Johan Bakayoko is very satisfied with the start of his first season with the PSV A-selection. The nineteen-year-old right winger was unable to maintain his starting position from the first matches, but is absolutely not worried. “For the start of the season, I give myself a good 7.5 to 8 out of 10,” said Bakayoko in conversation with sporza.
After the serious injury of Noni Madueke, Ruud van Nistelrooij called on Bakayoko early in the season, who made his basic debut in the Johan Cruijff Scale against Ajax (3-5 win). The Belgian wing striker also appeared regularly at kick-off, but had to give up his place for the time being after PSV’s dramatic match at FC Twente (2-1 loss). In the three matches that followed, Bakayoko only got seventeen minutes of play. After eight official appearances (six times in the starting lineup), he is on two goals.
Cody Gakpo and Johan Bakayoko
“We have started the season very well with PSV,” says Bakayoko. “We are in the lead and I have been given a lot of playing minutes, so I am satisfied.” On the right flank, Bakayoko has competition from Ismael Saibari, who was preferred in the last three matches. “We have a very large selection and everyone wants to play, but I do feel that the club also finds me important.”
Bakayoko was the absolute star at Jong PSV last season, for whom he produced 17 goals and 12 assists. The step to the first team suits the youngster well. “The group has a good mix of experienced and younger players. That’s why it’s easier for newcomers to integrate. From top players like Cody Gakpo, Ibrahim Sangaré and Joey Veerman I pick up things every day. I can only get better from that .”