AZ Alkmaar defender Sam Beukema will fulfil a ‘dream’ this week as he prepares to take on David Moyes’ West Ham United in the UEFA Conference League semi-finals.
There is more than just a place in a European final on the line for Beukema. With West Ham hosting AZ at the London Stadium on Thursday night, the talented young centre-half will hope to grasp an opportunity to catch the eye at the cavernous home of his ‘favourite club’.
Beukema has been in outstanding form this term. The 24-year-old has started eight of AZ’s 10 Conference League games so far. He only missed the round-of-16 victory over Lazio due to injury.
And Beukema will now be tasked with standing in the way of Michail Antonio, Lucas Paqueta, Declan Rice and co; Pascal Jansen’s side aiming to emulate Eredivisie rivals Feyenoord by reaching the final.
West Ham United face AZ Alkmaar in Conference League semi-final
“West Ham, coincidentally, have been my favourite club in England for a long time. I know the club song!,” Beukema tells Voetbal Primeur.
The former Go Ahead Eagles giant, then, may need all his resolve to avoid engaging in a chorus of ‘I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles’ after kick-off.
“It will be a very beautiful and very special match,” Beukema adds. “We are very much looking forward to it.
“Sometimes I don’t think about it. But, if you see where I come from, you dream of these kinds of matches.”
Beukema was reportedly a January target for Serie A giants Atalanta. Another fine display against West Ham, meanwhile, would do the Dutchman’s chances of a move to one of Europe’s major leagues no harm at all ahead of the summer transfer window.
“If there’s one defender that is missed (when he’s not available), it is Beukema,” Eredivisie legend Aad De Mos explains.
“He’s strong, positionally strong and has become good at coaching (his team-mates). He is a really strong central defender.
“He may well become a candidate for (Netherlands coach) Ronald Koeman in the future.”
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