The next big thing at PSV – Jetro Willems |

Jetro Willems has long been destined for great things in Holland and this season he has kicked on at PSV in their title winning campaign. The left back has been a key part of what the side do in both halves of the pitch and is very much a modern day full back, with the quality to create in the final third. He has an incredible engine which allows him to get up and down the pitch, which is a key part of a wing back’s game. After first coming onto the scene at Euro 2012 when he became the youngest player to appear at a European Championships, but he hasn’t progressed as he would have liked since then.

This season has been a positive one both personally and professionally for the left back as he has performed brilliantly for a side which has won their first Eredivisie title since 2007. He has been key part of the side, scoring twice and getting twelve assists which is a great achievement for a left back. At the age of 21, Willems will be beginning to look towards his next move and PSV will be worried about losing their left back in a summer which could see them lose a lot of their big players.

Willems has been linked with clubs such as Manchester City and Real Madrid in recent months, which highlights how well he has done this season. The defender will have to be careful when selecting his next move as many before him have rushed to leave the Eredivisie and have found their careers regressing outside of Holland. The PSV player has a huge future ahead of him and could develop into one of the best attacking full backs in the world, but he needs regular first team football to achieve that.

It is easy to see why many clubs are looking at Willems as he is a modern day full back who adds an extra edge to his side when going forwards. He is quick, direct and is capable of beating his opposite number to put in dangerous crosses into the penalty area. His crossing and passing are both excellent as he has the technical skills that people come to expect of Dutch footballers. Meanwhile defensively, he is very good in the air, and his concentration and reading of the game are both excellent as he often intercepts passes before launching his side into attack with lung bursting runs forward.

The main concern surrounding his game is his discipline as he fouls often, as can be seen by his tally of 9 yellow cards and one sending off this season. The red card was actually the quickest ever in Eredivisie history as he was dismissed after just 29 seconds against NAC Breda. This is an area he can work on and if he improves it, he has the attributes to develop into a fine left back.

This summer is going to be key for both PSV and the Eredivisie as the league has benefitted from having a side other than Ajax topping the table. PSV must hold on to the majority of their current side and sign some new players so they can challenge for the title again, as Ajax will be going all out to regain the championship. Willems is an example of a player who is likely to move to another European league in the near future, but at the age of 21, he has time on his side, and would benefit from another year in Holland. Especially as PSV will be playing Champions League football in the 2015/16 season.