For that money, we now expect clean sheets, no goals conceded through set pieces, and a good number of goals scored through headers from our corners. And also an 8 (at least) or man of the match performance every time.
Just read an article by the guy that took VvD to Celtic, he reckons he has the potential to be at least half as good as Ferdinand. Depending on which of the Ferdinand brothers he was talking about you could have a decent player there
Whereas Everton has been Man Utd's old folks retreat for many years, not sure Everton have ever signed their tea lady though.
VvD is 26 and should be coming into his peak, Rio was 24 and already there. You don't pay that much for potential when you really need it now. I know Klopp is known for "developing" players just as they happen to be maturing in the game (coincidentally) but VvD is already at the age where he either makes it or doesn't. I would have loved him next to Bailly at OT 16 months ago by the way
Some players develop at a later age, your two year age differential means nothing, it's like you saying Rio was already at the height of his game and didn't need guidance from the Fergie team of trainers etc, also are you saying that a player can't "make it" in the game at the age of 26 or older if they already haven't?, If yes that's bs.