Pierre Van Hooijdonk has charged Nigerian youngster Chidera Ejuke to improve his productivity in the final third to become a better player.
Ejuke’s constant dribbling without significant end product is not good for him, or Heerenveen says the former Dutch Footballer of the Year.
Ejuke only joined the Eredivisie side from Valerenga, Norway, at the start of the season, but has already notched seven goals and two assists in 21 league matches for coach Johnny Jansen’s men.
However, more is often expected from the talented 22-year-old who is regarded as the best dribbler in the Netherlands. Ejuke has completed more dribbles than any other player in the Dutch top flight.
The tricky winger’s creativity has, however, not transformed into victories for Heerenveen, with the club still without a win in 2020.
VV Venlo departed the Abe Lenstra Stadion on Saturday with a share of the points after a 1-1 draw, making it three losses and a draw in the new year for The Super Frisians.
Former Feyenoord star, Van Hooijdonk, singled out the Nigerian attacker for criticism, saying that with his unique talents, Ejuke should be helping his team more.
”Ejuke is a good footballer who likes to play and want the ball all the time, but he should play for the team more and not for himself, ” said Hooijdonk, according to quotes carried by Soiree News.
“I think he dribbles too much, and at the end of the day, what counts is a goal.”
Ejuke and Heerenveen will get another chance to pick up their first win of the year when they host Feyenoord in a KNVB Beker tie on Thursday.