CB Moisander linked to Toon move.....

Hurrah.... a centre back is linked....

http://www.nufcfans.co.uk/niklas-moisander-newcastle-united-ajax-alan-pardew/

According to reports in Italy, Alan Pardew is considering the possibility of a move for Ajax central defender Niklas Moisander.



Since the Newcastle manager revealed that he has a shortlist of seven centre-backs selected in preparation for January, the Toon have been linked with a whole host of different players. Moisander is the latest centre-back that Pardew is said to be considering. The player has recently turned 27 and is currently plying his trade at Ajax.

The Finnish captian only joined the Dutch club in the summer transfer window. He was signed for €4m as a replacement for Jan Vertonghen who was sold to Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur. He’s made five appearances and scored three goals since joining Ajax in August – an impressive goal scoring record for anyone, let alone a defender. In fact, he netted in one of Ajax’s goals in their recent 3-1 victory over Manchester City in the Champions League.

It’s not the first time that Moisander has played for Ajax. He had a three-year spell at the club when he joined from Turun Palloseura in 2003. However, he never actually made a senior appearance for the team during that time. He moved on and rebuilt his career and reputation at FC Zwolle and AZ Alkmaar. He clearly impressed, because Ajax wanted their man back.

 

Ajax must be like "oh jesus christ not these ****s again" lol

 

Nah, sounds average at best and time is not on his side. We can do better

 

What's happened to us only signing players who will become worth more? Seems the last few I've seen us linked with have all been the wrong side of 26

 

I'd have to agree with Jacky, I think we need someone a little younger with more potential for progression and who is willing to fit into a rotation system. He isn't going to want that. With Saylor being so injury prone and Colo starting to show signs of picking up niggly injuries (typical of 30+ centre backs) we need a top quality centre back to replace the admirable but lacking Williamson. We need more a of natural footballing defender with a bit of pace to balance the squad to deal with the mdoern games demands.

 

He's average at best.

Theres a whole list of CBs I'd prefer to him

 

So here's my first report in 6 weeks, bit rusty here so bear with me please.

Niklas Moisander, 27 year old Finnish defender who played 4 seasons for AZ Alkmaar when Ajax bought him for 4 million euro's(3.4 million quid) this summer.
Allthough seasoned in the Eredivisie and tested in the Europa League, he is still quite error prone. Often caught outside when the offside trap has to shut down, and when beat, his top speed is just poor. He just can't keep up with fast wingers or strikers, especially not on the counter attack. If you want to see for yourself, go watch the Ajax - Real Madrid game of September this year, Ajax lost 1-4 with some classical errors from Moisander included.

His defensive skills are quite impressive for the Eredivisie. Big and strong guy who isn't pushed around easily. His marking is good and his tackling is above par for defenders but his main weakness is in the air. A tall striker can get easily past him in a cornerkick situation. His jumping and movement are almost impaired-like in a heavily crowded box which is a big concern for any EPL club in my opinion. His mental skills are very impressive though, high work rate, great stamina and rarely injured. He is the constant factor in any defense, very conistent type of player. He is the silent type though, not a leader/father figure for a young team.

What worries me the most is that I can't see him improve a lot in the comming years. I think he reached his peak at Ajax, which still makes him a good defender for any mid-table club in the EPL. And as the NUFC board wants to end the season within the top8 for european football, I rate him as not good enough for the Toons.

And that's it folks, here's my report.
Signing off

NUFC Scout Cove
Now where's my paycheck?

 

will you take rep?

 

Fearing the worst now that he's been linked, he'll never join us!

 

So he's a Finnish version of Willo?

 

Can't say since I haven't seen a NUFC game in ages in which he plays. All I can say is that neither Moisander nor Alderweireld should be targets for Ashley.