Johan Bakayoko has been selected as Johan Cruijff Talent of the Month for the fourth time in his career. He also achieved this honor in February 2023 and earlier this season in October and November, outperforming all players aged 21 or younger since the start of the season.
The 21-year-old forward featured prominently in various rankings last month. In April, Bakayoko was involved in five goals, scoring four and providing one assist. He created seven chances, completed thirteen successful dribbles, and attempted ten shots.
The Belgian talent has caught the eye of Europe's top clubs, which is unsurprising given his young age. Among the top 10 leagues in Europe, Bakayoko is the third youngest player involved in at least 20 goals (11 goals and 9 assists). He sits behind two big names: Real Madrid's standout Jude Bellingham (17 goals and 4 assists) and Bayer Leverkusen's revelation Florian Wirtz (11 goals and 11 assists), both of whom are still twenty years old.
Cheque for PSV Foundation and Cruyff Foundation
As part of the prize, the Johan Cruyff Talent of the Month received a cheque worth €2,500 on behalf of the VriendenLoterij (FriendsLottery) for the PSV Foundation. His selection also generated €5,000 to promote social projects organised by the Johan Cruyff Foundation.
Eredivisie Awards
The Eredivisie Player of the Month, Johan Cruyff Talent of the Month and Eredivisie Team of the Month are selected on the basis of statistics (Opta) and votes from football fans (KPN Man of the Match). These criteria also play a role in establishing the shortlist for the Eredivisie Player of the Year and Johan Cruyff Talent of the Year awards. These awards, along with the Azerion Vrouwen Eredivisie awards, will be presented during the Eredivisie Awards ceremony (2 September 2024).
The selection of the Eredivisie Player of the Month is an initiative of Eredivisie CV, in partnership with ESPN and EA SPORTS FC™. The selection of the Johan Cruyff Talent of the Month is organised by Eredivisie CV, in partnership with ESPN, the Cruyff Foundation and the VriendenLoterij (FriendsLottery).