John Gijsbert Alan Heitinga

[ToxtethBlue]

Isn't Atletico's system is crazy though, I remember watching them a few times last season and it almost a 4-2-4 at times with very little cover.

I think in a more balanced side Johnny would have been much more of a success. I wasn't too sure what to think judging by his first few games at right back but in both central positions, defence and midfield, he's been a very good signing.

As Howard said, he's like our quarterback with his passing range.

 

[Arteta's Girl]

He's fantastic.

I love that he is a bit mad too...

 

[Neiler]

He would have gotten a few more MOM from me except been Mofro has been just class.

 

[Hayee]

he's fantastic and i think we're yet to see him at his best, which i believe will be playing alongside Phil (when he's fully fit and firing on all cylinders) Jagielka. As solid as the Stubbs/Weir Gough/Weir combo with twice the pace!

 

[Goat]

Johnny H is DA MAN.

 

[chicoazul]

Such strong forearms. Him and Jagielka could have the makings of a decent centre half pairing.

 

[Dutch Toffee]

He was playing there mostly as centre back and Atletico's defense was terrible as usual, so there's no way he was player of the season there. Occasionally he was playing as RB.
I think Premierleague suits him much more than LaLiga, I can't see him doing well as right back for us (lacks pace), but he's doing better than expected as no-nonsense CB with very good passing ability, he was also good playing as DM/CM (as some Dutch friends predicted when we were signing him, despite him almost never playing in midfield before).
For Holland NT I think he was 50-50 between playing as right back and playing as centre back, although these days he is more of a centre back there too.

Excellent post and you're right regarding his position in the National team. Never rated him as right back and made that clear on here from day one. Problem was, he was the least worse at that position. Now with Gregory van der Wiel, that position has been perfectly covered. He'll be a first choice CB for Holland in SA 2010.

 

[Goat]

Dont even comment lad, stay out of this thread, he knows you dissed him and dissed him hard.

 

[Dutch Toffee]

Dont even comment lad, stay out of this thread, he knows you dissed him and dissed him hard.

Never as hard as you dissed the guy in your avatar.

 

[Goat]

Yeah but im fickle lad, oh shizzle, wait there.

Erm.

 

[Neiler]

The new Phil Neville?:


"John has done well. He has improved. It was whirlwind start for him coming off for cramp in games, he was taken by the speed of it.

“We were in a period where it was difficult for him to come in. I said at the time I'd rather he started in midfield to get used to it.

“We did that in a few games, but injuries have forced him into he back. I still see him playing in two or three positions, his versatility is one of the reasons we tried to buy him.”