Orkun Kökcü named as Eredivisie Player of the Month
Orkun Kökcü is named as the Eredivisie Player of the Month. In January, the 21-year-old Feyenoord midfielder was the best-performing player according to statistics and football fans’ votes.
Difficult start
Feyenoord suffered a defeat immediately after the resumption of the Eredivisie. Vitesse outplayed coach Arne Slot's side at De Kuip (0-1), who saw his side struggle to keep up with the Arnhemmers.
One week later, Feyenoord picked up where they left off against N.E.C. In a convincing second half, the Rotterdammers took the win (1-4). Orkun Kökcü made his mark on the match with a well-taken penalty shot and a superb distance kick. This earned him the honour of being named KPN Man of the Match.
Most ball touches
Orkun Kökcü has played mainly as an attacking midfielder at Feyenoord since his debut in 2018 and was even given shirt number ten in the summer. Coach Arne Slot sees Kökcü more as a playmaker and has been positioning him as a controlling midfielder this season. The Turkish international with thirteen caps has been shown full confidence as Kökcü is the third Feyenoord player with the most playing minutes this season by far (1,692).
The Haarlem native is increasingly showing his worth in his new role. The 21-year-old midfielder had the most ball touches in January (217). Kökcü has also sent 118 successful passes towards the opposition half, at least 25 more than any other player in the Eredivisie. The midfielder also plays and important role in the so-called "high pressure" positions on the opponent's half. In two games, Kökcü has recaptured the ball seven times in the most attacking third of the pitch, which is the highest number of any player.
First Player of the Month award
This is Orkun Kökcü's first Eredivisie Player of the Month award. Previously, the midfielder was named the U21 Eredivisie Player of the Month in December 2019 and March 2021 (the precursor to the Johan Cruijff Talent of the Month award). Kökcü is the second Feyenoord player to win the player of the month award this season after Guus Til (September).
With a score of 90.4, Kökcü managed to stay ahead of RKC forward Michiel Kramer (88.2) and Cambuur goalkeeper Sonny Stevens (85.1).
In addition to a trophy, the Feyenoord midfielder will also receive his own upgraded player card in the EA Sports FIFA 22 Ultimate Team game. This Eredivisie Player of the Month card will be free to play in FIFA 22 from 18:00 tonight.
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, cast via the KPN Man of the Match vote (ESPN). These elements also count towards the Eredivisie Player of the Year and Johan Cruijfff Talent of the Year Awards, which are presented in a live broadcast on ESPN at the end of the season 2021/22.
The Eredivisie Player of the Month 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, ESPN, Johan Cruyff Foundation and VriendenLoterij.
