Luuk de Jong Scout Report
Luuk de Jong, in his 2023-2024 season at PSV Eindhoven, defied age, putting forth a prolific performance that would set him apart even amongst much younger strikers. At 33, his ball recovery was in the top 8% in the league, demonstrating an exceptional ability to regain control of the game. He also showed a high level of composure, with ball retention in the top 22% percentile. His chance creation, admittedly a cornerstone of his playing style, was unparalleled, scoring a perfect percentile, underscoring his remarkable vision and creativity on field. His goal output and goal threat were both robust, falling in the top 18% percentile, a testament to his effectiveness in the final third.
However, de Jong proved himself much more than just a reliable finisher. The Dutchman led the league in assists per 90 minutes, evidence of his exceptional delivery. He also boasted a 100% record for goals per 90 minutes, pass accuracy, expected assists (xA), and expected goals (xG) per 90 minutes, all testament to his extraordinary efficiency and consistency.
His most striking weakness, however, might be his progressive carrying, ranking in the bottom 11% percentile, suggesting that solo runs through the defense aren't his forte. His progressive passing was also relatively average, landing in the middle of the pack with a 46% percentile. Yet, these minor shortcomings hardly diminish the value of a player who has flexed his striking prowess against the best in the Eredivisie. One thing's for certain: de Jong's star shows no sign of waning soon.
