In recent developments, legendary Feyenoord star Willem van Hanegem has vouched for the abilities of forward Santiago Gimenez, touting him as a potential star for clubs like Manchester United or Real Madrid in the near future.
The 22-year-old Gimenez has been turning heads in the Eredivisie, netting an impressive 12 goals in just eight matches this season. Adding to his stellar performance, he has also set up two more goals for his teammates. Last season, the forward’s tally stood at 23 goals and three assists across 45 games in all tournaments for Feyenoord. With these stats, Gimenez has directly impacted 40 goals in his 54 outings for the Dutch club.
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Since transferring to Feyenoord from Cruz Azul in mid-2022, the Mexican forward’s rise in European football has been meteoric. His extraordinary feats have inevitably caught the attention of elite clubs across the continent, with Manchester United notably in the mix, as they continue to scout attacking talents.
Speaking on Gimenez’s prospects, Van Hanegem, who not only represented Feyenoord as a player but also managed the team in the 1990s, shared his optimistic views. He remarked, “He possesses the skill set to perform at the pinnacle, be it in England or Spain. Witnessing him don the kits of powerhouses like Manchester United or Real Madrid would indeed be a spectacle.”
Although Van Hanegem anticipates Gimenez staying put with Feyenoord for the foreseeable future, he emphasised the young striker’s commendable mindset. “The lad has a fantastic composure about him. Even if he misses a chance, he doesn’t lose his cool. Considering his capabilities, he could have easily netted 15 or 16 goals by now. His demeanor suggests a strong mental fortitude, ensuring he remains grounded and is always aiming for the golden boot.”
