Could Rekik be the CB we are looking for?

by **Topdawg** Thu Apr 03, 2014 1:03 pm

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/psv-eindhovens-karim-rekik-out-6913350

I'd still rather have a top top CB but he may be worth getting back into the fold (for those home grown lovers, I think he counts).

by blueboy Thu Apr 03, 2014 1:55 pm

Stuart Brennan needs to get me to write his posts...I wrote this a month ago! Razz

Have we forgotten about him as our next CB/LB?

Post by blueboy on Thu Mar 06, 2014 9:35 am
Name: Karim Rekik
Date of birth: 02/12/94
Born: Den Haag, the Netherlands
Club: PSV (on loan from Man City)
Position: Defence

What's the latest?
With less than 100 days to go before the World Cup begins, live on talkSPORT, Man City defender Karim Rekik has been included in the Netherlands' senior squad for their friendly against France. The 19-year-old has impressed on loan at PSV and will be hoping to make the plane to Brazil.

The nitty gritty:
1) Before moving to Man City in 2011, Rekik spent his formative years in the Feyenoord academy. He has had spells at Portsmouth and Blackburn and joined PSV for a season-long loan ahead of the current campaign.

2) Rekik can play in both the centre and left of defence, is strong in the air and alert to dangers around him. His play with the ball at his feet, his vision and passing are part of the reason Netherlands first team coach Louis van Gaal wants to see the young stopper in action for the Oranje against France before deciding on his final World Cup squad.

3) In September 2011, Rekik became the youngest overseas player to play for the Man City first team when he appeared against Birmingham in the League Cup. At 16 years and 294 days old he replaced Wayne Bridge with 12 minutes of the 2-0 win remaining. He made his Premier League debut in City's 1-0 win against Reading in December 2012.

4) At the 2011 U17 European Championship he was part of the Dutch defence that conceded just twice on their way to winning the competition. Rekik also scored in the group stage game against Germany, who the Netherlands beat 5-2 in the final.

What is being said?
They say:
“Karim is a very important player for PSV. I am not surprised at all he has been included in the Dutch squad”
– PSV head coach Phillip Cocu

“Karim has the natural air of a central defender. This boy has so much talent, if he doesn't make it, it will be a big failure for us”
– Patrick Vieira, head of Man City's development squad and 1998 World Cup winner with France

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