FC Amsterdam youngster Yoran Streefkerk has revealed he has big dreams to play for Manchester United and wants to follow in the footsteps of Old Trafford legend Jaap Stam.
Streefkerk, 16, currently turns out for Dutch side FC Amsterdam and has previously been scouted by some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
The talented youngster, who primarily operates as a pacey ball-playing centre-back but can also fill-in as a wing-back, has been making huge strides in what is already a highly impressive youth career.
After enjoying previous spells with the likes of Spanish side CF San Rafael’s youth academy, the versatile teenager has emerged as a target for some of Holland’s biggest clubs, including AZ Alkmaar.
Stretty News spoke with the gifted youngster and asked him if he thinks he is capable of making a dream switch to English football.
“Yes I do,” revealed the 16-year-old. “I know that I have the potential to make a big move to the English Premier League.
“But it all depends on how I perform on and off the field. I was buzzing when I got an email that I was scouted [by AZ Alkmaar]. Unreal feeling.
“It is a great indicator that I am on the right path. I’m taking it step-by-step and eventually aiming for a top tier club.
“It is a process and I’m enjoying the journey so far with some downs and a lot of ups!”
When asked why he thinks he would be a success in England’s top-flight, the teenager said: “I learnt the last years that communication in football is key to perform at higher levels.
“In my younger days I didn’t speak much in games so I knew something had to change if I want to be a professional footballer one day. I became more confident to speak when I started to practice the others aspects of being an athlete other than football.
“Learning about nutrition, listening to my body and extra practices is what makes a complete player.
“In the top leagues of England every player has mastered the basics really well and is physically strong and I think I would fit in perfectly due to my unconditional passion for this game and drive to getting better everyday.”
Streefkerk, who was born in Belgium but has Dutch citizenship went on to reveal how he has ambitions to turn out for United in an attempt to follow in ‘idol’ Stam’s footsteps.
“My dream club is Manchester United,” the young defender said. “Just look at the stadium, insane!
“I can imagine I’m playing at Old Trafford and just feeling that unreal atmosphere.
“Jaap Stam is my idol just because he is Jaap Stam. He was a monster for every striker. The risky slide tackles on that stage were really impressive. A fear for mankind. I analyse his old footage a lot and that man had no fear I’m telling you!”
The Red Devils have a long history of signing some of the best youth prospects in the world.
The club’s ambitions to plan for the future were echoed during last summer after the Red Devils snapped-up a wealth of talent, including Facundo Pellistri and Amad Diallo.
Given his recent declaration of love for United, can fans expect to see Streefkerk become the latest youth prospect to play in the famous red shirt?
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