Player Focus: Kevin Strootman - A Midfield Enforcer

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It would not be wrong to say that the fate and the key to success of any team is often decided by its midfield. A midfielder performs the most pivotal task of linking the defence and the attack of his team. We often easily recognize the scintillating skill of wingers, playmakers and deadly goal machines but one must not forget to appreciate the most complex job performed by midfielders. A great midfielder is probably the biggest asset for any team and one player in modern football who certainly looks destined to greatness by mastering this supreme role is Kevin Strootman.

Kevin Strootman began his professional footballing career with the Netherlands’ oldest professional football club, Sparta Rotterdam, as a genuine box-to-box midfielder and has continued to develop on this trait. The energetic Dutchman is one of the most effective players in world football when it comes to the art of tackling, winning possession and intercepting the passes. In 2012-13 Europa League season, he had 7.7 tackles per game and no other player could better his record in the competition. He also had the highest number of tackles (140) in the Eredivisie.

The Dutchman is gifted with great physical stature and an excellent footballing brain. His ingenious reading of the game allows him to make interceptions in dangerous areas time and time again, providing much-needed cover to the defenders behind him. Fundamental to his success is the exuberant nature of his play, stamina, passion and never ending desire to get on the ball which allow him to cover ground all over the pitch and provide solid defensive protection as well. If his team is caught on the counter-attack, he quickly analyses the area which needs to be covered and tracks back immediately to help out his team to slow down the pace of the opposition’s attack atleast and help his teammates to regroup. He perfects his defensive traits by filling the channels created by his teammates when they are caught out of their positions trying to win the ball back. He can drop as deep as a centre back or as wide as a full-back. He also presses brilliantly and understands when to go for a tackle.

Other attributes of a quality midfielder that Strootman possesses and make him one of the most accomplished deep lying playmakers are his efficient passing and wide vision to build up a move for his team. He averaged 77.3 passes per game in the Europa League last season which was sixth best in the tournament and that too with an accuracy of 91.8%. He adopts a cautious approach with his passing and mostly prefers short passing to his attacking teammates. Although he needs to work on his long range passing to split the opposition’s defence from his own half, he is more than capable of doing that when found in the attacking half by playing little through balls or lobs for the strikers. The Dutchman possesses a lethal left foot and is capable of testing the keeper from distance with his long range shots. At a towering 6’1”, Strootman is an incredible asset for aerial duels both in defence and in attack and utilizes it well to deal with crosses and set-pieces. His exceptional reading of the game allows him to make late surging runs into the attacking third when needed. His willingness to go forward and tracking back as and when required can be utilized well for a counter attacking side. 3 goals and 5 assists already in 14 appearances for Roma this season justify the 23-year old’s offensive capabilities.

Strootman is also a man with great leadership qualities. At an age of just 23, the Dutch international has the experience to lead and inspire his team-mates having already captained his senior national team and U-21 side and performing a similar role at his former club PSV Eindhoven. The way he commands his players and organizes his team on the field is exemplary. With his great footballing intelligence, it would seem inevitable that he has a great future in management as well when he ultimately decides to hang up his boots. It would be a privilege for anyone to see his/her team blessed with his enigmatic presence on and off the pitch.

 Kevin Strootman has been rewarded with 24 caps for the Netherlands national football team and has become a key member of Louis van Gaal’s side. With Strootman’s €16.5m move from PSV to Roma last summer, Rudi Garcia has signed a player for his side who is more than just a complete midfielder and someone who can perform the role of a regista and that of a volante to perfection. Having produced great solid midfielders like Riijkaard, Seedorf, Cocu, Van Bommel, the Netherlands continues its Dutch tradition with Kevin Strootman who certainly has the talent and potential of becoming one of finest footballers the world has ever seen.