Nineteen-year-old Joël van den Berg has already won the Otten Innovation Cup twice and became champion with O19. This season he managed to put himself in the spotlight with the general public and caused a furor with both PSV U21 and the A-selection.
Name: Joël van den Berg
Age: 19 years (11-02-2007)
Position: Midfielder (8)
Goals: 7
Assists: 4
Star of the Match: 3
Qualities: Physicality, defending, game sense and passing.
Breakthrough
On Aug. 23, Joël made his first minutes for the main squad, when he was allowed to fill in against FC Groningen. A moment that will always stay with him, although it came somewhat unexpectedly for the midfielder. "I didn't actually see it coming. I was on the bench this match, and was asked to warm up. Afterwards, I just took a seat in the dugout again, but the physique coach came to me and indicated that I would fill in. On the field I immediately noticed that it was a completely different atmosphere than at PSV U21."
Meanwhile, the midfielder already has several appearances with the A-selection to his name. For example, Joël filled in against Sparta Rotterdam, Go Ahead Eagles and Ajax and recently made his starting debut against PEC Zwolle. An achievement to be proud of, although the Oranje youth international remains critical. "Starting in the starting lineup at PSV was a dream come true for me. In the end, it's what you do it all for. It was a nice match, I think we played well as a team. In the end we also got a nice result (6-1), although I do regret missing a few chances."
'Starting in the base was a dream come true'
Together to the top
In this match, Joël shared the field with Jim Koller, with whom he has been playing together for a long time. Previously, both players played for the youth teams of Vitesse and won the cup and the national title with the Arnhem O16 in 2023. A great moment for the young players, who thus saw a crowning achievement in their joint development. "We sat next to each other in the dressing room, it was beautiful to see our shirts hanging next to each other. At one point I saw him on the sidelines and thought he would fill in for me. But the coach let me stand and so we were on the field together. That was very nice, of course. After the match I congratulated him on his debut. It is special that we have been playing together for so long and now both get to make minutes for PSV 1."
Playing in a full stadium
Although Joël had already played several matches for PSV U21, the ambiance of a full Philips Stadium was still new to the young midfielder. He himself had to switch gears for a while, but thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere. "It took some getting used to. You really notice the crowd here. I must say it does put me on edge. It's obviously very nice and I enjoy it immensely during the match."
Successes with the pledges
Joël has managed to develop into one of the tastemakers at PSV U21 during this season. Thanks in part to his good performance, the varsity team finished in a handsome seventh place and is well above the other varsity teams in the league table. An impressive result, but the midfielder still sees plenty of learning points. "It's nice what we achieved, although I do think we could have gotten more out of it. We unnecessarily let down some points and we do need to take a critical look at that."
Ismael Saibari as an example
On the pitch, he draws inspiration from midfielders Jerdy Schouten, Joey Veerman and Ismael Saibari, among others. In particular, he looks up to Ismael because he recognizes his style of play. "Last period I enjoyed his play tremendously and I see him as an example. I think he has made a huge impact this season and everyone would want to do what he does. He also helps me at training and gives me tips and pointers."
Ismael Saibari always gives me tips, he helps me.
Playing style
Joel stands out for his versatility and good passing. He himself characterizes himself as a true team player. "I'm a box-to-box midfielder. I think I provide a lot of support both offensively, and defensively. I am strong in the duels and have a good overview. From there I would like to play in the service of the team. The best thing is if I can contribute with goals and assists."
Ambition
The only nineteen-year-old is still at the beginning of his career, but already has his goals clearly in mind. "My ambition is to join the first team permanently. I want to make as many minutes as possible for PSV 1 and of course hope to eventually become a base player. In the future I would like to make minutes in the UEFA Champions League. That's a dream I've had since childhood."