Steven Berghuis Joins Ajax’s Club of 100: A Look at His Milestones…

Steven Berghuis has etched his name into the illustrious history of Ajax by joining the Club of 100, marking his 100th appearance for the Amsterdam-based club. Since his arrival in 2021 from Feyenoord, Berghuis has become an integral figure at Ajax, contributing to both domestic and international successes, including a national championship and a notable UEFA Champions League campaign. His consistency, vision, and ability to influence matches have earned him a prominent place in Ajax’s history, where he now stands as one of the 176 members of the Club of 100.

Berghuis’ 100th appearance came in the match against Brighton & Hove Albion, adding a new milestone to his distinguished career. With this achievement, he joins a prestigious list of Ajax players, with 131 Dutch players now having their portraits in the gallery at the Johan Cruijff Arena. His inclusion in this exclusive group also highlights the club’s growing international diversity, with players from various countries, such as Denmark, Brazil, Morocco, Belgium, and Germany, featuring prominently in Ajax’s rich history.

A Stellar Performance: The Best of Berghuis

One of Berghuis’ most memorable performances for Ajax came on April 9, 2023, during a dominant 4-0 victory over Fortuna Sittard. The match saw Berghuis involved in four goals – a feat that included two goals and two assists. This was his first-ever involvement in four goals in a single Eredivisie game. His stellar performance earned him the title of King of the Match, showcasing his ability to dictate the flow of the game and contribute decisively to his team’s success.

The Playmaker: Assists and Connections

While Berghuis is known for his goal-scoring abilities, his playmaking skills are equally impressive. Over his 100 appearances, Berghuis has provided 28 assists, including 20 in the Eredivisie, 3 in the UEFA Champions League, and 2 in the KNVB Beker. His best connections on the pitch have been with his teammates Sébastien Haller and Edson Álvarez, each of whom received five assists from Berghuis. He has also linked up well with players like Brian Brobbey and Mohammed Kudus, underlining his ability to create chances for a variety of teammates.

On the flip side, Berghuis has been on the receiving end of several assists, scoring 24 goals for Ajax, with Dusan Tadic and Edson Álvarez contributing to five of those goals each. His ability to score in different ways, including with his left foot (19 goals), his head (3 goals), and his right foot (2 goals), demonstrates his versatility as an attacking player.

Berghuis’ Peak: A Strong September 2021

Berghuis’ peak period came early in his Ajax career, particularly in September 2021. During this time, he was involved in at least one goal or assist in six consecutive matches, spanning both Eredivisie and Champions League fixtures. This run included four goals and six assists, marking a crucial period in Ajax’s successful campaign that season. His first goal for Ajax came during a 5-1 win against Sporting CP in the Champions League, further solidifying his impact on the team.

Winning Percentage and Favorite Opponent

Berghuis’ presence on the field has had a significant positive effect on Ajax’s win rate. With him in the lineup, Ajax won 61 matches out of his 100 appearances, boasting a solid record of 61 wins, 15 draws, and 24 losses. Interestingly, his favorite opponent appears to be RKC Waalwijk, against whom he scored five times. This included his goal in a suspended match against the same team, further underlining his knack for performing when it matters.

Looking Ahead

As Berghuis continues his journey at Ajax, he joins a select group of players who have reached the 100-appearance milestone. The next player in line to join the Club of 100 could be Brian Brobbey, who, at 92 appearances, is rapidly approaching the landmark.

Steven Berghuis’ 100th match is not just a personal achievement but also a testament to his importance to Ajax’s success in recent seasons. With his combination of goals, assists, and leadership on the field, Berghuis has proven to be a valuable asset for the club and will undoubtedly continue to play a significant role in Ajax’s future successes. Congratulations, ‘Stevie,’ on your 100th appearance!