Siep Engelen20 Oct 2024, 23:07
Last updated: Oct 20, 2024, 11:28 PM
Theo Janssen is completely done with Johan Bakayoko, he says NOS Studio Football. Janssen sees how the PSV winger has been hopelessly out of shape in recent weeks and advises trainer Peter Bosz to put him on the bench soon.
“Do you know who I also thought played very poorly (against AZ, ed.)? Bakayoko,” Janssen begins his outburst. “It gets so annoying. You’re going to watch him and every time he comes into the one-on-one, he goes for a walk, cuts it off and plays it back.”
“Last season he played a great season, why is that difference so big?” Arno Vermeulen also wonders. “I really have no idea,” Janssen responds. “I’m looking at him, maybe it’s the pressure? I really don’t know.”
“Bakayoko is a player, when he gets up to speed and he looks for players at speed, where he can go in and out, he cannot be defended. Now he slows everything down all the time, returns all the balls.”
Ibrahim Afellay also does not understand Bakayoko’s development. “He is so predictable, he also goes inside nine times out of ten. He wants to pass an opponent from a standstill, but that is simply not possible. Go outside once in a while,” is his advice for the 21-year-old Belgian.
Vermeulen wonders whether Peter Bosz should consider putting Bakayoko on the bench. Janssen is convinced that that is the best idea. “If Driouech comes in, he is very dangerous, but you also have Perisic who can do fantastic there,” he sums up the options for the PSV coach.
“If you bring this as a player to such a big club, then at some point it will be time to pass him,” is Janssen’s harsh conclusion. “If he really wants to make that step to a top European club, he will really have to change his mind. When you have such strong competitors behind you, it really is time to sit down (on the bench),” Afellay concludes.
Theo Janssen’s Thoughts on Johan Bakayoko: A Comedy of Errors
Well, well, well, football fans, brace yourselves! It seems Johan Bakayoko has become the favorite whipping boy for fans, pundits, and perhaps even his own reflection in the mirror! Theo Janssen, a former footballer turned commentator, clearly didn’t mince his words when he voiced his exasperation over Bakayoko’s recent performances for PSV. The poor lad isn’t just out of shape – he seems lost, like a tourist in Amsterdam without Google Maps.
A Case of the Curiously Cautious
Take a moment to reflect on Janssen’s words: “He goes for a walk, cuts it off, and plays it back.” Quite right! Every time Bakayoko dribbled, you half-expected him to stop and take a coffee break. Is this a football match or a leisurely stroll in the park? I mean, if he wants to take a walk, he should at least bloody enjoy the scenery! Perhaps he’s trying out for a part in Keeping Up Appearances.
Let’s not forget that last season, Bakayoko was on fire. He was the guy people would pay money to see, and now? Now, he’s about as effective as a chocolate teapot. Ladies and gentlemen, we’re witnessing the football version of a ‘before’ picture.
Fundamentals: One-on-One with Bakayoko
We can all relate to the pressure of performance. But come on, mate! Ibrahim Afellay chimes in with some solid advice: “Go outside once in a while.” It’s not rocket science, but here we are, suggesting that a professional footballer should explore the field a bit more. You know, like a young child learning to ride a bike – wobble a bit, fall down, but eventually get the hang of it. Only Bakayoko seems stuck in the early stages of stabilizers!
Time for a Bench Warmer?
Now, Vermeulen and Janssen are pushing for coach Peter Bosz to bench the young star. While bench-warming might sound like a punishment, it could be just the ticket for Bakayoko to reevaluate what he’s doing on the field. Sometimes you need to take a step back, or, more appropriately for him, a seat! After all, we all know the best seat in the house is on the bench, especially if you fancy chatting with your mates.
Janssen put it bluntly: “If he really wants to make that step to a top European club, he will really have to change his mind.” Have a word with yourself, Johan! It’s like they say in British sitcoms: “Pull your socks up!”
Parting Thoughts: A Tough Love Moment
In summary, the harsh takeaway from this analysis is simple: if Bakayoko’s current trajectory continues, it might be time for him to consider his options. With competition breathing down his neck, sitting on the bench may just be the wake-up call he needs. Football isn’t just a game; it’s a brutal dance. And right now, Johan’s doing the cha-cha way out of rhythm.
So to Bakayoko, we say: Timing is everything, mate. Get it sorted! Otherwise, you might just find yourself sitting next to me at a pub on match days. And I’m not paying for your drinks.
Cheers to some good fun, sharp observations, and sporting banter! Now, get back on the pitch, Bakayoko, or we’ll be forced to start a “Where is Johan?” series!
