This time last year, Hirving Lozano was one of Europe’s most coveted targets. Fresh from a seventeen goal season, an impressive World Cup caused his stock to rise further still. Despite rumours of interest from multiple Premier League clubs, Lozano, 23, opted to stay with PSV Eindhoven. Twelve months and an equally impressive season later, there is virtually no buzz around a summer move for Lozano. The reasoning for this is unclear.
Hirving Lozano: The Eredivisie’s Forgotten Man
Has His Form Dropped?
One factor which cannot be linked with Lozano is a downturn in form. The Mexican’s Eredivisie numbers bare a striking resemblance to last season; 17 goals and eight assists. Even more impressive were his four Champions League strikes.
The third top scorer in the league, Lozano has had another fantastic season. Interestingly, it could be argued that his numbers could be even better in a different team. Firstly, Lozano is one third of an exceptional front three. Captain Luuk de Jong is the league’s top scorer, whilst winger Steven Bergwijn also has fourteen goals. Opportunities are shared equally between the three, capping the number Lozano receives. Furthermore, in playing for such a dominant team, Lozano has limited use of his pace. The majority of opponents sit deep, leaving little space in behind.
Worries About Transferability?
For every Luis Suarez and Robin van Persie, there are numerous strikers who have shone in the Eredivisie but not settled elsewhere. However, Lozano took no time in adapting to Dutch football and would likely have no problems integrating elsewhere. His pace and energy make him perfect for a high tempo league. Furthermore, his high work ethic and willingness to press opponents make him a key squad member. Technically gifted and eager to improve, Lozano has a huge amount of untapped potential. His ability guarantees him goals and virtually any manager would be delighted to see him in their eleven.
Ajax’s Resurgence
One of the biggest reasons for Lozano’s lack of attention is the media’s understandable obsession with Ajax. PSV’s rivals are vastly overachieving and are deserving of their plaudits.
A result of Ajax’s success is interest in their top players. Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt are the most high profile of these. However, other players have also been linked with moves away, including attackers David Neres and Hakim Ziyech, most recently from Arsenal and Inter Milan.
Due to the vastly increased hype surrounding Ajax, PSV are receiving considerably less attention. This is despite sitting only two points behind Ajax in the league and earning plaudits for a spirited Champions League campaign, taking a point from both Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan. As a result, there is less limelight on their stars. It is inevitable, however, that top clubs are continuing to track Lozano.
Conclusion
Ajax’s heroics have caused Lozano‘s impressive season to go beneath the radar. However, he remains one of Europe’s most talented wingers. Should he feel the urge to move to a bigger league, he will undoubtedly have a queue of suitors.
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