Stengs and Stengsibility: The Story of Two Eredivisie Wingers
By: Kees van Hemmen If you're reading this article there’s a good chance that you already know who Calvin Stengs is. The 21 year old AZ Alkmaar winger has been widely discussed in footballing circles for the majority of this campaign, having stolen the show in the Europa League group stages, putting in a particularly impressive – yet ultimately fruitless – performance against Manchester United in his side’s home tie against the English giants. The silky smooth inverted winger has become known, in particular, for his wand of a left foot. Without a doubt, Stengs is one of the world’s best threaded passers in his age group. Beyond being ludicrously enjoyable to watch, it’s also almost certainly his most transferable skill as he climbs up the European league hierarchy. As I discussed at slightly greater length here , through balls create some of the highest quality chances in football: 1v1s with the goalkeeper. Regardless of league, this is a valuable asset, and one that shouldn’t be