After netting goal after goal for Jong Utrecht last season, Nick Venema will be hoping for a chance to prove himself in the Eredivisie.
- By Michael Bell
- Follow Michael on Twitter
Venema joined FC Utrecht youth academy from Roda ’46 in 2014 and a year later he was a regular for the club’s U19 side, scoring six goals in twelve appearances. His rapid rise through the youth ranks continued the season later with Venema making his professional debut for Jong Utrecht in the Eerste Divisie and his performances earned him his Eredivisie at the age of 17.
Last season, Venema continued his hot form for Jong Utrecht, scoring 13 goals in 23 games, while he also netted his first in the Eredivisie during a 2-2 draw with NAC Breda. However, Venema only made four first-team appearances, despite Utrecht scoring the least goals out of the Eredivisie top six.
This summer, Venema was promoted full-time to the first-team squad and he has been in great form during pre-season, scoring six goals.
Style of Play
Venema has all the attributes to become an excellent centre-forward. He is physically strong, has great acceleration, pace and is an excellent finisher.
Venema loves to play off the shoulder of defenders and cause mayhem with his pace. At around 5ft 9, Venema isn’t the tallest forward and his ability in the air could use some work.
What to expect from Venema this season
Venema has proved himself in the Eerste Divisie over the last two years and the 19-year-old is ready to become the number nine in Utrecht.
Cyriel Dessers hasn’t fully convinced as Utrecht’s forward and to get the club back into Europe, Venema could be key. The youngster is part of an exciting generation of talent at the club including Mitchell van Rooijen, Odysseus Velanas, and Junior van der Velden, and it’s time for Jean-Paul de Jong to give them all key roles.
Netherlands national team is currently short of a top-class forward and Venema is one of the young talents looking to make the breakthrough.
Follow
Follow @Footballoranje_ on Twitter
