New Ziyech? Southampton want £4m forward who’s in the form of his life

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With Ritsu Doan, it’s always best to expect the unexpected.

Unfortunately, Utrecht goalkeeper Maarten Paes didn’t seem to be following that advice on Saturday afternoon as a ruthless PSV Eindhoven crushed the visitors 4-1 at the Phillips Stadium, breathing fresh life into their Eredivisie title hopes.

Paes, who was at fault for both of PSV’s first two goals, clearly wasn’t expecting Doan to fizz a thundering shot in at the near post from the edge of the box.

But that is exactly what PSV’s Japan international did, somehow locating the back of the Utrecht net despite the fact that his path to goal appeared to have been blocked by a sea of bodies.

“I’m not surprised that (he is) doing well now,” said PSV coach Roger Schmidt, via Omroep Brabant.

Could Ritsu Doan finally join Southampton from PSV?

The £4 million-rated Doan was linked with a move to Premier League Southampton in November – and not for the first time either.

Last month, the Saints appeared to have a chance too.

Doan was in and out of the PSV side at the time, struggling to prove his worth in a talented squad chock-full to exciting attacking options after returning to the Netherlands from a loan spell at Bundesliga outfit Arminia Bielefeld.

Now, however, a mid-season parting of the ways will be the furthest thing from Schmidt’s mind.

Doan’s laser-guided strike against Utrecht was his third of the season and further cemented his place in the first-team picture.

“Those were tough conversations. But in the end it was good for him to stay (at PSV),” Schmidt adds of a player producing his finest, most consistent performances since joining the Dutch giants from top-flight rivals Groningen in 2019.

Suddenly, comparisons with former Eredivisie superstar – and now Chelsea ace – Hakim Ziyech are starting to look more and more justifiable.

“I came back from the (Tokyo) Olympics and had a good discussion with the coach,” Doan adds.

“I was honest with him because that conversation was an important moment for me. He gave me confidence. I’m happy to play here.

“I’ve been playing well the last few weeks, but for me it’s important to keep playing well in the coming weeks. I have to focus on myself and don’t think about other players.”

That renewed focus is working wonders for Doan.