**Chido Obi is set to join Eredivisie side Willem II on loan for the season, so here’s all you need to know about them, and his chances of success. **
Having bossed the U18s level and improved vastly last season with the U21s, a senior loan move is the natural next step for Chido Obi.
He’s set to join Willem II on loan, which is pretty unique and interesting, since Man Utd rarely send players outside England or the UK.
Here’s all you need to know about Willem II this season, their current circumstances, options, and Obi’s chances of succeeding.
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Willem II are one of the promoted teams this season, finishing third in the Dutch Second Division last season and earning promotion through playoffs on penalties.
They started off this season as one of the favourites to be relegated, and after conceding eight goals in their first two games, were well on their way to making that happen.
Obi will have a true trial by fire at Willem II, as they won’t be the favourites against most teams they come up against.
Having said that, they have recently strengthened immensely, with Obi becoming their third signing in the last week or so.
The hope will be that the new signings settle quickly and gel together, because they will need them to fire from day one to avoid relegation.
They are managed by John Stegeman, who joined the club at the start of last season and guided them to promotion in his debut season.
Therefore, he has plenty of goodwill at the club, so Obi can relax knowing that the manager who has signed him should stay at the club unless something drastically goes wrong.
Interestingly, Stegeman was an assistant coach at Antwerp before joining Willem II as head coach, so he has worked with Senne Lammens before.
At the time of writing, Willem II are in a tough position, but Obi will definitely have the platform to make himself a hero.
Relegation battles teach you a lot of things, as Harry Amass can attest to after his time at Sheffield Wednesday.
Encouragingly, Willem II have just two natural strikers on their books, one of whom is a 34-year-old veteran who is a backup for them.
Still, Obi won’t be the first-choice striker right away, as 22-year-old Devid Haen has that role and is impressing in it.
Haen has started the season well, scoring two goals in the first three games, so the ST position is his to lose and Obi’s to gain.
A plus point is that Willem II also play a 4-2-3-1 system, so Michael Carrick will welcome back a player next season well-versed in his tactical style.
On the flip side, playing with a sole striker means Obi will have to force himself into the club’s plans with good cameos off the bench to start with.
Generally, the Eredivisie is a high-scoring league that isn’t very physical, so if Obi can use his physical tools to his advantage, then he could be in for a starring season.
Firstly, he needs to take Haen’s place, which is a unique challenge for him on his first senior loan.
Obi could be a part of the squad when Willem II face Excelsior at home on September 5. Having beaten competition from many teams for his signature, it’s fair to assume he’ll get some minutes in that one.
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