Player to watch : Wesley Sneijder

The second article of mine which was published in DC B'lore on June 24, 2010...

A graduate of the legendary youth ranks of Ajax, a pivotal part of Internazionale’s treble winning season, Wesley Sneijder is a key trump card for the Dutch in South Africa.

Sneijder rose to fame as a teenager at Ajax, impressing pundits and fans with his skills, ability to play under pressure and precise passing. Later he joined Real Madrid as part of the dutch trio, wearing the shirt of David Beckham, later becoming Los Blancos’ number 10. Becoming one among the Real scrap heap during the arrival of Los Galacticos, Sneijder was Madrid’s gift to Inter Milan.

Sneijder’s rise to be billed as one of Europe’s top talent is indisputable after a glorious season with the Nerazzurri, where he pulled the strings in his favourite position as play maker, letting his Argentine teammate Diego Milito do the work of clinical finishing. Well known for his skill at set pieces, shooting powerful free kicks from long range, Sneijder is a similar player to Andrea Pirlo, man of the match of the 2006 WC final. Also capable of playing on the wings and sometimes in defensive midfield, a role he was assigned during the 2006 World Cup, Sneijder is a perfect footballer who deserves to be mentioned alongside super stars Robben, Messi and Rooney.

The current Dutch side has expert finishers in van Persie, Kuyt and Robben, who, if found at the end of the Dutch architect’s passes will rarely disappoint. With his ambidexterity combined with accurate shooting, which is almost always on target, Wesley Sneijder is a player to watch out for. He is L’Oranjes’ ace in the hole.