What could Jannik Vestergaard bring to Southampton?
Published:
Is The Great Dane the man to replace VVD?
Southampton may finally sign their Virgil Van Dijk replacement this summer after being linked with a move for Werder Bremen’s Jannik Vestergaard.
The Saints suffered badly after selling their star-man last January. And a defender with Van Dijk’s attributes is imperative.
The Coral News Team look at the man who could step in to the Dutch man’s shoes…
Check out the latest football betting odds in our Sportsbook at Coral!
Van Dijk who?
The 6ft 7inch Jannik Vestergaard could be the commanding but calm presence they desperately need.
He came through the ranks at Brondby, but it’s in Germany where his career has blossomed.
Beginning his adventure with Hoffenheim, before moving on to Werder Bremen he has now competed in the Europa and Champions League for Borussia Monchengladbach.
The Dane has really honed his defensive nous after starting out as a central midfielder in his early days.
Vestergaard was part of the Denmark World Cup squad who made the last-16 in Russia this summer.
The 25-year-old is now hitting the prime of his career and reports suggest he’s in talks with Southampton about a move to the Premier League.
Passing and reading ability
Vestergaard isn’t the quickest player around when it comes to pace. But the Dane’s reading of the game is excellent.
What he lacks in speed-of-legs, he makes up for in speed-of-thought. Positionally, he is very good too and rarely gets caught out of place.
But it’s his passing ability that really sets him apart. And one of the reasons why Bremen deployed him in midfield.
Van Dijk was a key player for the Saints because of his ability to cut out attacks at the source and then feed his midfielders. Vestergaard would certainly re-add those qualities.
Signal of intent
Mark Hughes must look to the future to make the South Coast club competitive again.
Defender Maya Yoshida looked assured as Japan were thirty minutes away from a World Cup quarter-final.
They also have Jack Stephens, Wesley Hoedt and Jan Bednarek amongst their defensive ranks.
Midfielder’s Stuart Armstrong and Mohamed Elyounoussi have already been signed.
But this would be a signal intent from Hughes that he won’t tolerate another relegation scrap.
Vestergaard has admitted he is a fan of the league and West Ham are said to be interested as well.
Although the Saints have reportedly moved quickly and could have a deal ironed out imminently.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
