Brighton and Hove Albion signing Mats Wieffer has been dubbed ‘twice’ the player of Arsenal star Declan Rice, despite previously being linked to Liverpool.
Wieffer, a 24-year-old midfielder, can play in either the No. 6 or No. 8 positions, as well as central defence if necessary. He came through FC Twente’s academy but only made two first-team appearances before moving on to Excelsior and Feyenoord. Catch the Euros from anywhere in the globe with ExpressVPN for less than £6 per month.
Wieffer made 79 appearances for Feyenoord over two years, scoring nine goals and providing 11 assists.
Wieffer established himself as an important player for Feyenoord under then-manager Arne Slot, helping the Dutch club win one Eredivisie title and the KNVB Beker (Dutch Cup).
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When Slot was named Jurgen Klopp’s successor at Liverpool, Wieffer was widely expected to follow him. 
Indeed, in May, it was suggested that Liverpool might begin the Slot era by signing top Feyenoord duo Wieffer and Lutsharel Geertruida.
Wieffer will play in the Premier League next season, but not for Liverpool. Brighton won the hunt for the Dutchman last week, paying Feyenoord €30 million (£26 million) for his skills and signing him to a five-year contract.
Wieffer has become Feyenoord’s new record signing, and he will now team up with Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler. 
Arsenal news: Mats Wieffer and Declan Rice compared.
However, Feyenoord has been warned that they should have paid far more for the nine-cap Netherlands international.
Hans Kraay Junior, a Dutch TV presenter, praised Wieffer, saying, “The central defender can play all the balls to him, and his first touch is great.” “He is an excellent player.”
The expert continued, “You can’t be a good player for €30 million. They [English clubs] simply think it’s a tip. Rice costs €116 million [£100 million]. Wieffer performs twice as well.”
Wieffer is clearly rated highly by the Dutch media, and he is expected to make a significant impact at Brighton.
It would not be surprising if Wieffer flourished on the south coast as well, given Brighton’s reputation for signing budding stars and turning them into great performers.
However, it is evident that Wieffer has a long way to go before he can compete with Rice, let alone surpass him.
Rice is regarded as one of the best center midfielders in the world, having been West Ham United’s most influential player previous to his big-money transfer.
To Arsenal. Rice cost the Gunners more than £100 million to sign last summer, but he has justified the fee by revamping Mikel Arteta’s midfield.
The 25-year-old is now on international duty with England, and he will be eager to deliver an outstanding performance to help the Three Lions defeat Spain in the Euros final.
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