Vincent Janssen – the next van Nistelrooy

Vincent Janssen was born on 15th June 1994 in Heesch, Holland. At the age of 15 he made the first big step in his development as a footballer. Janssen moved from NEC Nijmegen’s academy to Feyenoord U17. It’s very difficult to understand, how Feyenoord let such talented striker go. They just released the player. Almere City (2nd level of Dutch football) took advantage of the situation and got the forward for free in 2013.

The striker very quickly managed to win his place in the starting eleven of his new team and became a crucial part of Almere City’s attack. In his first season in professional football, Janssen bagged 10 goals in 35 league matches, being among the starting eleven in 25 of the games. The next season (2014/2015) was even more successful for the youngster. Vincent found the net on 19 occasions in 34 league games, helping Almere City finish in 11th position in the standings of Eerste Divisie. On 11th April 2015 Janssen scored the first hat-trick in his career, securing a 3-2 victory against Sparta Rotterdam. He also scored twice in the remarkable victory against ADO Den Haag for the Dutch Cup.

Immediately after his great performance for his club, Janssen was called in Holland’s U22 squad. He made 3 appearances, scoring twice.

That was enough for AZ Alkmaar to sign the talented striker. The Cheeseheads paid €400 K. for Vincent Janssen, which has recently become their most successful transfer. The forward scored 27 goals in 34 matches in the Eredivisie, becoming the top goal-scorer of the championship. He bagged a hat-trick against his former club Feyenoord, making them regret for letting him go. Then, Janssen made even more impressive performance against PEC Zwolle, scoring 4 goals in the match.

Vincent Janssen also took part in 10 matches in The Europa League for AZ Alkmaar and scored on 3 occasions. His remarkable performance won him a place in Holland’s U21 squad, where he bagged 6 goals in 5 games.

So, there were no other option, but a call-up for the Dutch national team. And Vincent Janssen showed that this was not a mistake. In his second game for the country, he found the net against England at Wembley! He has scored 2 goals in 4 games for Holland and is looking forward for more!

He has a great positioning and good finishing skills. The youngster is now a complete striker with over 70 goals in official games in his career so far.

Janssen is currently valued at €6 m. and it won’t be a surprise if one of the biggest teams pays AZ Alkmaar to sign the striker.