Monday, 21st July, 2014
Former Netherlands international Ronald de Boer has talked up Daley Blind's qualities, as the Ajax left-back continues to be linked with a move to either Barcelona or Manchester United.
Blind enhanced his already growing reputation with a series of superb displays as the Netherlands finished third at this summer's World Cup.
Ajax are hoping to keep hold of the 24-year-old, who can operate as a left-back and in midfield, but their task is looking increasingly tough given interest from Barcelona and Manchester United.
And De Boer, whose brother Frank coaches Ajax, is not surprised given the player's rapid development.
"He is very versatile, just as I was", De Boer told Spanish radio station COPE.
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"He may be a left-back, but he is also very good as a central midfielder. In the last two and a half years he has grown tremendously."
And De Boer, who had a spell with Barcelona in his playing days, feels Blind has flourished in the face of adversity and would be worthy of a place at the Camp Nou.
"At the beginning he was heavily criticised at Ajax. Now he is popular because he has fought so far.
"Frank is very happy with Blind.
"He is strong is his head, one hundred per cent a professional, ready for the step up and fits Barcelona."
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