Former Manchester United coach Rene Muelensteen has been discussing his fellow Dutchmen in the Premier League, giving his views on Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Micky van de Ven.
When asked if this would be Liverpool captain Van Dijk’s last season at the top of the game, Muelensteen dismissed that idea and outlined what the 35-year-old still offers.
Staying in Liverpool, Muelensteen explained what Reds star Gakpo needs to do to keep his position in the Liverpool team after the expensive addition of Bradley Barcola from PSG.
Muelensteen also stated that he thinks Tottenham defender van de Ven is more than capable of playing for a top Premier League club and admitted that he would have loved Manchester United to sign him.
Van Dijk still has lots to offer
During an exclusive chat with BestBettingSites, Muelensteen said of Van Dijk: “I don’t think this will be Virgil van Dijk’s final year in top-flight football, even if it ends up being his last season at Liverpool.
“He still has so much to offer at the highest level, whether that eventually leads to a move to Spain or a lucrative offer in Saudi Arabia.
“He’ll want to finish his Liverpool career on an absolute high.”
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Utility player
When asked if Micky van de Ven is good enough for a top four club, Muelensteen said: “Micky van de Ven is definitely good enough for a top-four side.
“I would have loved to see him at Manchester United because his recovery pace allows you to play a much higher defensive line, and he can easily cover at left-back.
“United currently have aging center-backs and injury issues with Lisandro Martínez, so Van de Ven would have been ideal.
“That said, Roberto De Zerbi has a solid long-term pairing at Tottenham with Van de Ven and Jan Paul van Hecke, who could easily become the bedrock centre-back duo for the Dutch national team.”
Incredible depth in squad
Gakpo has started the season well for Liverpool – but faces competition for a first-team place following the arrival at Anfield of Barcola.
Muelensteen added: “Cody’s absolute best position is cutting in from the left wing onto his right foot where he poses a massive goal threat, even though he can play centrally or on the right.
“Andoni Iraola has incredible depth and options upfront – especially after investing heavily in Bradley Barcola – so Cody just needs to maintain consistency, work hard in training, and remain decisive in the final third.
“If he keeps delivering goals and assists, it will be very difficult for the manager to leave him out.”
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