Jorn Berkhout had to wait a long time, but on Friday evening the AZ defender from Heerhugowaard finally made his comeback after sixteen months of rehabilitation. Fifteen minutes before the end, he came in for Young AZ against ADO Den Haag. “I’m secretly proud of myself.”
AZ player Jorn Berkhout about his return after 16 months of injury – NH News
“Despite the defeat, my substitution is personally a highlight,” says Jorn Berkhout with a smile for the camera. “It’s been a very difficult and emotional year and a half.”
Uncertainty
Berkhout’s last match was in January 2022. He then injured his pubic bone and groin. His injury was unclear for a long time and there was not much progress in his rehabilitation. Trainer Maarten Martens experienced it up close and unfortunately knows better than anyone what it’s like to be on the sidelines. During his football career, the Belgian was injured several times. Now he gave his pupil a raid on Friday evening. “I think it’s great how he handled his rehabilitation.”
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Young AZ coach Maarten Martens about the return of Jorn Berkhout – NH News
“Taster”
Football life is now smiling at Berkhout again. The 21-year-old Heerhugowaarder enjoys his fit body more than ever and is already looking forward to the new season. “Today was a preview and I hope for many more moments like this, because playing football is the best thing.”
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Long rehabilitation period ensured that AZ player Jorn Berkhout learned to put things into perspective better – NH News
Berkhout has already played 42 times for Jong AZ, but the central defender experienced his peak two years ago. On May 16, 2021, he made his debut for AZ’s main force in the home game against Heracles Almelo. Ten minutes before the end, Berkhout came on for Fredrik Midtsjo.
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