The Huntelaar Conundrum - Footbo

I was really looking forward to seeing Klaas Jan Huntelaar in action last night. I'd only watched him in friendly match v Arsenal before and was keen to find out whether all the hype was justified. 

96 goals in 115 games. That's his amazing record after three seasons at Ajax - one half of which he missed due to injury. Why has he not made the big move to a top team yet? 

Schalke made a firm offer for him last season but the 24-year-old turned them down, because he wants to play for one of the big European clubs. Schalke don't count.

Real Madrid are rumoured to have agreed a deal with him in principle, as one or two back-up otions in case Cristiano Ronaldo falls through. He keeps getting linked with Manchester United, too. A year ago, Bayern were sniffing around. His agent keeps saying Huntelaar is ready for the next step, the big challenge in a big European league. But could it perhaps be that the top clubs have all had a look - and can't quite make up their mind about him?

Some critics say it's easy to score in the Dutch league, so his record is not as impressive as it seems. Others point to his sleight figure and lack of presence upfront. No one can doubt his talent but even when it comes to technique, people have wildly diverging opinions. I've heard from Dutch journalists that he's not creative enough, that he's only a finisher. On the evidence of last night, however, his touches around the box were excellent. 

Maybe the mystery is explained by Dutch tactics. Ajax are wedded to a 4-3-3 with one central striker, and Van Basten's Holland also play with one "real" attacker. Huntelaar, therefore, has to lead the line. But in my opinion, he's not really suited to this game because of his lack of physical power.

To me, he's a much more natural second striker, someone who can go a bit deeper and link the play. No wonder the big clubs seem to have doubts about him as the main central striker.  He'd be much better employed as a number two.

The fact that he's been doing so well in a position that really seems the wrong one for me is testament to his skill. Imagine how many goals he could score if you gave him someone to help him in the box.

I hope for him that a big club will be brave enough to take the plunge.