Van der Wiel eyeing greener pastures

Ajax full-back Gregory van der Wiel has compared his style of play to that of Barcelona’s Dani Alves, and said he is eager to move to a bigger club.

The defender has been linked with a move to Valencia and Roma of late, and feels he emulates the Brazilian’s approach to the game.

“Alves and I have the same style, we are both comfortable playing on the right flank,” the 24-year-old told Marca.

“We like to create dangerous combinations with our team-mates, and focus on getting forward. I feel much better on the flank than in the centre of defence. I’m not good enough to play there.

“I don’t have the physicality to play as a central defender. Most centre-halves are strong and tall. My qualities are suited to playing out wide.”

Van der Wiel said he aspires to be more than just an Eredivisie star, and stated he wants to play for one of Europe’s top teams.

“My ambitions are open. I do not aspire to just be a good player in the Eredivisie. I want to get to the top of European football.”