Robin van Cruijsen named Johan Cruyff Talent of the Month for September

The Amsterdam-born midfielder signed his first professional contract with FC Volendam in May: “I’ve been with FC Volendam since the age of 11 and came through the entire youth academy. I’m incredibly proud to sign my first professional deal here. It means a lot that the club believes in me and I hope to make the step up to the first team,” said Van Cruijsen, who is contracted until 2028. He made his senior debut in August as a substitute.

On 13 September he again started on the bench but came on in the 62nd minute against Go Ahead Eagles. The Deventer side were already cruising 3-0 up at the time, and defeat could not be avoided. Still, Van Cruijsen caught the eye and earned a starting spot the following week at the expense of Robert Mühren. Although Volendam were beaten 2-1 by Excelsior with a stoppage-time goal, the academy product marked his first start with a brilliant strike.

“For me personally it was a great afternoon: my first start and a goal. Shooting is one of my qualities, and people often tell me I should do it more. I’m proud I could score such a goal. I wasn’t sure how to celebrate. I just improvised,” he smiled afterwards.

A week later there were celebrations all around at the Kras Stadion, as Van Cruijsen provided the decisive assist for Brandley Kuwas in a 2-1 win over PEC Zwolle. That victory lifted Volendam to 12th place on seven points after seven rounds.

On his starting debut against Excelsior, Van Cruijsen created six chances. At 19 years and 212 days, he became the youngest player to create six chances in a single Eredivisie match since Mohamed Ihattaren (PSV, November 2019: seven vs Heerenveen). Across his three appearances in September, he created 12 chances in total. More than Joey Veerman (11), Sven Mijnans (9) and Mika Godts (9).

With a goal and an assist, he also became only the second Volendam player this century (after Vit Valenta in 2018) to be directly involved in goals in each of his first two Eredivisie starts. In September, he attempted three shots, with one on target: his goal against Excelsior. He also recorded 52 passes, 41 of which were successful.

This is Van Cruijsen’s first Johan Cruyff Talent of the Month award and it is also the very first time an FC Volendam player has claimed the accolade. He received the award from ESPN reporter Milan van Dongen.

As part of the prize, the Johan Cruyff Talent of the Month receives a €2,500 cheque on behalf of the VriendenLoterij for the FC Volendam Foundation, supporting community projects at the club. In addition, €5,000 is donated to the Johan Cruyff Foundation to further social initiatives.

The Player of the Month and Johan Cruyff Talent of the Month are based on Opta statistics, with more than 60 different data points taken into account. These same metrics also feed into the Player of the Year and Johan Cruyff Talent of the Year awards, which are presented at the end of the season at the Eredivisie Awards.

The monthly awards are an initiative of Eredivisie CV in partnership with ESPN, VriendenLoterij and the Johan Cruyff Foundation.