Kees Kwakman notices that Daley Blind is not always as strong on the ball this season. That surprises the former midfielder, because Blind normally excelled in possession during his career. “If he is once trumped or walked past, you have to take that for granted,” says Kwakman at football talk on ESPN.
“That just happens, but what strikes me this season at Blind is that he has already fallen through the lower limit a number of times on the ball,” continues the analyst. “In matches such as Heracles-away (0-0, ed.) and PEC-away (0-2 win, ed.) I saw him things that made me think: how is this possible? A player with such a pass, technique , insight and the procrastination that he always has … who suddenly just hand in balls one after the other, that is what strikes me most this season with Blind.”
Blind played an important role in the the Dutch squad on Tuesday evening in the opening goal against Norway (2-0 win) by pushing through excellently. “Yesterday (Tuesday, ed.) He also had a few times that the pass did not arrive, but he is always looking for the balls between the lines,” said Kwakman, who is supplemented by Arnold Bruggink. “I really think he’s one of the most intelligent players,” Bruggink says.
The former attacker argues a different position for Blind, who invariably plays as a left back at Ajax and the the Dutch this season. “I would always use him as a defensive midfielder,” Bruggink said. “I think he is the best option there. I just like players who think three steps ahead, and he always does. As a controller, I think that can also be done against top countries. He also played a period there at Ajax, in which he was really good.” But it is clear that Erik ten Hag thinks Edson Álvarez is much better in that position.”