Noa Lang: the latest Dutch prodigy set for stardom

Leeds United reportedly lead the chase for the signature of exciting winger Noa Lang - and Playmaker's Daniel Oliveira believes the flying Dutchman would certainly set pulses racing in the Premier League.

 After a superb season in Belgium with Club Brugge, the 22-year-old looks more than ready to step up to one of Europe's top leagues, and here's Dan's player profile on the Ajax academy graduate.

Lowdown: After Louis Van Gaal left his post as Netherlands manager in 2014, to manage Manchester United, Dutch football went through a rough patch.

Van Gaal had led his countrymen to semi-final defeat against Argentina at the World Cup that year, but the Oranje then failed to qualify for the next two major tournaments: at Euro 2016 and then the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The conveyor belt of world class players coming through the famed Dutch academies started to splutter and the nation that fostered 'Total Football' appeared to have lost its mojo.

After a period in the doldrums, however, Dutch football has recovered some of its swagger and the likes of Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, Donyell Malen and Donny van de Beek have clearly illustrated that the Netherlands still develops some of the best young talent in Europe. 

The latest wonderkid to set tongues wagging is Noa Lang, a name you're destined to hear plenty more of over the next few seasons.

The 22-year-old has dazzled with Club Brugge in Belgium, and - if the rumour mill is to be believed - he could be on his way to join Marcelo Bielsa's 'Leeds Revolution' at Elland Road this summer.

©Getty / ANP Sport

The exciting winger is another product of the well-known Ajax academy, but, in Lang's case, he needed to find pastures new to start fulfilling his potential. 

At the beginning of last season, Dusan Tadic, David Peres, Quincy Promes and the talented Brazilian Antony were all blocking Lang's path to Ajax's first team - so he backed his ability with a loan move (with an option to buy for £6m) to the Belgian capital. 

Now, after 17 goals and eight assists in 37 games across all competitions, the Belgian side can pat themselves on the back for one of the signings of the season.

Lang played a key role in Club Brugge's league title triumph last term, after which the youngster picked up the Belgian top flight's 'Young Player of the Season'.

This season he has already scored two goals and provided six assists in six games for the Belgian champions, including a goal in Brugges' Super Cup win against Genk.

Although Club Brugge naturally exercised their option to buy Lang this summer, that does not necessarily mean he will stay put this season - although it may take a club record fee to tempt the Belgian champions to sell.

Attributes: There's a sense of swagger to Lang's game that makes him an exciting player to watch. Although we'll steer clear of making direct comparisons, Lang's style and manner is reminiscent of Neymar!

An incredibly versatile winger, Lang drifts between either flank and also poses a huge threat from central areas, his ability to take up good positions and supply his team-mates evidenced by a return of eight assists last season.

Lang has an electric turn of pace and excellent dribbling ability - but what sets him apart from other players of his ilk is his eye for goal.

Wingers who score goals are big business these days and Lang looks to have all the tools to be one of the best - not many wideman across Europe were able to match the 17 goals in 37 games he hit last term.

It remains to be seen whether he can maintain his rapid rate of progress, but Lang is potentially a generational talent who can establish himself at one of the top teams in Europe.

Linked with: Reports currently suggest Bielsa’s Leeds and Julen Lopetegui’s Sevilla are fighting it out for the Dutch star's signature. 

Last weekend, a report from Belgian outlet Voetbal Belgie claimed that Leeds were the frontrunners and that the Whites had agreed terms to sign Lang from Club Brugge. However, neither club has yet to confirm any deal.

Although Leeds do have some decent options out wide, and arguably don't need another winger, Lang looks to be an exceptional talent.

If a deal is struck, Lang will definitely be one to watch - and the Dutchman teaming up with Brazilian Raphinha on the flanks could spell trouble for many Premier League defences.