First of all, my analysis of Van de Beek is based on his performance for Netherlands in their euro qualifiers and European performance with Ajax. #mufc

It must be noted that in the national team, Van de Beek is not a regular. As the coach always preferred the trio of Frankie, De Roon and Wijnaldum. #mufc

However...

It was in 2 of Netherlands last 3 games that he featured prominently. First was vs Belarus. An away 2-1 win in which he was chosen ahead of De Roon. He played as a CMF. The game secured Holland’s qualification. #mufc

But the game in which VDB starred and won man of the match was in the goalless draw vs Northern Ireland which ended 0-0.

Van De Beek played in the hole (10) behind the front 3. #mufc

Now Van de Beek is quite different from your regular central midfielder. He rarely maintains a defined position in a game. His game is built on dynamism. Which means...

You may find him involved in a counter, sprinting down the left, involved in a 1-2 with Martial in CF area... or on the right being played on by wan Bissaka while dropping into central area to help retain ball possession.

He is a tireless midfielder and will go where the action is. You will never ask where he has been all day or if he started. He will be involved in almost every corner of the pitch.

I will likely him to Dutch version of a Vidal or the Spanish version of Saul.

You can also liken him to Herrera. As both hate to settle to stagnant positions. Always looking to be part of the action

Now how does he fit?

Van de Beek fits the profile of player Solskjaer is looking to bring to the club. As Neville explained last summer “players who are on the verge of being world class”.

So the project fits Van de Beek. Not forgetting his European experience with Ajax.

Now how does he fit into the United formation? Because of his dynamic style and tendency to roam around the pitch, he is best utilized with the insurance of a Defensive or deeper lying midfielder behind him. Either playing ina Bruno role or Pogba role.

Here:

Here is another exciting one. When Man Utd went to Everton in that 1-1 draw in February, ole started with a midfield diamond and this is where Van de Beek can comfortably play with Pogba, Fernandes and still have the insurance of a DM.

Here:

So while he offers strong depth in midfield and the need to rotate to cover hectic European midweek schedules, he can also be utilized when United want to shut down the midfield and still retain quality in numbers.

The losers here will likely be McTominay (as ole prefers Fred when he wants to rest Matic) and then Pereira (if for some terrible reason he decides to stay).

In some crunchy games last season, ole went for a back 3. So if he decides to play a back 3. We could witness sth like this with Van de Beek in the mix.

Last December, the Dutch media believed Van de Beek was Madrid bound. But a bid never came. And a week ago, there was the idea that Koeman will come for him.. but that apparently has not come.

Which opened the way for Solskjaer to convince to join his project at Old trafford.

Thanks for joining me. I hoped you enjoyed it. Peace.