Manchester United identifies Dutch starlet Steven Bergwijn as top transfer target
An analysis of PSV Eindhoven’s exciting young winger Steven Bergwijn, and whether or not he could be Manchester United bound this January.
Holland boasts one of the most exciting young rosters in world football these days. Ajax may lay claim to the most high-profile starlets, but PSV certainly has a gem of its own in Steven Bergwijn.
The winger, in fact, spent six years at De Toekomst – Ajax’s hallowed academy – before switching to PSV at the age of 13. Just four years later he made his debut at the Philips Stadium and was awarded the Golden Player Award as Holland reached the Under 17s European Championship final.
The 21-year-old has become a real lynchpin for Mark Van Bommel’s table topping side this campaign, boasting nine goals, eight assists, and, according to whoscored.com, an impressive average rating of 8.08 in the Eredivisie. Ronald Koeman rewarded the youngster with his first international caps last October.
Style of play
The Dutchman can play anywhere across the front line but usually operates on the wing. Blessed with frightening pace, close control, and such a low centre of gravity, he is the stuff of nightmares for even the most established full backs. He can slip past numerous defenders at a time in congested areas and, simply put, is very hard to get the ball off.
The stocky winger has formed a lethal combination with Luuk de Jong and Hirving Lozano in PSV’s deadly attack. He is certainly the most anarchic of the trio, and, although primarily a direct dribbler, can produce more one-twos than a DJ checking his mike if he cuts inside.
On top of that, the youngster is known to be positionally astute. He can drift across the frontline finding pockets of space and always seems to be optimally stationed when PSV look to transition from defense to attack.
Will United sign him this January?
Although the Eredivisie can be an unreliable barometer, United has a good record of signing players from PSV. Ruud Van Nistlerooy, Jaap Stam, and Park Ji-sung all arrived directly from the pastures of De Herdgang.
Ironically, Bergwijn acted as the successor to United’s last purchase from the Dutch side: Memphis Depay. Though the attacker didn’t quite cut it at Old Trafford, his class is blindingly obvious and he could have proved a real star under different circumstances.
United has been long-standing admirers of the player and, according to Dutch news outlet De Telegraaf, his performance last weekend against FC Emmen was enough to convince the travelling scouts that he was their man. It’s unclear whether the United board will go in for the player this January or seek to begin negotiations in the summer.
One thing that is clear, however, is that United will face stiff competition for the signature. Inter Milan seem to be the most keen; while, Tottenham and Liverpool are also interested in snatching another bright star from the Eredivisie.
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Stephen Bergwijn no doubt possesses the class to wear the hallowed red jersey. He ticks all the boxes for an up-and-coming winger and could prove a valuable future asset no matter who is in charge at Old Trafford.