True to Ronald Koeman form, Southampton recently put pen to paper with Feyenoord’s Jordy Clasie. This sort of ‘grooming tactic’ (for want of a more pleasant phrase) is one Saints manager, Koeman, seems all too comfortable to employ when setting sights on new talent for the club. After the saddening departure of Morgan Schneiderlin to Premier League veterans, and similarly Dutch-run, Manchester United, Saints have confirmed Clasie as the French midfielder’s replacement.
Seven years of service along the south coast, and Schneiderlin has found it optimum time to move on to pastures new; Old Trafford is apparently the place of such dreams. Morgan Schneiderlin has been instrumental during many of Southampton’s seasons, whether they were wildly exciting or run of the mill, and it will take some adjusting to a fresh face in his boots.
The exact fee paid for Clasie seems confused, somehow, over the internet, but £8 million appears the most common figure awarded to the Dutch International (denomination as noted by BBC Sport). After interest equally from Newcastle United, it was Southampton to tip the scales for Clasie; undoubtedly, the time shared at Feyenoord with Ronald Koeman would have been the pivotal factor, as that bond could easily be picked up this season, and harnessed successfully to boost Southampton’s chances to exceed seventh place. Of course, that sublime league table finish for the boys was a balanced and well deserved team effort, with major contributions from Schneiderlin, but his form was markedly turning flat after a while. With great hope, Jordy Clasie could well be the right man to gel the team once more.
Recall last year’s blistering World Cup tournament for a moment, and you will most certainly remember those glittering, fast-paced, inspirational matches played by the Netherlands. Those games were nothing shy of exciting, and I for one was transfixed; now consider that the 24-year-old midfielder who aided such flawless victories for the Oranje is about to become a capable new Premier League hotshot. This is definitely a prospect Saints supporters should relish, because this level of aptitude has been extremely sought after, and now belongs in a red and white striped jersey.
Jordy Clasie’s senior career began in 2010 with Feyenoord, and has only held one position outside the club, albeit only on loan for a season. Although this could hint at Clasie being less accustomed to play beyond the Eredivisie, that experience must start somewhere. Furthermore, it is certain that Ronald Koeman will offer him the correct amount of nurturing; Koeman has been fabulous as the latest Saints boss, with an expert ability to gel old members and new alike, to bring out the best in them, and the squad as a whole. Additionally, his knack for scouting potential new blood for the club has been infallible, given that they are often players he has worked with in some capacity before. For instance, Graziano Pellè, who joined the Saints chaps last season, had also arrived from Feyenoord, whilst ex-FC Twente player, Dušan Tadić, had also been monitored tightly by Koeman. These two alone remain testament to Koeman’s solid position leading the team.
For both reasons of Clasie’s ability and those pertaining to manager, Ronald Koeman, I have no qualms that the Dutch midfielder will mesh very well with the new Southampton outfit. Of course, it isn’t just a case 0f slotting in where Schneiderlin was positioned; it’s now about making a bigger mark in said place, and climbing up the table even further. Jordy Clasie could be the binding ticket to assist that cause.
