After being frustrated with a lack of game time with AZ Alkmaar, Thom Haye is now with Willem II and looking to get his career a boost.
- By Chaka Simbeye
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Thom Haye is an Amsterdam native who has begun his career in Alkmaar with AZ. He has played at youth level with Jong Oranje, winning the U17 European Championships in a team containing Jorrit Hendrix, Riechedly Bazoer and Nathan Ake. Last season was an encouraging experience for the 21-year-old who gained experience in the Europa League and had a run of games when Ben Rienstra suffered an injury at the latter stages of last season. The highlight of his season was scoring a beautiful strike from 30 yards against FC Twente. At the end of last season he decided to turn down a contract renewal offer from AZ and signed for Willem II where he will play under new coach Erwin Van De Looi.
Playing style
Haye’s preferred position is playing as a deep-lying playmaker at the base of the midfield as he is a metronomic passer of the ball who likes to string together attacks from deep. Willem II have been known as the ‘Ajax of the south’ under Jurgen Streppel and with additions like Jari Schuurman and Fran Sol, Van De Looi could be set to continue with that style. Haye will be given the freedom to break down teams from deep while pushing up higher as his team are in possession but the Dutch U21 international will need to improve on the physical side of his game. He is adept at intercepting balls and reading plays but struggles to make effective challenges while his positioning could also use some work.
What does the future hold for Haye?
Many would have liked to see him continue at AZ but with Stijn Wuytens and Rienstra in front of him, his chances in the first team would have been slim. Willem II is the perfect place for him to improve and build on his game with regular football as he can build on the technical facets of his game. Van De Looi would like to stamp his own style on his team and Haye could be an important component of a side that could be the surprise package of the Eredivise.