From Watford's bench to Ajax's attacking core
In short: Steven Berghuis's career is a study in persistence. After struggling to break into the Watford first team in the Premier League, he rebuilt his reputation in the Eredivisie, eventually moving to Ajax in a controversial transfer that ignited fierce rivalry between the Netherlands' biggest clubs.
Berghuis's journey through professional football was marked by significant shifts in fortune. After developing in the FC Twente youth system, he moved to AZ in 2012 for a reported £400,000. While he found success there, including a KNVB Cup win, his move to the English Premier League with Watford in 2015 proved difficult. Unable to secure a regular spot in manager Quique Sánchez Flores's preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, he made only 13 appearances in all competitions during his single season in England.
A strategic loan to Feyenoord in 2016 proved to be the turning point. Berghuis became a vital component of the side that won the Eredivisie title, the club's first since 1999. This success led to a permanent move to Feyenoord in 2017, but his most dramatic career shift occurred in July 2021. He signed for Ajax, a move that caused significant controversy due to the intense rivalry between the two clubs, where away supporters are often barred from matches.
At Ajax, Berghuis transitioned into a key player, contributing 12 goals and 14 assists during a title-winning campaign in his first season. He also achieved significant milestones on the global stage, appearing for the Netherlands during UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. During the latter, he was one of two Dutch players to have his shots saved by Emiliano Martínez during Argentina's penalty shootout victory in the quarter-finals.
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