Reported Leeds United target Noa Lang is an “unbelievable” talent and shares things in common with the legendary Zinedine Zidane, his former Ajax youth coach Richard Witschge has told the Warming Up podcast.
There has never been any doubts about Lang’s ability.
This is a man who became the first Ajax player in 60 years to score a hat-trick on his full Eredivisie debut after all. And, since moving to Club Brugge last summer, he has already been labelled the greatest footballer in the Belgian top flight.
But there’s a reason why Lang is plying his trade in Bruges rather than Amsterdam. And Lang himself would be the first to admit, sometimes, it’s his attitude rather than ability that can hold him back.
It’s tempting to wonder how the formidable Marcelo Bielsa would get along with this firebrand free spirit should Lang complete a potentially eye-watering £25 million summer switch to Elland Road.
The Daily Mail reports Leeds have held talks over a deal that would see Lang add his eye-catching dribbling skills and spectacular finishing to perhaps the most exciting team in the Premier League.
“When you see his qualities, it is unbelievable,” Witschge says, highlighting Lang’s penchant for a defence-splitting through-ball.
“I think he’s a bit of a Zidane. This guy is so athletic, fast and technical too. He basically has everything Zidane had.
“I hope he is just as strong in his mind as Zidane, who was always focused on football.”
Therein lies the doubt surrounding Lang.
With 17 goals and 11 assists during his debut season at the Jupiler League leaders, the Netherlands U21 international could form a fearsome understanding with Raphinha, Rodrigo and Patrick Bamford at Elland Road.
But if ability was the only thing that mattered, Lang would still be an Ajax player right now.
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