First Johan Cruyff Talent of the Month award for Johan Bakayoko
Based on statistics and votes from football fans, 19-year-old Johan Bakayoko performed best of all players aged 21 or under in February. For Bakayoko, like his teammate Xavi Simons last month, it is his first time being voted Johan Cruijff Talent of the Month.
PSV came through February unbeaten as well. After two draws against Feyenoord and FC Utrecht (both 2-2) and two big wins over FC Groningen (6-0) and FC Twente (3-1), the Eindhoven club remains in the race for the title. Like Berghuis, the Belgian flanker was good for two goals and two assists in the Eredivisie in the past four rounds of play.
In addition, Bakayoko captured possession of the ball most often for PSV (23), was involved in the most goals (4), recorded the most successful dribbles (12) and created the most chances from open play (7). He also had the most successful crosses from open play in the Eredivisie (6).
It is the second month in a row that a PSV player wins the best talent award. In addition to a trophy, the midfielder will receive a cheque for €2,500 for the PSV Foundation on behalf of the VriendenLoterij (Friends Lottery). His election also raised €5,000 for Johan Cruyff Foundation projects.
The award was presented by ESPN presenter Fresia Cousiño Arias.
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 VriendenLoterij (Friends Lottery).
