Only 16, but Myron Boadu has been promoted to the AZ Alkmaar first team for this season and the forward is ready to take the Eredivisie by storm.
- By Michael Bell
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Born in Amsterdam to Ghanaian parents, Boadu started playing football with amateur side Bijlmer, who trained close to Ajax’s Johan Cruyff stadion. When Bijlmer went bankrupt, Boadu turned up at Buitenveldert aged eight where he was trained by Fred Bloem, who revealed to VI that the youngster had trials with Ajax. However, Boadu didn’t have a good feeling playing with the Amsterdam giants, who weren’t too impressed with the youngster during a three-day trial, and that allowed AZ to swoop and take the forward and his family to Alkmaar.
His talent was recognised instantly in Alkmaar and he quickly rose through the academy before being handed his debut for Jong AZ in the newly formed Second Division aged 15 last season. His first professional game against Excelsior Maassluis saw Boadu instantly get himself on the scoresheet in a 3-2 win. Spectators at the game and Excelsior Maassluis management where said to be amazed by Boadu’s performance and startled to learn he was only fifteen.
From that moment, Boadu remained a permanent fixture of Jong AZ’s squad and helped them lift the second division title with six goals in nine matches.
Boadu’s performances understandably impressed scouts who swarmed to Jong AZ’s matches to watch the wonderkid in action. Ajax returned for the kid they rejected, while clubs from the Premier League and Bundesliga circled. However, Boadu is staying grounded and he signed his first professional contract with AZ at the end of last season with the intention that he will be part of the first team for next season, despite only just turning 16.
“I feel at home here, Boadu told the official AZ website. “Here I see the most chance of achieving the first team. And from there I want to develop myself as one of the best players in the world, because that’s my goal.”
Style of play
Boadu future lies as a centre forward, but he can also be deployed on both wings. He is two-footed, with pace, good upper body strength and excellent dribbling ability. Boadu has also worked hard on his finishing and has the technique and calmness to score goals from anywhere around the box. A sublime chip against De Treffers last season was a particular highlight which showcased his ability.
Former Jong AZ boss Dennis Haar compared him with Jeremain Lens but added he could be much more complete than the Sunderland forward, while Fred Bloem claimed he could see shades of Dennis Bergkamp in his technique. AZ director Max Huiberts added, “Myron has all the features to be a top striker. He is two-footed, physically strong, quick and goal-oriented.”
What to expect from Boadu this season
An injury picked up playing for the Netherlands at the U17 European Championships earlier this summer has prevented Boadu from being part of AZ’s pre-season and he will take some time to get back to match fitness. However, Boadu will be part of John van den Brom’s squad for the campaign and should quickly make his first team debut from the bench. AZ don’t want to rush him into the Eredivisie, but his development has been rapid over the past two years and he is eager to showcase his talents.
The potential surrounding Boadu at such a young age is massive and the season ahead could prove that one of the most talented teenagers in football is plying his trade at the AFAS Stadion.