Overview
Steven Berghuis, born on December 19, 1991, in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, is a versatile Dutch professional footballer recognized for his offensive contributions from midfield or the right wing. Standing at 1.80 meters, Berghuis has carved out a significant career in Dutch football, particularly noted for his spells at Feyenoord and Ajax, alongside a brief period in England. He is a left-footed player, which often allows him to cut inside from the right flank to shoot or deliver incisive passes.
Position
Berghuis primarily operates as an attacking midfielder or a right winger. In these roles, he is tasked with linking play between midfield and attack, creating goal-scoring opportunities through his passing and crossing, and contributing to the team's goal tally. His tactical flexibility means he can also be deployed as a secondary striker or a left winger when required, adapting his game to different formations and opponent strategies. This positional versatility makes him a valuable asset in dynamic attacking systems.
Identity
Steven Berghuis is widely identified as a creative playmaker with an excellent eye for a pass and a potent long-range shot. His ability to deliver precise crosses from wide areas and his proficiency from set-pieces, including free-kicks and corners, are hallmarks of his game. Berghuis combines technical finesse with a strong work ethic, often tracking back to support defensive efforts. He is known for his leadership on the pitch, having captained his teams, and his capacity to perform under pressure in crucial matches. His consistent output in terms of goals and assists has cemented his reputation as one of the Eredivisie's most influential attacking players over the past decade.
Career path
Steven Berghuis began his football journey within the youth ranks before making his professional breakthrough. His career path reflects a blend of consistent performance in the Eredivisie and experience in a top European league.
Youth and Early Senior Career
Berghuis started his youth development at FC Twente's academy. He progressed through their system and made his senior debut for the club in the 2011-12 season. However, opportunities were limited, leading to a loan spell at VVV-Venlo in January 2012, where he gained valuable first-team experience in the Eredivisie until the end of the season Steven Berghuis Player Profile.
AZ Alkmaar
In the summer of 2012, Berghuis made a permanent move to AZ Alkmaar. It was at AZ where he truly established himself as a prominent attacking talent. Over three seasons, he became a key player, showcasing his ability to score and create goals from the wing. His impressive performances for AZ, particularly during the 2014-15 season where he registered 11 goals and 8 assists in 33 Eredivisie appearances Steven Berghuis FBref Stats, attracted attention from clubs abroad.
Watford
His strong form led to a transfer to Premier League club Watford in July 2015 Steven Berghuis Transfer History. However, Berghuis struggled to secure regular playing time in England, making only nine appearances across all competitions in his debut season. This limited involvement prompted a return to the Netherlands.
Feyenoord
In August 2016, Berghuis joined Feyenoord on a season-long loan from Watford. He quickly rediscovered his form, playing a crucial role in Feyenoord's Eredivisie title triumph in the 2016-17 season, their first in 18 years. His performances led to a permanent transfer to Feyenoord in July 2017. Berghuis became a talismanic figure and captain for the Rotterdam club, consistently delivering high numbers of goals and assists. Across five seasons at Feyenoord, he scored 87 goals and provided 73 assists in 199 appearances across all competitions Steven Berghuis detailed club statistics.
Ajax
In July 2021, Berghuis made a high-profile move to rival club Ajax. This transfer generated significant discussion due to the intense rivalry between the two clubs. At Ajax, he continued to be a vital offensive player, contributing to their Eredivisie title win in his first season (2021-22). He adapted to a slightly deeper, more central role at times, demonstrating his versatility and football intelligence in a new tactical environment.
Playing style
Steven Berghuis is characterized by his technical proficiency, creative influence, and goal-scoring threat, primarily from the right wing or attacking midfield positions. His left foot is central to his attacking output, allowing him to operate as an inverted winger who can cut inside to shoot or cross.
Technical Attributes
Berghuis possesses excellent close control and dribbling ability, enabling him to navigate tight spaces and beat defenders in one-on-one situations. His ball manipulation skills are evident in his capacity to retain possession under pressure and execute intricate passes. A key aspect of his game is his crossing, often delivering accurate balls into the penalty area from wide positions, whether from open play or set-pieces. His delivery is consistently precise, making him a significant threat for aerial targets. Furthermore, Berghuis is renowned for his powerful and accurate long-range shooting, frequently finding the net from outside the box.
Creative Influence
As a playmaker, Berghuis exhibits exceptional vision and passing range. He is adept at identifying and executing through balls to split defensive lines, creating clear-cut chances for his teammates. His set-piece delivery, including corners and direct free-kicks, is a major asset, often leading to assists or direct goals. According to Steven Berghuis Sofascore Rating, he consistently ranks highly in key passes per game, underscoring his creative impact.
Defensive Work Rate
While primarily an attacking player, Berghuis demonstrates a commendable defensive work rate. He is often seen tracking back to support his full-back, pressing opponents, and contributing to the team's defensive structure. This commitment to both phases of play makes him a more complete winger or attacking midfielder compared to some purely offensive counterparts.
Comparison and Role
Berghuis's playing style can draw comparisons to players like Arjen Robben in his ability to cut in from the right wing onto his stronger left foot to shoot, although Berghuis often provides more assists and is more involved in central playmaking. He functions as a primary creative outlet and goal threat, acting as a catalyst for his team's offensive movements. His versatility allows him to adapt to various tactical setups, making him a dynamic and unpredictable opponent.
Achievements & honours
Steven Berghuis has accumulated a notable list of team trophies and individual accolades throughout his career, predominantly in the Netherlands. His contributions have been instrumental in several successful campaigns for his clubs.
Club Honours
Berghuis has been a part of two Eredivisie-winning squads, one with Feyenoord and one with Ajax, demonstrating his impact on title-contending teams. He has also secured domestic cup competitions and the Johan Cruyff Shield.
| Competition | Club | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Eredivisie | Feyenoord | 2016–17 |
| KNVB Cup | Feyenoord | 2017–18 |
| Johan Cruyff Shield | Feyenoord | 2017, 2018 |
| Eredivisie | Ajax | 2021–22 |
Individual Accolades
Beyond team successes, Berghuis has also received individual recognition for his consistent performances. He was frequently among the top goal scorers and assist providers in the Eredivisie during his peak years at Feyenoord and Ajax. For instance, he finished as the top scorer for Feyenoord in multiple seasons, highlighting his offensive prowess. His leadership qualities were also recognized through captaincy roles at Feyenoord.
International career
Steven Berghuis has represented the Netherlands national football team, earning a significant number of caps and participating in major international tournaments. His journey with the Oranje began after consistent strong performances at club level.
Debut and Early Appearances
Berghuis made his debut for the senior national team on May 27, 2016, in a friendly match against the Republic of Ireland Steven Berghuis FIFA Player Profile. Initially, he was a regular call-up to the squad, often featuring as a substitute or making starts in qualifying matches for major tournaments. His technical ability and creative output made him a valuable option for the national team's attacking setup.
Major Tournament Participation
He was part of the Netherlands squad for UEFA Euro 2020 (played in 2021), where he made several appearances during the group stage and knockout rounds. Berghuis also featured prominently in the Netherlands' campaign at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar Netherlands 2022 World Cup Squad. During the World Cup, he started in some key group stage matches, demonstrating his manager's trust in his ability to perform on the biggest stage. His role often involved providing width and creativity from the right wing, linking up with central midfielders and strikers.
Role and Contribution
Throughout his international career, Berghuis has primarily served as a wide midfielder or winger, utilizing his crossing ability and left-footed shots. He has contributed with crucial assists and has scored two goals for the national team. While not always a guaranteed starter given the depth of talent in Dutch football, he has consistently been a reliable option, capable of influencing games with his technical quality and experience. His involvement in World Cup and European Championship squads underscores his standing as a significant figure for the Netherlands in recent years.
What makes Steven Berghuis stand out
Steven Berghuis distinguishes himself through a combination of technical mastery, creative vision, and a pronounced goal-scoring threat from midfield. His exceptional left foot is arguably his most prominent attribute, enabling him to deliver pinpoint crosses and execute powerful, accurate shots from various distances. This dual threat of creation and direct scoring makes him a challenging player for opposition defenses to contain.
Another standout trait is his versatility and tactical intelligence. While predominantly a right winger, Berghuis has effectively adapted to roles as an attacking midfielder or even a central midfielder, particularly during his time at Ajax. This adaptability allows coaches to use him in different formations and against varied opponents, leveraging his passing range and ability to dictate play from deeper positions. His leadership qualities, evident during his captaincy at Feyenoord, also set him apart, as he consistently performed under pressure and inspired his teammates.
"Steven is a player who always wants the ball, regardless of the situation. He has the quality to make the difference with a pass or a shot, and his mentality is top-class." – Arne Slot, former Feyenoord manager.