Sydney van Hooijdonk is full of praise for Wout Weghorst. The 23-year-old sc Heerenveen striker understands that he is being compared to his seven-year older colleague, who is currently being hired by Manchester United from Burnley. Robert Maaskant on Saturday evening as an analyst of ESPN that Van Hooijdonk is already further ahead than Weghorst at his age.
“Yes, I often hear that comparison with Weghorst,” says Van Hooijdonk ESPN. “A while ago, too, when he was still at AZ or Heracles Almelo. I think he has become a really good striker and I have a lot of respect for how he has developed to his current level. I think I have a better kick in my legs, but he has other points that he is better at. I do understand the comparison in terms of length and motor skills.”
“By putting in a lot of work, he has worked himself up. I think that is fantastic”, continues Van Hooijdonk, who does not understand why Weghorst is regularly criticized. “I get a little tired of people saying he can’t play football. Erik ten Hag is in my opinion one of the best trainers. Why would he draft him so often if Weghorst can’t play football? I find that so stupid of people.”
Van Hooijdonk himself has been in blistering shape for weeks. The striker accounted for all of Heerenveen’s last six hits. During last Saturday’s home game against FC Volendam (2-1), he scored twice. Maaskant was added afterwards ESPN asked where Van Hooijdonk’s ceiling is located. “A boy who scores goals can go very far,” said the analyst. “Weghorst now plays for Manchester United, for example, but Sydney van Hooijdonk is further than Weghorst at this age. So who knows!”
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