Johan Bakayoko named Johan Cruyff Talent of the Month for October
Twenty year old Johan Bakayoko has received his second individual Eredivisie award. He was the best-performing player in October, aged 21 or younger at the start of the season. This is the second time the PSV forward has won the Johan Cruyff Talent of the Month award, having previously done so in February 2023.
In October, the Belgian international played a key role as PSV picked up three points against Sparta Rotterdam (0-4), Fortuna Sittard (3-1) and Ajax (5-2). In the three games, he was directly involved in four goals (two goals and two assists), equalling the stats for his previous sixteen leagues appearances.
He also had October’s highest Expected Assists value (1.59 xA), the second highest number of successful dribbles (15), and was second only to teammate Luuk de Jong for the number of chances created in open play (9 to De Jong’s 11). The exciting forward was voted KPN Man of the Match by fans in the games against Sparta and Fortuna.
The award was presented by ESPN presenter Bennett van Fessem. You can watch the interview here
PSV Foundation
Johan Bakayoko was named Talent of the Month ahead of players including FC Twente’s Youri Regeer and Ajax’s Kristian Hlynsson. As part of the award, the PSV player receives a €2,500 cheque for the PSV Foundation, presented on behalf of the VriendenLoterij (FriendsLottery). His selection also generated €5,000 to promote social projects organised by the 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, are presented during the Eredivisie Awards ceremony.
The selection of the Eredivisie Player of the Month is an initiative of Eredivisie CV, in partnership with ESPN and EA SPORTS FC™ 24. The selection process for the Johan Cruyff Talent of the Month is organised by Eredivisie CV, in partnership with ESPN, the Cruyff Foundation and the VriendenLoterij (FriendsLottery).
Read more
