AFC Ajax’s http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jan-Vertonghen-c17814 doubtful to play against De Graafschap – Dutch Eredivisie news
Ajax Amsterdam’s Jan Vertonghen is looking doubtful to play against De Graafschap in the 2011/12 season opener. The 24-year-old had also missed the Johan Cruijff Shield encounter against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Twente-c39233 Enschede last week due to a muscle injury.
The central defender is one of the key players in the Amsterdammers’ back-line along with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Toby-Alderweireld-c35183, Gregory van der Wiel and Nicolai Boilesen. His magical performances at the back made it possible for the Amsterdammers to lift the Eredivisie title
at the end of the 2010/11 campaign.
Since he started his professional career at Amsterdam Arena in the 2006/07 season, the Belgian stopper has so far played 124 games and managed to find the back of the net on 15 occasions.
The central defender’s good performances did not go unnoticed, as Arsenal FC, Fulham FC and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 FC were keen to acquire his signature in the ongoing summer transfer market. However, the 24-year-old denied moving abroad and preferred to prolong his
stay at Amsterdam Arena.
The Amsterdammers will commence their Eredivisie title defence against De Graafschap at De Vijverberg Stadion on Sunday, August 7. However, it seems unlikely that the 24-year-old would be taking any part in the clash.
Frank de Boer, the Amsterdammers manager, revealed that replacing the Belgian stopper is never easy as he is undoubtedly one of the best defenders playing in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Netherlands-c753.
“Vertonghen is currently one of the best players in the Eredivisie. With his impressive passing, positioning, speed and scoring abilities, it is never easier to replace him”, De Boer said.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Daley-Blind-c9747 replaced the injured Vertonghen in the 2-1 loss to FC Twente last week and impressed De Boer with his superb performances at the back. The youngster has so far made 15 appearances since he started his professional career at Amsterdam Arena in
the summer of 2008.
The 21-year-old would yet again be occupying the vacant position in the centre of the defence. Although the promising youngster has proved his impressive defensive skills, Vertonghen’s tendency to move forward and create goalscoring opportunities for the
strikers will certainly be missed by the Amsterdam giants in the upcoming clash.
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