Joshua Zirkzee: From Everton trial to Serie A star – the rise of new Manchester United’s new striker
Loan moves to Parma and Anderlecht to gain more first-team experience followed, with the Belgian club a particular hit.
Zirkzee netted 15 league goals and registered eight assists in a team coached by current Bayern coach Vincent Kompany.
In those years he also represented the Netherlands Under-21 side, with his coach Erwin van de Looi explaining in Voetbal International two years ago how Zirkzee distinguished himself as a striker.
“What makes Joshua special in my opinion is that he combines his best qualities – technique, strength, power and his ability to receive the ball – with efficiency,” he said.
The season after he was sold to Bologna and again had to be patient, being used mostly as a substitute in his first campaign with the Serie A outfit.
Come the second year, Zirkzee made quick strides and with 11 goals and five assists he played an important part in securing Champions League football for the outfit from Emilia-Romagna.
His displays eventually gave him a place in Koeman’s Netherlands squad at Euro 2024, after Teun Koopmeiners had to withdraw through injury.
The 23-year-old came on in the quarter-final victory against Turkey, winning his first international cap.
Just after reaching the semi-final with his country, it emerged his move to Old Trafford was close to completion.
Zirkzee will add a wide range of skills to the Manchester United dressing room, with his versatility a very valuable asset for Erik ten Hag.
In the last few years, he has developed more depth to his game, making deep runs, added to his qualities of receiving and holding balls and skilful dribbling.
His technique and creativity stand out and also his ability to put team-mates in scoring positions. Fellow striker Rasmus Hojlund will probably be very happy with the arrival of the Dutchman.
And if Zirkzee can have the same sort of instant impact that he had in the Bundesliga five years ago, United fans will no doubt be very happy too.
