Liverpool’s love affair with midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum looks as if it could end, with the two parties apparently unable to agree during the contract negotiations.
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When Wijnaldum seems to be on his way out of Anfield, what better way to stop the midfield he will leave than with another talented Dutchman who is seven years younger.
Teun Koopmeiners have earned praise from all over Europe for a few seasons now, and the AZ Alkmaar man is reportedly on the Red’s shortlist this summer when they look to get reinforcements in midfield.
But who is Koopmeiners and what is there to know about him?
Teun Koopmeiners was named AZ Alkmaar captain just 21 years old ANP Sport / Getty Images
One of the best aspects of Koopmeiner’s play is his leadership ability, so much so that he was named AZ Alkmaar captain at just 21 years old.
But do not be fooled into believing that he is the leader of a side full of veterans and so his job as captain is minimal – Alkmaar’s squad is full of talented youngsters like Owen Wijndal, Calvin Stengs and Myron Boadu, so Koopmeiner’s role at the club his huge.
Teun Koopmeiners made his senior international debut against Mexico last year, Soccrates Images / Getty Images
Koopmeiners has been a regular in the Dutch youth teams for the past six years, although he was awarded his senior international hat last year.
He made his debut in the Netherlands ‘friendly with Mexico in October last year, with Wolves’ Raul Jimenez giving his side a 1-0 victory.
Koopmeiners has been tipped as the future of the Dutch midfield along with Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.
Teun Koopmeiners has filled the midfield on several occasions for AZ Alkmaar | BSR Agency / Getty Images
Ahhhh now Liverpool’s sudden interest makes sense.
Koopmeiners could not only fill the gap that Wijnaldum left in midfield, he can also fill the midfield and has done so on more than a handful of occasions in recent seasons.
The Reds have endured an injury nightmare in the defense this season and so the signing of the Koopmeiners would provide extra backup if they were to ever endure similar misery in the future.
Teun Koopmeiners is a perfect penalty taker | Soccrates Images / Getty Images
A look at Koopmeiner’s goal-scoring statistics from the last three campaigns will make Liverpool fans lick their lips when they get him. The 23-year-old has scored 30 goals in 77 trips – a statistic all the more impressive from the fact that he has played many matches in midfield.
But – and this is a big ‘but’ – many of these goals have come from the penalty spot, but it can not hurt to have a skilled penalty taker on the side.
Teun Koopmeiners representing the Netherlands U21 side | Soccrates Images / Getty Images
Like many Dutch midfielders, Koopmeiner’s greatest strength lies in his technical ability rather than his physical skill.
He may not be very fast but his maturity and intelligence set him apart from the rest of the AZ Alkmaar squad.
The 23-year-old is the orchestrator of his side’s progressive play and he likes to sit deep in midfield and control the pace of the game.
Teun Koopmeiners has been attracting interest across Europe for a while now, Soccrates Images / Getty Images
Given the fact that he has been his side’s excellent artist for many years now, it’s probably not so much of a surprise that Koopmeiners has aroused interest from some big sides for a while.
Premier League clubs have paid particular attention to his development with West Ham, Leeds and Everton, all credited with an interest in securing his services.
However, interest is not limited to these beaches, but Serie A giants Napoli, Roma and Inter are also monitoring the kid.
