Everton boss Ronald Koeman compares struggling Davy Klaassen to Manchester United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Former Ajax man has struggled to keep up with the pace of the Premier League so far since his big-money move this summer
EVERTON boss Ronald Koeman has compared struggling Davy Klaassen to Manchester United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Former Ajax man Klaassen, 24, has struggled to keep up with the pace of the Premier League so far since his big-money move this summer.
But Koeman has claimed Mkhitaryan was another import who took time to adjust to the English top-flight and there's no need to worry just yet.
Speaking to De Telegraaf, Koeman said: “For Davy it has not been easy start for him at Everton, but I have no doubt about his qualities.
“There are so many other examples of players in the Premier League who were best in their country and moved to England because they were ready for a higher level but once they arrived it turned out that they needed a period of time to adjust.
“In terms of pace, aggressiveness and the physicality especially for a midfielder [it’s difficult].
"No matter how good you are, you won’t be at your top at once when you are in English football.
“There are bigger players who moved to bigger clubs who needed a whole season.
"The best example is Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who was the best at Dortmund and Manchester United bought him for big money.
“If you saw and heard the criticism he received in his first season, that was unprecedented and he also had his difficulties.
MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
“Now he is playing at his level and is important for Manchester United every week but only after one season in the Premier League.”
Klassen has made ten appearances in all competitions for Everton so far this season, but has been left out of the last two Premier League starting XIs.
Now get in the spirit for the Under-17 World Cup in India by checking out the five stars to watch... and five superstars to have graced previous tournaments.
