FOOTBALL – Vivianne Miedema is fast on his way to her hundredth international goal. During the goodbye match against Finland, the Hoogeveen striker again showed her class with her 98th and 99th hits. The milestone can already be reached against Wales, in the first European match. But what makes her game so special?
“You see a lot of players in the years, but at Miedema you immediately see that her style is different. Her qualities from dribbling to acceleration and finish are so complete that she really plays a unique game,” says Jeroen Elshoff, commentator at the NOS. He compares Miedema with a fast train: “If she is in top shape, the ball seems to stick to her foot. Despite the injuries that caused her some delay, it was clearly visible in that goodbye against Finland.”
Former international and analyst Leonne Stentler also praises Miedema’s game insight and technology: “It is her cold -bloodedness and goal -orientedness anyway, but that is an open door. What really distinguishes her is that she always thinks two or three steps ahead. Where many players only look at the ‘direct’ ball, she is already busy with what comes next.” She combines that foresight with a simple movement, with which she misleads defenders, such as her characteristic towing movement. “And then she is also equally strong with both legs.”
What Stentler finds extra special, to Miedema, is that she has scored nearly a hundred goals without even one penalty. “All her goals have arisen purely from the game and that makes her performance unique.”
At the right time in the right place
Tim Hartman, sports reporter of the AD, also notes: “Orange can be lucky that Miedema is back. When she did not play for a while, it was noticeable that scoring was more difficult. Now she is in the right place again and again at the right time.” During his visit to her in Manchester, she said laughing that she played at Manchester City in almost every position, except in the rush. “But during that goodbye match, she was twice exactly where you should be as a striker. You can’t ignore that.”
Leadership and exemplary function
Miedema is more than just a goal scorer. Hartman: “She is a real leader. Young players take her as an example, she takes care of them and makes them feel welcome. That is indispensable for the Orange.” He continues: “Before the European Championship I spoke with her about her vision. At new clubs, she would rather keep herself cows in the beginning, but she soon gets involved with important things. Justice is something she stands for and everyone listens to her through her accumulated status.”
Elshoff is optimistic about the moment when Vivianne Miedema will make her hundredth international goal. “Yes, it will fly in tonight,” he says full of confidence.
Stentler emphasizes that it also depends on how the Netherlands goes into the competition. “Wales is vulnerable in some places, but it is especially important how the Orange starts the game.”
Hartman adds: “It would be wonderful if she kept her hundredth goal for the European Championship final, but then the other girls have to work hard. For now I hope she will play and score again today.”
Also how Miedema is going to celebrate the 100th is still waiting. Earlier, Miedema once unpacked with a head role when she scored against Cameroon.