Free agent Vlaar praises Ronald Koeman

Former Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar has been full of praise for Southampton manager Ronald Koeman.

Vlaar left Aston Villa in the summer after seeing out his contract with the Midlands club and there was a lot of interest in his signature. However, an injury that he sustained meant that he was unable to sign for any clubs and now, in November, is currently sitting around as a free agent with no club.

Koeman has had a superb impact at Southampton as well, securing a seventh place finish last season – despite losing some of his best players in the summer. He has done the same this season as well, losing some key stars but still currently seventh in the Premier League.

He has praised current Southampton manager Ronald Koeman for the impact that he has had on the Dutch defender during his time with Feyernoord.

My first full season after the injury period ended in 2010. I just missed out on the World Cup squad. I could live with that.

Then came the dramatic year in which we were tenth with Feyenoord and I was out of the picture at the Dutch national team.

I’m only thinking differently after the arrival of Ronald Koeman in 2011. Feyenoord was back on the rise and for me personally that had consequences. I set myself more requirements and new goals.

With Ron Vlaar being a free agent and his obvious connection to Koeman, could he be a useful addition to the side?