season on loan at Feyenoord.

It is believed that both Southampton, as well as the player, is open to a move and it is very unlikely that we will be seeing Jordy Clasie in England next season.

The player who is currently 27 years old said that it is important for him to be playing regularly and that there are many clubs that have made inquiries about his availability. He said that he will take some time to analyze all the offers that come his way and want to take the best decision for his career.

Jordy Clasie said that he came to England with big hopes but unfortunately for him, things did not go really well. He said that he needs to have a stable club as he feels that this is hindering his performance on the pitch.

He believes that fans have not seen what he can do on the pitch and that it is important for him to please the fans. He said that in his best interest it might be preferable that he leaves the club and seek another opportunity elsewhere.

He said that the Premier League is a very interesting and competitive league and that he has been happy to be part of it. He said that at the moment he will spend some time with his friends and his family and leave all the negotiations in the hands of his agent.

He wants to be ready and refresh before the start of the next season and give his best on the pitch.

FERNERBACHE SET TO SIGN CHELSEA ACE

According to reports from Turkey Fernerbache are looking to sign Chelsea loanee Victor Moses on a permanent deal. Victor Moses is currently on loan on at the Turkish Super League and has helped the club to pull away from the relegation zone.

It is understood that Fernerbache has made an initial offer of around €4 million for the former Nigerian International. Victor Moses is a cult hero for Chelsea as he was a key member in the Blues last Premier League triumph two seasons ago.

Reinvented as a wing-back by former Blues manager Antonio Conte Moses became a key figure in the Blues title win with impressive performances for the club. He was also a regular last season in an underwhelming season that ended with a FA Cup victory. However, the arrival of Maurizio Sarri saw the player drop out of the first team as a result of the Italian tactician preference for a back four.

Moses still has two years left on his contract and Fernerbache are awaiting Chelsea’s response on their transfer bid. Chelsea are in a crossroad as the club is currently hit with a FIFA ban on transfer which could affect the outcome of their decision on the Nigerian.

Meanwhile, in other news, Ajax have beaten the Blues to the signing of AZ Alkmaar hotshot Rio Hillen. According to reports from Dutch tabloid, Voetballzone Ajax have been able to convince the 16-year-old of a move to the club. It is understood that Chelsea, PSV and Borussia Dortmund were interested in the player but Hillen looks set to put pen to paper to a three-year deal at the Amsterdam Arena. Chelsea currently transfer ban could have cost the club as the Blues are unable to make transfers for the next two windows.

Victor Moses on a permanent deal. Victor Moses is currently on loan on at the Turkish Super League and has helped the club to pull away from the relegation zone.

LIVERPOOL IN RACE FOR DUTCH DEFENDER

Liverpool have joined the race for highly-rated Ajax defender Matthijs De Ligt according to news reports from Europe. De Ligt is considered as the best teenage defender and has been the subject of speculation across Europe.

The 19-year-old has captained Ajax this season and has been impressive in his performances alongside fellow countryman Frenkie De Jong. This has attracted attention from the top teams in Europe as he is seen as the next best defender.

De Jong has already earned a move to Barcelona in the summer and it is believed that there is a four-way battle for De ligt’s signature. Liverpool, Barcelona, PSG and Real Madrid are believed to be interested in the Dutch international.

Liverpool are looking at the prospect of forming an elite partnership at the back with De Ligt and Van Dirk. Van Dirk is widely considered as the best defender in England and adding De Ligt to the backline would make for a formidable defence alongside Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

PSG are looking at revamping their defence after the latest disappointment in the Champions League and Thiago Silva is expected to play a reduced role next season. Barcelona have the edge as they have done business recently with the Dutch club and have a good relationship.

However, it would most likely come to who can pay the huge transfer fee that is likely to be placed on the defender. It is expected that a fee of around £60 million would be enough to purchase the player in the summer.

Liverpool last season splashed a record bid of £70 million to sign Van Dirk from Southampton and he has proven to be a bargain. It remains to be seen if the Reds are willing to splash the cash to get the Dutch defence.