Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee has secured a £36.5m move to Manchester United, signing a five-year deal. Adam Bate interviews the player’s former coach trang cá cược bóng đá at Anderlecht to uncover why the Red Devils were eager to acquire the Dutch international.
Joshua Zirkzee stands out for his distinctive qualities. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, he possesses the physical presence of a target man, yet he also exhibits the technical finesse of a playmaker and the speed to exploit channels. Manchester United identified his exceptional skill set as precisely what they require.
At the age of 23, Zirkzee has recently excelled in a breakout season with Bologna, pivotal in the club’s qualification for Europe’s premier competition for the first time in six decades. His impressive form earned him a last-minute inclusion in Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands squad for Euro 2024.
The statistics speak volumes. Zirkzee finished among Serie A’s top 10 players last season for goals scored from open play, chances created from open play, and successful dribbles. These numbers underscore the diverse threat he poses to opposing defenses.
However, it’s not just about the statistics; it’s also about potential and a player whose unique profile is hard to find elsewhere in the market. While he has recently made significant strides, he has long been recognized as someone capable of feats that few others can match.
Zirkzee made the move to Bayern Munich at the tender age of 16, where he notably scored in a friendly match against Paris Saint-Germain at 17. Despite netting four Bundesliga goals, breaking into the team proved daunting as a teenager. The transition was not only a physical challenge but also a significant psychological adjustment for him.
“At such a young age, moving can sometimes pose challenges for players,” Willem Weijs explained to Sky Sports. “They often focus solely on skills, scoring goals, and playing attractive football, but professional football requires much more from players.”
Weijs speaks from a wealth of experience, particularly with his insights from coaching at Anderlecht, where Zirkzee spent the 2021/22 season on loan from Bayern. It was during this period that the young prodigy matured into a seasoned professional.
“In professional football, the demands both mentally and physically are significantly higher compared to youth levels,” Weijs elaborates. “Although his talent was recognized, he still needed to go through the transfer process. His season at Anderlecht proved invaluable in his development.”
During Vincent Kompany’s tenure, Zirkzee amassed 18 goals and 13 assists. Weijs likened his development to a volcano ready to erupt. “Initially, he faced challenges due to the physical nature of Belgian football,” Weijs recalled. “However, he adapted and eventually unleashed his potential.”
Weijs had a close working relationship with Zirkzee, as Anderlecht under Kompany implemented a mentorship system. Each member of the technical staff was assigned a small group of players, and Zirkzee, being a Dutchman abroad, naturally fit into this framework. However, his adaptation still required time Gavang link.
“I had to put in the effort to establish a connection and earn his trust initially, as he wasn’t very open at first. He values feeling appreciated and respected. Once you invest in building that rapport and he senses he can rely on you, he becomes more open.”
Weijs remembers discussing other sports with Zirkzee, noting his enthusiasm for basketball. They also engaged in extensive conversations about his performance and career, reviewing video clips and discussing topics like confidence and his role within the team.
Having observed him closely, what are the qualities that make him exceptional?
“He possesses a strong physique, but his true strength lies in his skill. His technical prowess in tight spaces is truly remarkable. He exhibits exceptional comfort on the ball, and his first touch is consistently soft. This enables him to create ample time to navigate through complex situations and find effective solutions.”
Comparisons to Zlatan Ibrahimovic arise due to his height, skill, and flair. His ranking as third in Serie A for lay-off passes last season underscores his adeptness in hold-up play. At Anderlecht, he impressed teammates with his finishing ability during training sessions.
“He had become exceptional by the end,” Weijs remarked.
In Belgium during the latter part of that season, it became evident that Zirkzee had absorbed everything possible from the experience. “The training sessions at Anderlecht began to feel routine for him. It was evident that he had outgrown this level and was prepared for the next challenge.”
The subsequent move led him to Bologna, marking his return to Serie A, where a prior loan stint with Parma had yielded limited success with just four substitute appearances. Not everyone was convinced of the decision. “I had my reservations,” Weijs concedes.
His worries were unfounded. Bologna proved to be the perfect fit for him. Zirkzee flourished last season, becoming a pivotal player in one of Europe’s most thrilling teams. “I believe he also had a good coach.” Thiago Motta, who intriguingly likened him more to Ronaldinho than Ibrahimovic, has elevated his performance to new heights.
Specifically, Zirkzee made notable strides in his off-the-ball contributions, emerging as a formidable presence even when not in possession. Within a pressing-oriented squad, he led Serie A in turnovers gained this season and ranked second in winning possession in the attacking third.
“It was a process that I had to go through – from youth football to professional football. It’s about hard work, mentality, a growth mindset, adapting to the pace, and maintaining intensity. Looking back, it’s clear that Bologna was exactly the right move for him.”
Help me rewrite the paragraph similar to the following paragraph: Now United have signed the Dutchman and you can see exactly why – the next Ibrahimovic, a player who can press high, hold the ball up and score goals.
