Dutch midfielder Kevin Strootman has signed a five-year deal with Serie A side Roma, after the two clubs agreed a fee reported to be around 20 million euros.
Strootman wrote on his personal website: “I am very excited to be able to play for this great club.
“It is the next stage in my career development after being at Sparta, FC Utrecht and PSV, a club at which I had a lot of fun.”
With many of Europe’s Elite – such as Manchester United, Chelsea and AC Milan supposedly after Strootman, it seems that AS Roma have pulled off a real coup.
With United in desperate need of a central midfielder and the qualities that Strootman possesses, it came as a surprise to me that they didn’t put a bid in. Especially as 20 million euros is a very reasonable price.
A 23-year-old, 6ft1 box-to-box central midfielder, Strootman is a former attack-minded prospect, currently honing his defensive skills.
Strootman is technically gifted player who’s also at home with the physical side of the game. He possess a solid understanding of when to use his bullish upper body strength to best effect and when to swap to a cultured and clever player whilst in possession. Combine the two and you have an individual who’s superb in keeping his side ticking over.
Strootman opts to shift the ball quickly and effectively, often picking the easiest but best options in good time, and keeping the pace flowing. His magic wand of a left foot is a dangerous weapon from a deeper role, giving him more time to pick defensive locks, and additional space to show off his accurate long range shooting ability.
With United relying on Michael Carrick, Anderson and Cleverley it is a mystery to me as to why they have let Roma snatch Strootman for what could be seen as a bargain in today’s inflated market.
Follow @footyfriends By Adeel Shafieq