Chelsea and Arsenal scouts were both at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Saturday evening to watch Mika Godts shine, and he certainly did that. But it might prove to have all been in vain.
Godts, 20, has enjoyed a stellar season. Quite easily Ajax’s best player, he has created more chances in the Eredivisie than any other player. Such form has earned him Belgium caps ahead of the World Cup.
The new Eden Hazard?
Chelsea scouts watched Ajax's Godts score an injury-time volley against PSV on Saturday!
The right-footed left-winger, who has earned Eden Hazard comparisons for obvious reasons, has had a hand in a huge 31 goals and assists. On Saturday, he scored a goal and laid on an assist against PSV.
Earlier in the week, it was reported that Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona scouts were all travelling to watch the former Genk wonderkid. They will like what they saw as Ajax and Godts secured a point in injury time.
Mika Godts makes it clear that he’s staying at Ajax this summer
Linked with the majority of the Premier League’s big guns, Godts initially laid on a simple assist to give Ajax the lead. But it was his injury-time goal that will have impressed, slamming a volley into the corner.
But if Chelsea and Arsenal’s scouts were left impressed by Godts, their hopes of signing him have quickly come to a halt. That is because Godts told ESPN after the match that he won’t be going anywhere.
While Godts did state that it is up to the clubs involved, his focus is clearly on Ajax: “I’ve heard about it, but fortunately, this is not decided in a TV studio. The people within the club and other clubs decide that.
“So much is involved that I don’t even know. I hope to experience a great World Cup first, and then I’ll just come back here to hit the ground running next season,” Godts continued, seemingly happy to stay put.
Eden Hazard, Kvicha Kvaratskhelia and Lamine Yamal comparisons
Many won’t have heard about Godts, who remains a youngster playing out of his skin at Ajax. There are still elements of his game that are raw and unproven but what he can do, is reminiscent of some greats.
You can only keep one, Enzo Fernandez or Cole Palmer. Who are you choosing?
Tell us who but also why!
Given the low centre of gravity, the ability to glide past a man and he is Belgium’s next big thing, it was never going to be long before comparisons to Eden Hazard surfaced. Certainly, there is much to compare.
A report from Cronicaa Global claims Godts is similar to PSG’s in-form Georgian star Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, a player Daniel Sturridge says Chelsea should have signed. Then, there is his form for Ajax this season.
Only three players in Europe’s top leagues have managed a combined 70 or more chances created, and 70 successful take ons. Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz and Barcelona talent Lamine Yamal, as well as Godts.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
