BY BEN ANDREWS
Zian Flemming signed for Millwall on June 25 from Eredivisie side Fortuna Sittard for a club-record fee of £1.7million. The Dutch playmaker penned a long-term contract at The Den off the back of two consecutive 12-goal seasons.
Flemming has been one of the most effective attacking midfielders in the Eredivisie in the last couple of seasons. A run of six goals in his last six games ensured Fortuna’s safety and printed his name in the whoscored.com Team of the Season.
Looking at his offensive stats, Flemming averaged 0.5 goals per 90 with 3.4 shots and 1.1 dribbles per game last campaign. His 12 goals ranked him 11th in the Eredivisie top scorer chart, above Manchester United target Antony. Although he is predominantly right-footed, three of Flemming’s goals in the 21/22 campaign were scored with his left foot.
Long shots are also a big part of Flemming’s game, along with his free kicks. As expected from someone who came through the ranks at Ajax, his technical ability is second to none. His first touch is impressive and he is very confident with the ball at his feet. He also seems to be a threat in the air, making him a very much all-rounded player.
So, how does Zian Flemming compare to Jed Wallace? Obviously, Flemming has big boots to fill, but when you spend large sums of money on players you will get quality in return. The two are quite different players – Wallace was more of a provider for the Lions and was played out wide, while Flemming predominantly plays in the attacking midfield role.
Flemming will definitely add goals to Gary Rowett’s side, along with everything you would expect from a player at the 10 role. It may take time for Flemming to adapt to the physical nature of the Championship, but he was performing against top sides such as Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord in his native country.
In conclusion, Millwall’s new playmaker will be a top addition to the side. He still has a lot to prove and time to grow, and Millwall is a great club to do that at. He has an eye for goal but will also link up well with the likes of Tom Bradshaw and Benik Afobe in front of him. Rowett’s side narrowly missed out on the play-offs last term, and obviously, some key players have departed the side since; however, the incomings over the summer show the ambition to finally reach the play-offs.
IMAGE – MILLWALL FC