Teun Koopmeiners has been in sensational form for AZ Alkmaar this season (Getty Images)
Back in September, Italian outlet Calciomercato (h/t The Telegraph) had claimed that West Ham were interested in signing Dutch international midfielder Teun Koopmeiners from AZ Alkmaar before the summer deadline. The versatile Eredivisie starlet had also been linked with newly-promoted Leeds United but he eventually ended up staying put in his homeland.
Teun Koopmeiners rose through the youth ranks of AZ Alkmaar, spending seven years in the club’s academy between 2009 and 2016. He initially featured for Alkmaar’s reserve side in the second-tier before making his Eredivisie debut during the 2017-18 campaign.
Koopmeiners quickly established himself as a regular starter at his boyhood club and has gradually blossomed into one of the best defensive midfielders in the Dutch top-flight over the past three seasons. The 22-year-old has made a total of 120 appearances for Alkmaar in all competitions so far, scoring 29 goals and supplying 12 assists in the process.
Currently Alkmaar’s designated club captain, Koopmeiners scored 16 goals in all competitions last term as the Dutch outfit finished runners-up to Ajax in the Eredivisie and also made it through to the knockout rounds of the Europa League.
The youngster has represented the Netherlands across all levels between U-16 and U-21 and recently made his senior international debut against Mexico in October.
The departures of Pedro Obiang, Jack Wilshere, and Carlos Sanchez in recent transfer windows have robbed West Ham of some valuable depth and quality in the middle of the park. The Hammers completed a permanent move for last season’s loanee, Tomas Soucek, but they are still somewhat light in the holding midfield department.
Soucek has established himself as a regular starter under David Moyes alongside the highly-rated Declan Rice.
The Czech Republic international been a breath of fresh air at the London Stadium with his impressive performances. He’s still only 25 and early signs suggest the Soucek could evolve into a trusted midfield lieutenant for several years to come.
West Ham, though, will eventually need to replace the ageing legs of Mark Noble and Robert Snodgrass, both 33. They need quality alternatives in all departments to ensure healthy competition for places. Moyes should ideally look to groom a talented young midfielder to take over the reins from Noble.
Hence, the Hammers should definitely go back in the market for Teun Koopmeiners in January to add more depth and quality to their midfield. The Dutchman has proven himself to be a cut above the rest in the Eredivisie. At 22, he still has plenty of time to make significant improvements to his game.
Essentially a defensive midfielder by trade, Koopmeiners is also capable of playing as a centre-back and in a box-to-box role. Such a trait of versatility would certainly hand a significant boost to Moyes.
Teun Koopmeiners is very much among the most decorated young players in the Eredivisie and is only going to get better with time.
The Dutchman has progressed by leaps and bounds over the past few years and looks ready to embrace a new challenge in a more competitive league. That he has also caught the eye for Alkmaar in the Europa League also lies testament to his credentials as a top young player with enormous potential.
He still has several years remaining on his contract at Alkmaar until 2023 but that shouldn’t stop West Ham from testing the Eredivisie outfit’s resolve with a handsome bid come January.