Eredivisie whizzkid Elayis Tavsan admits he wants to play ‘at a top club’ like Premier League champions Manchester City at some point in the future, speaking to Voetbal International.
Fortunately for NEC Nijmegen, Tavsan is in no rush to reach the next level.
The former Netherlands U19 international turned down a move to Turkish giants Besiktas during the summer transfer window in favour of regular first-team football with NEC. Clearly, this is a young player with his head screwed on tight and the awareness of what is required if he is to avoid that dreaded ‘too much, too soon’ cliche.
Yes, Tavsan dreams of ascending to the vertigo-inducing summit of the European game. But the 21-year-old is aware of the virtues of patience, opting to stay at NEC until the time in which he can be convinced of a starting role at a bigger club.
Eredivisie winger Elayis Tavsan wants to play for Manchester City
“You never know if you’re going to play at Besiktas. Here I play every match,” explains the swashbuckling right-winger, who scored seven goals in 34 games last season.
“(Playing in the Euros with the Dutch U21s) is also important to me. I want to experience that. If I do well here, there is a real chance that I can participate.
“I want (to reach) the highest level, but I’m not there yet. I’m on my way. Of course, I want to play at a top club like Manchester City or another big club. And yes, I want to make it to the Dutch national team.
“I just think that our coach (Rogier Meijer) is completely right. He tells me that I have to be one of the best players every week; that it shouldn’t matter who we play against. I’m not at that point yet.”
Tavsan, a direct dribbler who loves to run at defenders and showcase his explosive acceleration, has scored just one goal so far in 2022/23. For all this talent, consistency remains elusive.
Besiktas were reportedly willing to pay around £3 million in August.
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