After being used sparingly last season, 17-year-old forward Mitchell van Bergen will be looking to become a key member of Vitesse Arnhem’s first team for the campaign ahead.
- By Michael Bell
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Van Bergen started his career in the Willem II Academy but at the age of 15 he decided to join Vitesse and only a few months later he made his first team debut, coming on as a substitute against FC Twente. That proved to be his only first team appearance of the 2015/16 season but last summer he was promoted to Henk Fraser’s first team on a permanent basis. The winger was handed his first start in the season opener away at former club Willem II and he got an assist in a 4-1 win. Van Bergen featured in nine of the next ten Eredivisie matches but then was used more and more sparingly by Fraser, finishing the season with 18 league appearances and three assists.
Van Bergen has nine caps for the Netherlands U19’s.
Style of play
Van Bergen is primarily a right winger but can play on either side and even through the middle. He is exceptionally quick with excellent dribbling ability and a low centre of gravity. He is unpredictable on the ball and at his strongest when facing up a defender one on one or on the counter.
At only 17, van Bergen is still not physically developed and can struggle against strong defenders, while he still needs to improve on his finishing ability, having yet to score for Vitesse’s first team in 20 appearances.
What to expect from Van Bergen this season
Van Bergen is a superstar in the making and the 17-year-old will look to build on the impressive cameo’s he made last season. He will battle Bryan Linssen and Milot Rashica for the starting wing spots and although he will be third choice at the beginning of the campaign, he is expected to play an important role in Vitesse’s side as the prepare for not only their league campaign and cup defence but also the Europa League. Van Bergen will be aiming for his first Eredivisie goal and could come into contention for the Netherlands U21’s if he gets regular action.
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