AZ midfielder Guus Til announced himself with back-to-back goals against PEC Zwolle and Sparta Rotterdam but will be hoping for more game time this season.
- By Chaka Simbeye
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Guus Til was born in the landlocked Southern African country of Zambia and lived in Mozambique and Namibia before he finally settled in Amsterdam. He started his career with SV Diemen before joining the AZ Alkmaar academy in 2010.
The lanky, curly haired midfielder announced himself with two goals in two consecutive games as he experienced a season playing intermittently with the first team, Jong AZ and sitting on the bench. He is another AZ’s fine academy products as he is a fringe player hoping to get a more regular starting place in John Van Den Brom’s starting lineup.
Playing Style
Til came on late against PEC Zwolle last season to take on a pass by Wout Weghorst on the break, take a touch and drive a shot to the keeper’s far post which went in off the post. He started the next game against Sparta Rotterdam and scored a header in the first five minutes as immediately picked up where he left off in the previous match. An attacking midfielder, who likes to utilise the pockets in order to create chances or burst past his striker as an option for through balls as Til has technique with his feet and aerial ability. He also has an impeccable sense of calm and awareness with the ball as he takes every touch in his stride while his first touch always gives him a good platform to complete his next action. He has height and mobility as he will become an integral midfielder for AZ, possibly a Van Den Brom favourite of the Markus Henriksen mould.
What to expect from Guus Til this season?
“Now I want more. It has to be more stable, because one week I was in the base, the week I played at Young AZ and then I sat down on the bench once again.That’s why you do not get in a nice rhythm. I want to be in the competition every week. I want to enforce that,” said Til to FOX Sports after the Sparta Rotterdam game.
The 19-year-old will take a step forward in the pecking order after featuring predominantly during a good pre-season with AZ as well as Iliass Bel Hassani being out of favour. He will also continue to make many appearances off the bench as he will provide a different option and more aerial threat than Joris Van Overeem while he will have to impress with AZ adding Marko Vejinovic and having a very competitive midfield. He will continue to play for Jong Oranje or the Dutch U20 squads at international level as he may be a season away from having a true breakout season.
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