Mexx Meerdink under fire: Janssen demands more scoring drive

Theo Janssen, former midfielder, is not satisfied with the recent performances of AZ striker Mexx Meerdink. The 23‑year‑old is labelled by Janssen as ‘talent gone’, but he lacks the drive to score, according to his analysis. He finds the forward too non‑chalant and too easily pushed aside in duels.

Janssen acknowledges that Meerdink possesses good technique and positional insight, but he finds the striker too non‑chalant. According to the former player, Meerdink is often pushed aside in duels and prefers to look for a chip or a through pass. That, he says, harms his effectiveness as a goal scorer.

Upcoming Europa League duel

On Wednesday evening AZ meets Sunderland in the Europa League, a clash in which Meerdink must match up against fellow forward Brian Brobbey, who will start from the bench. Janssen sees the encounter as an opportunity for the 23‑year‑old to showcase his worth. He believes the physical duels against the English side will be crucial.

‘Brobbey: intensity, strong in duels. Then you see Meerdink play; a player who is easily pushed aside in duels, is non‑chalant, wants to chip a ball or give a through pass while you think: just play that ball away simply’, analyses Janssen.

Technique versus goals

‘From a footballing point of view it’s top‑class’, confirms Janssen and praises Meerdink’s good decisions and positional play. Yet he warns: ‘As a striker, a focal point, a target man you don’t get much out of’. He emphasizes that the forward must be able to finish, not just create space.

Janssen makes clear what must change: ‘He must be eager to score. He is not eager to score. He enjoys playing football, but you have to score goals as a striker’, he says. Additionally, he insists that Meerdink should be more often in the six‑yard box; too often he is twenty metres behind the defence.

This season Meerdink has so far recorded three goals and two assists in eight official matches. These figures underline his contribution, but according to Janssen the lack of a scoring drive remains a cause for concern.