He may be something of a forgotten figure at Stamford Bridge these days, having been cast into the shadows and resigned to just two appearances in the blue shirt, but there was a time when the 20 year old playmaker was one of the most coveted youngsters in Europe. Just last summer, Manchester United were thwarted in their efforts to sign the Dutchman from Vitesse Arnhem, as former boss David Moyes sought to add a bit of depth to the midfield. Armed with an arsenal of fluidity, skill and vision, van Ginkel was pinpointed as the perfect addition to a flailing area of the Manchester United squad - and would have cost a fraction of the bumbling metamorphosis that is Marouane Fellaini. Preparing an £8 million bid for the Dutch ace, they were inevitably gazumped by the lure and feel-good factor emanating from Stamford Bridge following the return of the 'Special One'. Of course, the promise of an extra digit on the salary might have influenced the former Vitesse pass-master's decision in some way. When pushed about the possibility of a switch to Old Trafford, van Ginkel was less than forth-coming, declaring that all decisions regarding his future would be made 'after my holiday'. One can only assume that Jose gave him a call while he was lounging on a beach with a cocktail in hand.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
