30 August 2024
A long journey that seemed as though it would never end, but once you reach the finish the reward makes it all worthwhile. Teun Koopmeiners has arrived. His arrival was anticipated like Christmas Day and strongly desired by both the club staff and fans. The huge swarm of fans that greeted him upon arrival is an indication of the Bianconeri fans feelings towards the signing. An excellent player whilst at Atalanta and a standout star in Serie A with an attitude and charisma about him that has not been seen for some time. In short, the Dutchman’s quality and experience justify the investment and lengthy chase. We have on our hands a very strong midfielder, who is ready and focussed on his own objectives, which - needless to say – match those of Juventus.
TEUN'S FOOTBALLING CV
Developing in AZ Alkmaar’s youth academy alongside his brother Peer, Teun Koopmeiners had already been guided by his father – a former baseball player – to take care when using his left foot, as he trained him to take penalties. These lessons paid off and the midfielder, born in 1998, soon became a mainstay in the AZ first team, where he went onto win Eredivisie player of the season during the 2020/2021 campaign. Koopmeiners made the move to Italy the following year, joining up with Gasperini’s already free-flowing Atalanta side and he notched four goals in his first season with the club. His importance within the Atalanta team only increased from 2022 onwards and Koopmeiners managed to hit double figures with his goals in the following two seasons, picking up the reins left by his predecessors Papu Gomez and Josip Ilicic. In March 2024 the Dutchman bagged a brace against Juventus at the Allianz Stadium, which proved to be the final trigger for Juve Sporting Director Cristiano Giuntoli, who brought him to Turin just five months later.
WHAT ARE KOOPMEINERS' CHARACTERISTICS?
To list all of Koopmeiners' qualities would take far too long. His impact in Serie A has been clear to see, he has never struggled with the pace of the game, and the ease with which he has always dictated his team's tempo is impressive, as well as his the ability to cause problems from any position on the pitch. He is a huge threat when shooting from distance: last season he notched 12 goals, 10 of which came from outside the penalty area. Koopmeiners has always demonstrated excellent power and precision from set-pieces, as a well as a natural instinct for correct decision-making, often providing dangerous deliveries into the penalty area from positions which many other players would find difficult. Having initially developed as a central midfielder or central defender, the Dutchman has broadened his range of versatility whilst at Atalanta; with Gasperini playing him further forward and his physical presence allowing him to retain possession and cause problems in the final third. His intelligence and drive to go forward mean that he rarely makes the wrong decision. Koopmeiners belongs to a select group of extremely composed players who remain calm in possession even during tense match situations.
HOW WILL HE FIT IN AT JUVE?
In truth, Teun Koopmeiners is capable of playing anywhere in Bianconero. The indications are that he will be able to link up play with ease, finding spaces between the midfield and attacking lines to act as a bridge between the two. It is likely that we will see the former Atalanta player operate in several positions and it will be intriguing to see how he plays now that he has left Atalanta, where each player is given very precise instructions that are dictated by Gasperini’s tactical framework. Thiago Motta – looking back at his coaching history – often used Ferguson and Fabbian in the number 10 role whilst at Bologna, who can be somewhat similar in their style of play to that of Koopmeiners. Both of those players performed excellently under Motta last season, so that provides confidence that Koopmeiners can do the same looking forward. The Dutchman will also be key when out of possession, as he helps to cut passing lanes high up the pitch and prevent opposition sides from building from the back, he presses effectively and could be key to turnovers of possession in dangerous areas.
Dreamed of, yearned for and finally embraced by the Bianconeri. RoboKoop is in Turin!
