sports 
Prodigious defensive talent Maxim Dekker is seen as one of Europe’s best young defenders, with the AZ Alkmaar player rumoured to be attracting interest from several Premier League sides. Dekker has come through the ranks at AZ and has appeared at every youth level for the Netherlands.
A left-footed centre-back, there is no doubt that this trait alone will attract numerous clubs. The player has not yet forced his way into AZ’s team on a regular basis, but it is his performances for the youth side that have caught the eye so far.
Comfortable on the ball and extremely good in the air, Dekker, who will turn 20-years-old in April, is an equally good distributor and is a tough tackling defender that is able to use some of his pace to prevent opposition attacks.
He is an extremely physical player, and these attributes make him a useful defender. He is strong and has plenty of stamina and his best attribute is his prowess in the air. He can also get forward and score goals in the opposition area from set pieces due to his height.
He will likely force his way into the Netherlands’ full international side in the future. Whether or not Maxim will stay at AZ Alkmaar is another story, the player has ambitions to move to a bigger club and Ajax Amsterdam is an obvious candidate for Dekker. Interest from abroad could also be worth keeping a close eye on.
EYEFOOTBALL RATING
Current Ability: 33/50
Potential Ability: 38/50
