The ‘incredible’ Arthur Vermeeren has the talent and the potential to thrive ‘at a higher level’ as Premier League giants Manchester United keep tabs on the Royal Antwerp wonderkid.
That is according to the veteran Genk midfielder Sven Kums.
By his own admission, Kums is not an avid viewer of football. But the prospect of marvelling at Arthur Vermeeren for 90 minutes would certainly have the one-time Watford enforcer reaching for the remote.
At the age of just 18, Vermeeren already has a Jupiler League title under his belt, a place in Royal Antwerp folklore, and interest from clubs such as Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United (Sport).
Manchester United love Arthur Vermeeren
Whenever Vermeeren is brought up, it usually doesn’t take long for the conversation to turn to Andres Iniesta. And this was no different; the teenager’s balletic balance and line-breaking passes reminiscent of the Barcelona legend.
“I can see that, yes,” Kums tells Het Nieuwsblad when quizzed about those Iniesta comparisons.
“To perform like this at such a young age is incredible. Vermeeren is a very good but also a beautiful footballer.
“I don’t know what is true of what you read about the interest of big teams, but it wouldn’t surprise me (if they did want to sign him).”
According to Sport, Manchester United are the club most interested as things stand. And while it is Vermeeren’s poise in possession which tends to catch the eye, the teenager boasts rather impressive off-the-ball numbers too, suggesting that he could be part of a potential Casemiro succession plan at Old Trafford.
Belgium’s answer to Iniesta he may be, but there is a touch of the Busquets about him too. Two parts creator, one part destroyer.
Man United need a long-term Casemiro replacement
“He is a type who can easily play anywhere at a higher level,” Kums adds. He misplaces little to no passes, reads the game well, plays fast, and can set the temp. He has everything a midfielder of his style needs.
“You see that he scans a lot. He always chooses position wisely. You can train for that a bit, but I guess you either have something like that or you don’t. And he has that.”
According to reports, Man United are also in talks with Benfica’s Joao Neves. Valencia’s Javi Guerra, one of La Liga’s newest breakthrough stars, is another name to keep an eye on.
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