Former Netherlands international Giovanni van Bronckhorst has previously waxed lyrical about the credentials Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia could bring to Manchester United.
United, as reported by the Manchester Evening News on Tuesday, are closing in on the signing of the 22-year-old after holding successful talks with Feyenoord. The defender was understood to be close to joining French club Lyon, but United have made a last-gasp move to try and hijack the deal.
It is now likely that Malacia will become United's first signing of the Erik ten Hag era. It is believed that he will join the club for €15million, plus a further €2million in add-ons.
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The Netherlands international is considered as one of the most promising left-backs in European football and one of the best currently performing in Eredivisie. It is understood that Ten Hag has been a long-term fan of his qualities.
And not too many people know more about Malacia than current Rangers manager Van Bronckhorst. The iconic Dutchman — a full-back himself in his playing days — was manager of Feyenoord when Malacia was making his way through the youth ranks and it was not too long before he caught his eye.
"I remember Tyrell from the youth teams," said Van Bronckhorst. "I had seen him play and I realised he did ever so well at that young age.
"He was able to be tight on players who needed that, but he could also defend zonal. That is hard for young players. I thought he was very complete at a young age.
"I remember saying to [ Jean-Paul] Van Gastel [former Feyenoord assistant]: 'There is our future left back'. When [ Ridgeciano] Haps was injured for the Napoli clash in the Champions League, I had no issue playing him. Sometimes, you can't be too fussed and just give the boy your confidence."
Malacia, who will have ambitions of making the Netherlands squad for the World Cup in Qatar later this year, is strong in a tackle and blessed with pace, so enjoying bombing forward from left-back and supplying crosses into the penalty area. And for Van Bronckhorst, his qualities with the ball at his feet are encouraging.
Van Bronckhorst continued: "He is an attacking full-back. I think he is quite good on the ball. And yes, he puts his foot on the ball at times, he is cheeky like that and that will probably never totally go away."
As for what potential opponents could experience when trying to get the better of the left-back, Van Bronckhorst added: "Every winger will have a headache the night before playing against Malacia; he is quick, agile and a great work ethic. At times he can be over-exuberant.
"I had video images of him versus VVV Venlo at one stage: he was playing right-winger! He laughed when I confronted him, like. 'sorry trainer, I will do my best more.' It's his drive, his passion."
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