Every weekend we pick out one under-23 player from around Europe and analyse their performance to provide you with an in-depth scouting report.
This week, we focus on PSV‘s 2-1 win away to Heracles in the Eredivisie with Hirving Lozano, who has been lined with a move to Arsenal, being the subject of our analysis.
The Mexican was involved in both goals as Steven Bergwijn gave the visitors the lead on the stroke of half-time before Jeff Hardeveld equalised in the 66th minute. Luuk de Jong then snatched the winner in the dying seconds of stoppage time.
Shots – 5
Shots on target – 1
Touches – 55
Passes – 21
Key Passes – 4
Pass Accuracy – 85.7%
Aerials Won – 2
Dribbles – 3
Tackles – 2
Interceptions – 3
Lozano took a little time to find his rhythm but once he got going, he was a real handful. He’s comfortable playing on either flank or through the middle and he used that versatility well, switching sides and popping up in areas all across the final third.
The Mexican is very direct with his style of play. While he does have an eye for a pass, picking the ball up and running with it or whipping in crosses is where he excels.
That was evident in his performance against Heracles as he managed just 21 passes despite having 55 touches of the ball. It’s not that his passing was astray – he still recorded an accuracy of 85.7% including five accurate crosses – but he takes it upon himself to drive at the opposition and create openings.
Lozano could well have had a couple of goals on the day. He showed a good turn of pace as he was played through on goal but couldn’t take it around the keeper to finish. It must be said though that he was knocked off balance by a defender but chose to stay on his feet.
Meanwhile, he also had a goal disallowed in the second-half when the whistle was blown against him for climbing on the defender as he headed in a cross from the right flank. It seemed like a harsh call as it was his incredible leap that enable him to meet the cross while the defender just got caught underneath.
While he doesn’t offer much in a defensive capacity, he seemed to be involved in virtually every PSV attack and made the pass before the assist for both of his side’s goals.
15th min ONE-ON-ONE: Made a great run and was played clean through, showing good strength to fend off the attention of a Heracles defender trying to recover. He’s slightly off balance from the challenge though as he tries to round the keeper who manages to get a hand on the ball and deny him.
46th min FREE-KICK: Did well to win a free-kick and then hung it up at the far post for De Jong whose header back across the six yard box handed Steven Bergwijn an easy finish from close range to give PSV the lead.
56th minute GOAL RULED OUT: Unfortunate to have a goal disallowed. He leaps high and towers over a defender to meet a cross from the right flank and finds the corner but the referee blows for a foul. The defender just got caught under him more than anything else.
62nd minute SHOT: Breaks away on the counter and gets on the end of a through ball from Bergwijn. He takes the shot early from the right side of the box but it’s wide of the far post.
64th minute FREE-KICK: Whips in a good free-kick from the right flank which De Jong meets with a header but is unable to beat the keeper.
73rd minute HEADER: Once again, Lozano shows off his great leap, beating a defender to a cross from the right wing but his header is straight at the keeper.
88th minute SHOT: The ball is laid off to Lozano on the left side of the area and he hits it on the half-volley with his right foot but slices it wide.
92nd minute CORNER-KICK: Another good delivery from a corner but De Jong’s header is straight at the keeper.
93rd minute PASS: Lozano drives forward with the ball and slides it through for Albert Gudmundsson down the right wing whose cross is perfect for De Jong to stab in with the last kick of the game.
![Hirving Lozano [Photo Credit: @PSV / Twitter]](https://sport360.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/hirving-lozano.jpg)
Hirving Lozano [Photo Credit: @PSV / Twitter]
While he is clearly still improving, Lozano showed plenty of promise in PSV’s win. He displayed the kind of confidence and aggression of a top attacking player. He was unlucky not to get on the score sheet but was heavily involved and proved to be a constant threat.
What was also impressive is the way he uses his body to protect the ball, his upper body strength and also his prowess in the air. For his rather slight frame, he showed that he can handle the physical side of the game, which bodes well for any Premier League suitors.
