Donny van de Beek’s attempts at reviving his career with Girona have not gone according to plan so far.
That’s according to reports in Spain, claiming that the Dutchman has struggled to get to grips with his new club following his summer arrival from Manchester United.
Van de Beek hasn’t managed to hit the ground running with GironaGetty
Van de Beek departed Old Trafford for Girona in a deal worth an initial £423,000, having endured a nightmare spell with the Red Devils, who joined from Ajax for £40m in 2020.
The midfielder made just 62 appearances over four years, scoring twice, and was twice sent out on loan, first to Everton and then Eintracht Frankfurt, failing to make an impact with both.
And it appears that his latest move has not helped his to transform his fortunes.
According to Sport, the Dutch international has struggled since making the move to LaLiga, where physical issues have seen him relegated to a bit-part role with his new team.
The Spanish publication reported that van de Beek arrived ‘blighted by physical problems,’ due to his lack of game time in recent years.
As a result, he has been eased in at Girona, only playing his first game late in pre-season after suffering with a muscle problem, before finally making his competitive debut in their third league game.
Despite making just two brief appearances off the bench in LaLiga, Van de Beek was surprisingly handed a start in their Champions League opener against Paris Saint-Germain, a 1-0 defeat.
He was substituted after 58 minutes, with Sport acknowledging that this was likely due to his lack of match fitness.
The Spanish publication recognised the former Ajax man’s efforts in the group phase game, given his generally bit-part role so far.
It wrote: “In PSG’s pressure on the ball, he and Ivan [Martin] led the defensive block, high and with the defensive line planted in the centre of the field.
Gettyvan de Beek was a surprise starter against PSG in the Champions League, his only start for his new club so far[/caption]
The Dutchman headed to Girona in search of regular game time, having failed to make an impression at Old TraffordGetty
“He did not spare any effort, which is why he gave the impression that he was ‘there but not there’, or that he was not very involved with the ball.
“He was on the pitch for 58 minutes, as he was – along with [Cristhian] Stuani – the first of the changes, probably due to physical fatigue.”
Despite some encouraging signs, it appears Van de Beek’s performance was not enough to convince Girona boss Michel, as he then dropped back to the bench in their next match, a 2-0 loss to Valencia.
Van de Beek is still trying to rediscover the form which saw him become one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe with Ajax.
Whilst at the Dutch giants, he lifted the 2019 Eredivisie title and KNVB Cup, as well as playing a key role in his side’s impressive run to the Champions League semi-finals in the same year.
Sport wrote: “But can we ask more of him? Yes and no. Yes, because he has the quality and experience to come back and be what he once was. And no, because Van de Beek is no longer the Van de Beek of Ajax.
“The truth is that he is having problems adapting to Girona, as SPORT was able to confirm with the Dutchman’s entourage.
“For physical reasons, as expected, but also tactical. It is true that the team’s style of play adapts to his profile as a footballer, although it is logical that he would have to soak up Michel’s idea.”
