Gjivai Zechiël named Johan Cruyff Talent of the Month for the second time
Gjivai Zechiël has been named Johan Cruyff Talent of the Month for the second time this season. The 21-year-old FC Utrecht midfielder receives the award for his performances in May.
Most assists
Zechiël played a key role for FC Utrecht during the club’s unbeaten run against NAC Breda, Ajax and Fortuna Sittard. Offensively, the Rotterdam-born midfielder stood out with three assists — the highest tally in May — while also registering thirteen shots and creating nine chances.
Zechiël was equally influential in FC Utrecht’s overall play. Only Jordy Clasie (162) completed more successful passes in May than Zechiël (154). Notably, 54 of those passes were played forward, underlining the midfielder’s importance in FC Utrecht’s attacking build-up play.
Second monthly award
For Gjivai Zechiël, this is his second Johan Cruyff Talent of the Month award. He previously won the prize in October earlier this season.
As part of the award, Zechiël receives a €2,000 cheque on behalf of the VriendenLoterij for XerxesDZB and €500 for Swift Boys, the amateur clubs where he played during his youth career. In addition, €5,000 will be donated to social projects run by the Johan Cruyff Foundation.
Gjivai Zechiël with the award, presented by ESPN reporter Sanne van Dongen.
About the awards
The Johan Cruyff Talent of the Month award is based on Opta statistics, incorporating more than sixty different metrics. These figures also contribute to the selection of the Johan Cruyff Talent of the Year award, which will be presented on Monday 25 May during the sixth edition of the Eredivisie Awards.
The monthly award is an initiative of Eredivisie CV in collaboration with ESPN, the VriendenLoterij and the Johan Cruyff Foundation.
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