Steven Bergwijn: PSV’s Other Exciting Winger

A great deal of fuss has been made over Ajax Amsterdam’s success in the Champions League this season; compared to PSV Eindhoven, who’ve been drawn in a difficult group, Erik ten Hag’s side has exceeded expectations. Yet the Dutch Eredivisie table hasn’t reflected this narrative, as last year’s champions remain on top with a perfect record through ten match weeks. Hirving Lozano has caught the attention of fans worldwide, but young Dutch winger Steven Bergwijn is an integral member of a direct, smart attack spearheading the Netherland’s best domestic side.

Steven Bergwijn: Why You Should Know Him

At 21 years of age, Steven Bergwijn has already made nearly 100 senior appearances for PSV. His reputation morphed from that of a promising youngster to a genuine star-status last season. Bergwijn is a member of a vibrant group of young Dutchmen ready to improve the Oranje after years of failure. It is not outrageous to imagine the Amsterdam-born attacker – draped in orange — linking up with Memphis Depay for years to come. Nor would it be outlandish to predict a transfer of €25 million or more in Bergwijn’s near future.

But for fans of teams linked with Bergwijn, a move away from Eindhoven may only be a pipedream for now. He recently penned a contract extension with PSV until 2022 and, with Lozano likely to move within the next year, the Dutch champions will do everything in their power to keep him at Phillips Stadion. Bergwijn has already asserted himself as one of the Eredivisie’s best wingers and he will surely be broadcast on televisions worldwide soon enough.

Role on the Pitch

Up front, PSV coach Mark van Bommel has in his possession two phenomenal right-footed wingers. Under Philip Cocu, Lozano and Bergwijn often alternated positions from week-to-week, or even during a match itself. This trend has continued under Van Bommel; Bergwijn has split his time between the right and left flank this season. The goals and assists have remained consistent whichever side he’s on, which could explain the similarities in his game when on the left and right wing.

While on the left, Bergwijn acts a lot like an inverted-winger as he attempts to cut inside and create space. Because PSV will often find counter-attacking opportunities, he is frequently given the space to move centrally and dribble at an out-gunned defence. Bergwijn may start out in a wide position, often to avoid congestion in the midfield, but his ultimate goal is to attack the top of the box. With his first choice to cut inside when on the left wing, Bergwijn accumulates a lot of dribble attempts per match (something that will be touched upon later) and succeeds quite often.

Steven Bergwijn’s play style on the right flank is not what you would call “traditional” wing play. Unlike his teammate Hirving Lozano, Bergwijn sticks to his usual self when out of his natural position. Cutting inside is still the main priority over dribbling to the byline. This speaks to the most prevalent and most important aspect of the Dutchman’s skill set: his ability to take on the opponent.

First Touch and Dribbling

Steven Bergwijn is clearly a gifted footballer; that much is obvious from only a few minutes of game footage. Lengthy compilations could be made of his perfectly-executed first touches and even more of his quick side-steps to fashion space. In tandem, Bergwijn’s close control and quick feet spell danger for defenders looking to impede his progress.

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