PSV Eindhoven’s Young Star Jeremy Bakayoko Turning Heads in the Eredivisie

Jeremy Bakayoko, the young prodigy of PSV Eindhoven, is making a name for himself in the Eredivisie. With PSV securing their 17th win in a row, beating Excelsior 3-1 on Saturday, Bakayoko has been instrumental in their success.

Playing on the right side of Peter Bosz‘s bold and attacking 4-2-3-1 formation, Bakayoko has notched up three goals and an impressive eight assists, showcasing his immense talent and skill on the field.

PSV Eindhoven, known for their quick transitions and purposeful attacking style, have found a perfect match in Bakayoko. The young Belgian international possesses dynamic movement, incredible shooting power, and the ability to both run and create opportunities for his team.

His performances have not gone unnoticed, as Bakayoko has already won the Johan Cruyff Talent of the Month award three times in 2023. With his star rising, he is likely to clinch the title of young player of the year in the Netherlands.

Bakayoko joined PSV from Anderlecht in 2019 and faced tough competition due to the club’s abundance of talented wide forwards. However, with several players departing, he seized his opportunity and has since become an integral part of the squad.

Under Ruud van Nistelrooy’s coaching in 2022, Bakayoko began to make his mark. His ability to beat defenders and accelerate beyond them caught the attention of scouts and enthusiasts alike. However, it was a conversation with Peter Bosz that convinced Bakayoko to stay at PSV and focus on winning titles and earning international recognition.

As PSV’s style of play evolved under Bosz’s guidance, Bakayoko adapted his game to become less individualistic. Data from this Eredivisie season shows increased activity in the penalty box, expected assists, shot volume, and dribbling success for Bakayoko. The team’s dominance on the field has certainly played a role in his statistical improvements.

What sets Bakayoko apart is his ability to control speed effectively. He understands when to slow down and draw in defenders, utilizing his clean ball-striking ability with his left foot to catch keepers off-guard. With quick shooting and powerful strikes, he has showcased his goal-scoring prowess on multiple occasions.

While Bakayoko’s talent is undeniable, critics believe he needs to improve his right-foot ball-striking, making his unpredictability a challenge for teammates. Additionally, his ability to recycle the ball in the final third and move the opposition’s defensive block around will be crucial for future success.

With his contract at PSV Eindhoven running until 2026, Bakayoko’s next move will be determined by his performance in the remaining months of the season. Clubs across Europe are showing interest, but where he ends up may depend on his ability to continue his impressive form and showcase further development in his game.

(Top photo: Prestige/Soccrates/Getty Images)