Leeds United transfer mooted for Twente midfielder Ramiz Zerrouki
FC Twente and Algeria midfielder Ramiz Zerrouki would be a perfect match for a club like Leeds United, according to journalist Jan van Halst.
Zerrouki shone in FC Twente’s draw against Dutch giants Ajax on 14 January and was given a 7.1 by football statistics website WhoScored.
Van Halst admitted Zerrouki would ‘fit in’ at a club like Leeds United but the maestro should avoid moving to England full-time.
“He’s good enough to be successful in England,” Van Halst told NOS.
“He suits clubs like Leeds United and Southampton. Underdogs who want to have a good time in between and fight their way out of the lower ranks. With such teams, he could be of great use with his footballing skills and tactical understanding.
“Then he ends up at a club at the bottom of the table. Or at best with a midfield club,” counters journalist Theo Janssen.
“A better team doesn’t sign up at this stage in their career. Of course he will fit in at Leeds United or Southampton as Jan says. But he should avoid chasing players like Bryan Ruiz and Eljero Elia.
“Financially it’s enormously interesting to play in England. The question is whether it is sportingly beneficial to him at the moment.
Silky stats.
There are far worse options out there for Leeds United at the moment and Zerrouki showed he can take on the best in FC Twente’s tie against Ajax.
The Maestro played five key passes in the game with an 88.2% pass rate, which is arguably the midfielder’s most alluring trait. [WhoScored]
Zerrouki also won his two aerial duels, he knows exactly how to use his 6ft frame to his advantage which would be well suited for the physical Premier League.
Whether or not the Whites would make a move for him remains to be seen, but recent transfer deals from Victor Orta and co suggest the club are keen to splash the cash.
Max Wober and Georginio Rutter are the latest additions to Jesse Marsch’s squad and both will hopefully help the Whites out of their currently uncertain league position.
It’s nice to see quality players arrive at Elland Road, it’s just the tool needed to help Leeds United progress.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are now seeking their third signing of the month with a European contract rebel in their sights.
