Coventry City are on the brink of announcing Gustavo Hamer as the club’s latest transfer signing.
The 23-year-old midfielder has been profiled as a like-for-like replacement for the outgoing Liam Walsh – but besides YouTube footage, Sky Blues fans know very little about the Dutch-Brazilian.
So we spoke to Dutch football expert and founder of FootballOranje, Michael Bell, to get the lowdown on City’s latest transfer target from someone who has seen him in action.
Hamer made 25 appearances last term and when Bell was asked to sum up his playing style, he excited Sky Blues fans by saying “he’s like a cross between Jordy Clasie and Yohan Cabaye!”
Firstly Michael, thank you for speaking to us! Is Gustavo naturally a right-back or a central midfielder? We understand he has turned out for Zwolle in both positions. Do we presume he is quite versatile?
MB: He is a controlling midfielder. Has been through the Feyenoord academy, at Dordrecht and at PEC Zwolle too.
He was moved into right-back at times this season though and did quite well but it’s not his natural position.
(Image: 2016 ANP Sport)
It proves he is versatile though and he will give the Coventry manager options.
Coventry lost a midfielder called Liam Walsh this summer. Walsh has been brilliant in the middle this term as a partner to Liam Kelly. He wins possession, turns play, and does it with flair. Do you think Hamer could fill that role?
MB: I would say that description fits Hamer very well. He definitely loves a tackle and that’s why he has eight yellow cards this season in the Eredivisie, more than most in the league.
However, he is so much more than a terrier and has a lot of technique and skill on the ball.
He can spread passes around the pitch with ease and is an excellent set-piece taker.
If you were to compare his playing style to any player in world football, who would you pick?
MB: It’s hard to pick a player to compare him with fully, but he reminds me a little of a cross between Jordy Clasie and Yohan Cabaye.
He’s quite small, but a battler in midfield that loves a tackle and can also whip in an excellent free-kick or find the top corner from distance.
Do you think he would suit the English game?
MB: I think Hamer definitely has the qualities to do well in the Championship with Coventry promoted.
He is a strong player and fans will like his creativity and ability on the ball.
He is still young too so has plenty of time to improve and grow as a player.
