When it comes to defensive midfielders, there are few better options out there than Dutch ace Nigel De Jong. The 29-year-old has bag-loads of experience and knows the game inside out.
He knows where to position himself in order to stop attacks before they happen. He rarely ever gets caught out and he’s not afraid to put his body on the line physically.
It’s also worth remembering that he’s very comfortable on the ball. Whilst other defensive midfielders look to pass possession on as quickly as possible, De Jong isn’t afraid to try and pick out a killer pass, or to try and turn defense into attack.
He’s only 5 foot 8 inches tall, but he’s got serious presence. I suppose it was only a matter of time before Arsenal, who are in need of a defensive midfielder, picked up a link to the Dutchman.
According to The Mirror, De Jong is ‘upset’ that his ‘close pal’ Clarence Seedorf lost his job as Milan boss. With 12 months left on his contract at the San Siro, there are now serious question marks over De Jong’s future. The aforementioned source suggests that both Arsenal and QPR are interested in the Dutchman. Harry likes to aim big doesn’t he?
At 29-years-old, Nigel De Jong may well fancy one last big pay day. If he truly is unhappy at Milan, a move to a top club like Arsenal is sure to hold plenty of appeal (certainly more so than QPR). Whether the Serie A side will be happy to let him go is another matter.
With Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini getting on in years, I can’t help but feel that Arsenal would benefit from having a serious physical presence in the centre-of-the-park. Players like Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere and Mesut Ozil need more time and space on the ball. With an enforcer type like De Jong buzzing about the pitch, they may just get this.
Whether AC Milan will be prepared to sell remains to be seen, but I’d love to see The Gunners test the waters. De Jong would represent a serious step up on their current options.
What’s your take? Should Arsenal really be interested in AC Milan’s Nigel De Jong?
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Wenger have loads of stars linked to the Gunners since b4 and after the end of last season, and uptill now not a single addition has been made. Djong is a fine player whom Wenger would have bought from Man City and he never did, is it now that AC Milan still want him that he will go and buy him? that is not going to be easy. Serious minded coaches have started buying players and he Will still be waiting for last transfer market day 00.00 hours to go left over players after which he would have done agency job identifying good players for others coacheas to buy, Wenger please beging to buy now and take every player we need for pre season no more smarking of water bottle on the floor this season ooooo please.
GUNNERS 4 LIFE
Yes yes and yes