July 9, 2014; Sao Paulo, BRAZIL; Netherlands defender Ron Vlaar (2) and goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen (1) try to clear the ball away from Argentina player Lionel Messi during the semifinal match in the 2014 World Cup at Arena Corinthians. Mandatory Credit: Tim Groothuis/Witters Sport via USA TODAY Sports
Before the World Cup, center back Ron Vlaar was an afterthought coming into the transfer market. The Holland international was considered a decent defender who was two to three tiers below “World Class” and looked like the right fit for Aston Villa. At age 29, Vlaar had already reached his ceiling, and any signs of improvement would’ve been taken with surprise.
Then the World Cup happened. Vlaar anchored Netherlands’ backline like a man possessed, putting on a mighty display to hold Argentina to zero goals for 120 minutes. As the Dutch reflects on their third-place finish in the 2014 World Cup, Ron Vlaar’s string of solid performances were one of the many highlights that remained embedded in Holland’s memories.
July 9, 2014; Sao Paulo, BRAZIL; Netherlands player Ron Vlaar (left) battles for the ball with Argentina player Gonzalo Higuain during the semifinal match in the 2014 World Cup at Arena Corinthians. Mandatory Credit: Tim Groothuis/Witters Sport via USA TODAY Sports
While Vlaar’s World Cup showing drew the interest of several European clubs, throwing a bag of money for his services is quite a gamble. For starters, Vlaar is almost 30 and nearing the end of his prime. Second, what you see from him is what you get. The problem for most clubs looking to buy him is which Ron will they get? Aston Villa Vlaar or Netherlands Vlaar?
The Netherlands international could be itching for a move out of Aston Villa and head to a club that promises UEFA Champions League aspirations. However, would moving to such a club be a wise choice? Given his talent level, would he merit consistent playing time to be considered a major factor?
What Should Aston Villa Do?
Keep him. Aston Villa has been laying around in football purgatory for quite a while, never being good enough to take the top four spot, but never being mediocre to get relegated. Their backline isn’t well-developed and they need Ron Vlaar to remain stable. It may sound extreme, but without Ron Vlaar, Aston Villa’s poor depth in the backline will lead the club to flirt with relegation.
What Should the Big Clubs Do?
Tottenham Hotspurs could be a possible destination for Ron Vlaar
The only club with UEFA Champions League aspiration that has shown interest in Vlaar was Atletico Madrid. If Atletico loses Miranda in the transfer, then perhaps the Spanish club should pursue Vlaar to provide depth in the backline. Vlaar won’t help them stay in contention, but he will serve as a valuable stopgap for trivial La Liga or Copa del Rey matches.
Clubs that are likely competing in the UEFA Europa and are hoping to take the lead in the domestic table like Tottenham and Serie A’s Lazio, should inquire in Vlaar’s services but take a pass if the price is too much. Vlaar isn’t worth more than $8 million per season and most clubs don’t want to be trapped with a slow-footed defender with a hefty contract two years down the line. Vlaar’s strong performance doesn’t seem sustainable, given his track record at Aston Villa, but he would be a crucial backup who can spot start in matches against Sunderland and Burnley along with a slew of FA Cup matches. For Tottenham’s case, if Younes Kaboul gets injured, Ron Vlaar would be a perfect replacement until Kaboul gets back. Vlaar isn’t the key to elevate a club to elite status, but he provides solid insurance for any club with title aspirations heading into the season.
What Should Ron Vlaar Do?
Vlaar must weigh his options wisely given that this is his last opportunity to land a major contract.
Vlaar doesn’t have many opportunities to land a big money contract after this season, so he must jump on any fat contract that comes his way. As much as he wants to play in the UEFA Champions League, Vlaar realistically has no chance of playing in that tournament with an English or Spanish club. He may have a chance if Bayer Leverkeusen picks him up, but it’s doubtful the German side is willing to spend a lot for his services.
Staying in Aston Villa seems like a safe option, but if Vlaar wants to take his legacy quite seriously, then remaining with the mid-table side is not the wisest option. While finishing his career in Aston Villa would make him endearing to the local fans, the rest of the world will only remember him as the guy who missed the first penalty kick against Argentina in the 2014 FIFA World Cup semi-final.
The next best thing for Vlaar is to hope that one of the top 7 clubs in the English Premier League to throw a sack of money on the table pay him more than $8 million per season to compete for the starting spot against other defenders and provide valuable insurance from the bench. He may be a star benefactor in the closest thing to the UEFA Champions League, the Europa League. A strong showing in that tournament will put him somewhere in the history books.