Dennis van Noort is the Editor Hand in Hand for the Magazine of the official Feyenoord Supporters Club and has sent me this piece on our two new Dutch imports.
It is fair to say he will miss them and we may have gained a fan or two !
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Emotions were running high, that day in De Kuip. As we just beat our “beloved” rivals Ajax –thanks to a John Guidetti hattrick- captain Ron Vlaar grabbed the microphone. And he made sure everyone who was there will never forget the afternoon.
Later on we would finish 2nd in the league, qualifying for Champions League play-offs. And that was, for a big part, thanks to Ron Vlaar and Karim El Ahmadi. Vlaar as captain took his responsibility in pre-season, informing the club that most of the players didn’t want to work with then-coach Mario Been anymore. Been left, being replaced by Ronald Koeman. Karim El Ahmadi came back from the desert. Now he was back, to show he was really one of the best midfielders in the Dutch Eredivisie.
A season later, both are now at Aston Villa. Our loss, especially as we were pretty close in securing a new long term deal for Karim El Ahmadi. Unfortunately, Villa came by, and Karim wanted to go. He will be missed here. Not only because he is a tremendous footballer, but as a person as well. Amazing technique and control, playing pure football. As one of his colleagues in the Dutch league once said: “Karim can play at Real Madrid, such is his ability.” Ron Vlaar, together with Karim and MCFC’s John Guidetti, guided Feyenoord to 2nd place last year. He got the rewards in EURO2012, where he was in the starting 11 for Holland for two of the three matches. Inspirational captain, leader in our team of really young players.
Vlaar will be a fans favourite in no-time, as he was at Feyenoord. Give both Karim and Ron some time to adapt to the Premier League, as it is a much more demanding league. And given time to adapt, I’m sure Aston Villa will have bought two bargains in Ron and Karim. And also in Brett Holman, who will be a good addition to the squad.
One question remains here in Rotterdam: could you please stop now buying our best players? 
It’s nice to hear but let’s not forget the demands of the premier league are very different to those of Dutch football, which I would say is a weaker competition. Both Vlaar and El Ahmedi might need time to find their feet so let’s get behind them.
In my opinion KEA will flourish,but Vlaar could struggle with the pace of EPL
I doubt he is any slower than Clark. What Vlaar clearly is, is a leader and that is something we have not had since Laursen (due respect to Petrov of coursE). A true leader on the pitch and I think he will make an immediate connection with all Villa fans.
He is the signing above all I am excited about.
Can’t be slower than Vidic either, and he’s one of the best CB’s in the Prem.
Watched vlaars debut against Forrest, looked fine for pace. I wish these irritating middle aged pot bellied fans would cut out slagging players for a perceived lack of pace. He can obviously read the game, and he’s a natural leader. His names Ron vlaar, plays like a jaguar, he’s got leather boots, he is a villa player, player, player, player. (feeder song).
@ Grovesie: PL really is more demanding, so they should be given some time to adapt. But I’m convinced they will be great assets to Villa, bargains really. Great players, great persons. Hope they will do well, wish them all the best.
Dennis I don’t doubt you, and what we have missed for many years is a leader at the back and a player in midfield who can pass the ball. I think we have both we KEA and Vlaar. But the pace of the game will be very different
The Prem is more physical, the pace throughout Holland, Spain and Germany is much more the same as us, the difference is the way they pass the ball rather than running around like headless chickens as the lower half of the Prem do. Lots of Dutch players have fitted in well over here.
Yep, pace will be very different. Good thing is that from my point of view, Paul Lambert wants to play real football, which will suit them both.
would love to get John Guidetti even on loan (i know he is currently injured) . a years loan with an option to buy would be great ,
I wonder what are the chances of coming ? I reckon Feyenoord would get the hump if we went back for him as well
Word on Guidetti is we will get him back on loan if City can’t sell him. And I guess they can not, as he has a pretty huge problem in his right leg. Our medical staff knows him very well, he loves it here, so he would probably recover here until october,november, play the season here, and go back…hopefully!
Come on villa! We are going to pass the spanners of the pitch, a touch a pure class i feel comming this afternoonand Bent will start the season with a hatrick! Come on villa!!!
Sure Ian,of course he could turn out to be class.The main positive about him aside from being a leader is that he is a dominant centre back,just like Laursen,and is less gaffe prone.An upgrade on Dunne.
indeed you could be spot on there. People forget that Laursen was not the best defender we have ever had but he always gave 100% and that is all villa fans ask for.
TBH it is why I am so down on Ireland and Nzog, they have the talent but rarely give 100% every single game. So I tend to love lesser players who give that full 100%
Now if both of them give that 100% then great
Personally,am looking forward to see either Bannan or Delph fulfilling their potential.Lambert makes average players look world class.With most players here being under achievers,Lamberts midas touch is what Villa need
I think Clark could be the one to really make an impression out of the young players this season.