Steven Bergwijn has settled into life at Ajax well since leaving Tottenham in the summer.
The Dutch international has scored eight times in 12 appearances for the Eredivisie champions so far and he shows no signs of slowing down.
Bergwijn struggled for game time in North London and his form suffered as a result.
But since making the switch to the Johan Cruyff Arena, he has had a run of matches that has allowed him to thrive under boss Alfred Schreuder.
Ahead of Ajax’s clash with FC Volendam on Saturday, we take a look at the secret behind the forward’s success so far this season.
Keeping the faith
Spurs fans never doubted that Bergwijn is a player with a lot of quality and the potential to play at the top level of football.
But there was a point in his career where he seemed lost and unsure of his place under Antonio Conte — a manager who started the Dutchman just once in the Premier League.
The difference in the player’s attitude and work-rate has been evident since his move back to the Eredivisie and this is down to a consecutive run of games.
Schreuder has started Bergwijn in all but one of Ajax’s eight league matches this season, with the former PSV Eindhoven man returning six goals in that time.
The 24-cap international has already played 569 minutes under the new head coach in Amsterdam — over double the amount of playing time he had received this time last season.
One of the factors of the player’s success has come from feeling wanted.
Ajax made Bergwijn their club record signing and he has already gone a long way to repaying the faith placed in him.
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Confidence is key
In December 2020, Spurs were drawing 1-1 with Liverpool at Anfield. A win would have put the visitors three points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Bergwijn had a huge chance to put Jose Mourinho’s side ahead but his effort hit the post and Spurs went on to lose the match.
The trickster scored only once that season and his confidence in front of goal completely vanished.
Scoring a hat-trick for the 36-time Eredivisie champions in his second game for the club has had the opposite effect on the forward in the new campaign.
Clearly, Bergwijn is a player who operates with momentum and positivity and starting the season well has benefitted his form for both club and country.
He has played a prominent role for both Ajax and the Netherlands national team this year and should he continue in his current vein of form, he is well on course to trump the 14 league goals he scored for PSV in 2018-19.
No case for defence
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Both Mourinho and Conte are known for their stellar defensive records but this does not come without sacrificing free-flowing, attacking play at times.
Ajax’s No7 was an awkward fit under the Italian as he was not defensively sound enough to operate as a wing-back.
After being signed by Mourinho in January 2020, Bergwijn was restrained in his freedom to operate across the frontline — ultimately contributing to his lack of goal involvements.
With Schreuder, the Amsterdam-born attacker has featured on both wings as well as a central striker.
He has elevated his game and output for Ajax, including a goal in the 4-0 thumping of Rangers in the Champions League.
His turn of pace and quick feet make him dangerous in the final third of the pitch — if he is not scoring, he is creating for his team-mates.
Driven by ambition
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Bergwijn himself has stated that he wants to prove himself at a top club following his underwhelming spell at Spurs.
Speaking on the move to his hometown outfit, he said: “I was getting left out of the team there [Tottenham] and of course, you just want to play. So if you can go back to Ajax it’s quite tempting.”
Schreuder has praised his new player more than once this season and he was particularly impressed with his ambition to make a move happen.
He said: “It is indicative of Steven’s ambition that he chose to make the step to Ajax, he is a player with many qualities.
“He has enormous drive and is also very goal-oriented. Of course, I am happy that we were able to sign him, he adds new quality to our team.”
Berwgijn has stated that he was unhappy in London and he has already gone a long way to making his former club regret selling him just two months into the new season.
His goal now will be to continue his strong start to the campaign and carry his form into the World Cup, where the Netherlands will hope their flying forward can shine on the biggest stage.
Source: Livescore