It was the sort of chance that, last season, Myron Boadu would have taken with his eyes closed.
But as left-back Owen Wijndal flashed an inch-perfect cross into the six-yard box during Saturday’s Eredivisie clash with ADO Den Haag, AZ Alkmaar’s previously-prolific number nine failed to connect as a glorious chance went begging.
Nine minutes later, history repeated itself as Boadu slashed wildly over the bar from a very presentable position. The Dutch international struck the post in the second half too, failing once more to extend a goal tally which, after 21 games, stands at a measly four.
This time last season, Boadu had 17 to his name.
Fortunately for AZ, young winger Zakaria Aboukhal was a little more switched-on when his chances arrived, firing home a late double as the Cheeseheads moved to within touching distance of second-placed Vitesse after the hardest of hard-fought 2-1 wins.
But, while a trio of misses counted for nothing in the end, Aboukhal’s heroics did not stop Boadu from kicking himself after another wasteful afternoon in front of goal.
“That’s not good, is it? No, that’s not good,” said the Amsterdam-born striker who, despite being just 19, is already established as of the most feared forwards in Holland (ESPN, via Football Oranje).
“I also expect more from myself; I think everyone expects a little more from me. You just have to hope that the tide will turn.
“These are chances that normally go in. I think I’m doing everything right. But when you get so many opportunities, at a certain point it becomes annoying that you don’t score.”
Boadu was so impressive during AZ’s 2019/20 title charge that, according to Voetbal4U, the highly-rated marksman had even been identified by Arsenal as a potential £18 million replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Newcastle United were keen too, according to 90Min.
But while absolutely nobody should be writing off Boadu just yet – every young player will go through lean spells, even one as talented as him – AZ’s teenage talisman still has a lot to learn, and a lot to prove.
A big-money move to the Premier League can wait. For now, Boadu must focus solely on rediscovering that Midas Touch.
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