For the third time in his career, Brian Brobbey has been named Johan Cruijff Talent of the Month. The 20-year-old from Amsterdam was also voted best talent in the Eredivisie earlier this year in August and May.
Ajax made four appearances in October: after the draw against Go Ahead Eagles (1-1), they won against FC Volendam (2-4), Excelsior Rotterdam (7-1) and RKC Waalwijk (1-4). Despite Brobbey playing one less game with Ajax and being in the starting eleven three times (totalling 279 playing minutes), the Ajax striker also manages to score high in the statistics lists.
Of all premier league players in October, Brobbey had the most ball contacts in the enemy penalty area (39), the highest Expected Goals value excluding penalties (2.6), the most goal attempts (11) and the most goals (5). In fact, when converted into playing minutes, Brobbey was good for a goal every 56 minutes. That does not look set to change anytime soon: throughout his entire premier league career, Brobbey made a goal on average every 70 minutes.
In addition to the monthly award, the Ajax striker will also receive a cheque on behalf of the Friends Lottery. This cheque goes to AFC, the Amsterdam amateur club where Brobbey started his career.
About the voting
The Eredivisie Player of the Month and Johan Cruijff Talent of the Month Awards are based on statistics (StatsPerform) and votes from football fans (KPN Man of the Match). The vote is an initiative of the Eredivisie CV in collaboration with ESPN. The Johan Cruijff Talent of the Month is an initiative of the Eredivisie CV, in collaboration with ESPN, Johan Cruijff Foundation and Friends Lottery.