After FC Twente won 3-0 at the right time, Esme Bruges quickly carried the ball from goal to the penalty spot, but the PSV striker also knows that there is no point. It even becomes 4-0. After the whistle, her teammates fell to the ground. Some cry, Bruges don’t. He helps them.

Weighted and weighed

It shows the maturity of the nineteen-year-old’s only talent, the only bright spot this season (eight goals in fifteen games) in a disappointing season for the people of PSV. That responsibility did not yet exist at the beginning of the current season, says Brugge after losing the cup final without a chance, the second in a row.

The Bruges have learned this season that showing desperation is not part of their status as a decisive player. Even if the game is there on Thursday night. “I don’t want to say then that I left things behind. I learned a lot on the field.”

So much so that she will continue her studies elsewhere next season. Bruges’ announcement of its departure from PSV after this season came as a surprise last week. “I am disappointed because I will probably leave PSV without a trophy.” Compensating for the 5-2 loss to champions Ajax in the Eredivisie Cup semi-finals seems difficult.

She says she’s been weighing and weighing for several months, and it wasn’t until last month that she actually made the decision. At 19, Brugts wants to be challenged in a different way. She feels good in Eindhoven, but that’s it. “I’m used to the old and the familiar, here in Eindhoven. But other people in a different environment will do me good. When you challenge yourself, you really get better.”

go abroad go abroad

Manchester United, City, Paris Saint-Germain, Wolfsburg, Eintracht Frankfurt. They will all be interested in the ambitious left winger from Hayenoord, who made his debut for the Netherlands at last year’s European Championship and made a better impression than starlet Likee Martens. “I’m sure those clubs are interested,” she laughs. But according to Brugets, her preference is definitely on the outside.

Countries like England, Germany and France have overtaken the Netherlands in terms of women’s football, as was already shown in last year’s European Championships. Clubs there pump millions into their female branches, ensuring more interest, better facilities and thus more quality.

In the Netherlands, he lags behind, as he showed again in the cup final, at times with slow, sleep-inducing performances. 4-0 came frantically because the PSV keeper kicked the ball into a jumping Twente striker. The ADO Den Haag stadium was so moderately full that the players’ instructions in the stands could be heard.

“There’s already more money out there,” Broggs says. “We’re not there yet, but we’re slowly making our way.” She contacted her club PSV, who welcomed new sponsors, including a new main sponsor. “And many girls from the Eredivisie with Orange.”

It is likely that soon they will get on a plane to Australia and New Zealand, where the World Cup will be held. A perfect opportunity for Brugts to put himself in the spotlight. The Netherlands reached the final in 2019, but now they create little expectation. Don’t underestimate us, says Bruges. “If we take everything out, we can defeat anyone.”

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