At just 20 years old, Jonathan David is dragging the Belgian Ghent to a heroic championship fight and it seems only a matter of time before we see him in the Premier League or the Bundesliga • for the big Canadian talent who will try to oust Rome from the European league after a 1: 0 loss in the evening

• David. the next big thing

  Photo:

  Reuters

There is a high probability that you have not yet heard the name Jonathan David, he does not tell you anything and you have not seen him play too much, if at all. This is a Belgian Ghent player, a 20-year-old Canadian midfielder / striker, who is only in his second year in an alumni group, but already, without affecting European football, he is wanted by at least ten teams across the continent. Arsenal, Everton, Leipzig, Lazio, Ajax and Lyon are just some of the luxurious list of clubs that have been linked to them.

David is driving the Belgian league this season after scoring 18 goals and adding 8 rebounds in 25 games, bypassing the amount he has scored and cooked all season. He is the main reason why his team is battling for a championship in their country, and is Ghent's most likely chance to surprise Rome at home tonight (19:55) in their final 32 stage relay in the European League. The Italians won the first game 0: 1.

So what's in it, Boy, who until just two years ago was still playing football in the Canadian Amateur Amateur League, which made him one of the sought-after cucumbers this summer? First, his physical data and innate talent. David combines 1.77m of muscle and power with an impressive dribble, uncommon departure, coolness in front of the goal, a kick in both legs and excellent game vision that explains his impressive amount of cooking.

Another reason lies in the change that is taking place in European football. Many groups returned to the system that disappeared at the beginning of the 2000s, playing with two pioneers at the cutting edge. Take, for example, PSJ, who plays with Mauro Icardi and Kylian Ambapa, Leipzig featuring the combination of Timo Warner and Patrick Schick, or Atletico who is in a great season thanks to the impressive collaboration of Josef Ilyichitz and Duban Spate. The tactical renaissance makes David a rare commodity. The Canadian, who plays most of the time as a second striker, fits a lot of teams like a glove next door, just at the stage where he is in his big rush.

David vs. Rome. "Great role model" // Photo: Reuters

Talent and humility

David's breakthrough around the corner, also thanks to his versatility. The ability to play in additional positions is always welcome in the top teams. "The second striker's position is my favorite position, but I can play in more positions. For me, the most important thing is to play, I want to have fun," he said in an interview, making people realize that the ability he displays on the field does not cause him to lose his head, which is not typical Players his age. Who still testified to David's laid back character is Canadian National Team coach John Hardman, who spearheaded his apprentice when he was named Canada's Best Player for 2019: "Jonathan is a great role model for young players who see that humility and talent are always a winning combination" .

It is well known that good ability on the field is not enough to reach and succeed in large teams. Being able to cope with mentally difficult moments is just as important in a long career. Last December, David's mother passed away. Ghent gave him the freedom to spend in the family as he needed, but he chose otherwise. "David wanted to get back on the field as quickly as possible, and we respected his decision," coach Jess Thorup said. In the first game he participated in after the personal tragedy, a game this season against Club Bruges, David saved his friends from a loss after cooking a goal and was close to winning the game himself. "It was hard for me to think of anything else, but I tried to do everything for my mother," he concluded excitedly.

David's market cap, according to Transfer Market, stands at € 18 million. The Belgians are very likely to demand 30 million in the region, and as it currently seems, they will have no problem finding buyers.