• Europa League

Vertonghen is ready for the Premier League - De Boer

ESPNsoccernet staff
February 17, 2012

Ajax coach Frank de Boer believes defender Jan Vertonghen's display against Manchester United proves he is ready for the Premier League.

Belgium international Vertonghen has frequently been linked with a move away from the Amsterdam ArenA, with Tottenham scouts reportedly watching him against United on Thursday and Manchester City also having been linked with him in the past.

And despite Ajax's 2-0 first-leg defeat in the Europa League last 32, both Vertonghen and his coach were happy with the 24-year-old's performance.

Vertonghen told De Telegraaf: "Especially in the first half, it was very good - especially since we were playing against an English opponent.''

The defender is under contract only until the end of next season and looks set for a high-profile summer move, and De Boer said: "Jan is already close to the level of Manchester United and he can still improve.

"Especially as he moves forward through the midfield, he is so dangerous. He sometimes does that too little in my eyes. That's a shame, because then his qualities are more conspicuous."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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