After scoring goal after goal in Feyenoord’s Academy, Dylan Vente is knocking on the door of the first team.
- By Michael Bell
- Follow Michael on Twitter
Profile
Vente joined the Feyenoord Academy from the amateur side Smitshoek in 2008 and quickly established himself as a deadly goalscorer in the Rotterdammer’s youth teams. Last season, the 18-year-old was prolific, scoring 16 times for Feyenoord’s U19’s and a further four goals for the U21’s. He has also been a regular for Netherlands at U17 and U18 level, scoring twice in four appearances for the latter.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst rewarded the forward by calling him up to the first team for pre-season and he was on the bench for the Johan Cruijff Schaal win over Vitesse. The young forward is expected to remain part of the first team squad this season and could play a big role should Michiel Kramer leave Feyenoord before the end of the transfer window.
Style of Play
Vente is a powerful centre forward with bags of potential. Tall and strong, the 17-year-old is a threat in the air, but even more so with the ball at his feet. Vente is clinical in the area but he isn’t just a poacher, with the youngster always looking to get involved in build up play and use his pace to dribble past opponents. He has excellent technique and a subtle right foot, drawing comparisons to Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
What to expect from Vente this season
Unlike PSV and Ajax, Feyenoord’s U21 side isn’t part of an established league and only play a handful of games a season, which has led to the club losing a number of talents during the summer. Vente can make minutes for the U19’s but he is looking ready for a first team bow and if he can impress there is no reason why he shouldn’t remain in van Bronckhorst’s squad, which will be challenged with a title defence, the Champions League and the KNVB Cup.
There is real excitement in Rotterdam around Vente’s ability and this season could be his breakthrough campaign.
Follow
Follow @Footballoranje_ on Twitter
