Ryan Gravenberch is the Johan Cruijff Talent of the Month
Ryan Gravenberch has been chosen as the Johan Cruijff Talent of the Month for February, based on individual player statistics and votes from football fans. After his awards for the Eredivisie Player of the Month (March 2021) and the Eredivisie Player U21 of the Year (season 2020-2021), it is Gravenberch's first time as the Johan Cruijff Talent of the Month.
Goal after 91 minutes and 30 seconds
The 19-year-old from Amsterdam won with Ajax in March against RKC Waalwijk (3-2), SC Cambuur (2-3) and Feyenoord (3-2). In March, the midfielder had two assists, an 89% pass accuracy, 16 ball recoveries and 25 personal duels won.
Most notable was his goal against SC Cambuur: after 91 minutes and 30 seconds he shot Ajax to victory, which means that the Amsterdammers are still leading the Eredivisie. It was the last winning goal for Ajax in the Eredivisie since Jairo Riedewald's goal against Roda JC on 22 December 2013 (then after 91 minutes and 32 seconds).
Cheques for AVV Zeeburgia and the Johan Cruyff Foundation
Besides the monthly prize, the Ajax midfielder also received two cheques on behalf of the VriendenLoterij (Friends Lottery). A cheque for €2,500 for his amateur club AVV Zeeburgia, where Gravenberch took his first steps as a footballer. Mike Kolf, Head of Youth Programs at AVV Zeeburgia, accepted the cheque for the Amsterdam amateur club. The second is a cheque for €5,000 for a project of the Johan Cruyff Foundation, which will enable the purchase of sporting equipment for children with physical disabilities in and around Amsterdam.
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 election (ESPN). These elements also count towards the Eredivisie Player of the Year and Johan Cruyff Talent of the Year Awards, which are presented during the Eredivisie Awards 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 Cruyff Talent of the Month is an initiative of the Eredivisie CV, ESPN, Johan Cruyff Foundation and VriendenLoterij (Friends Lottery).
