Who is Justin Bijlow? Meet the Feyenoord Goalkeeper Wanted by Arsenal & Liverpool
Who is Justin Bijlow?
Justin Bijlow is a 26-year-old Dutch goalkeeper currently playing for Feyenoord and the Netherlands national team. Known for his reliability and skill, Bijlow’s career has been marked by significant performances and unfortunate injuries.
Position and Playing Style
Bijlow is a goalkeeper who excels with the ball at his feet, making him a modern, ball-playing shot-stopper. His confidence and ability to play out from the back have been key attributes throughout his career.
Career Highlights
- Feyenoord Debut: Bijlow made his senior debut for Feyenoord in August 2017 and quickly established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper.
- Captaincy: He was handed the captaincy by manager Arne Slot for Feyenoord’s first European final in 20 years during the 2021/22 season, leading the team against Roma in the Conference League final.
- League Title: Bijlow was instrumental in Feyenoord’s 2022/23 Eredivisie title win, solidifying his reputation as a top goalkeeper despite recurring injury issues.
- Euro 2024: He has been called up for the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024, reflecting his standing as one of the country’s top goalkeepers.
Injury Challenges
Bijlow’s career has been significantly affected by injuries. He initially became Feyenoord’s first-choice goalkeeper in the 2018/19 season but lost his spot due to injuries. Despite these setbacks, he managed to reclaim his position and continues to be a vital player for the club.
Transfer Interest
Bijlow’s impressive performances have attracted interest from several top clubs:
- Arsenal: Linked as a potential replacement for Aaron Ramsdale.
- Liverpool: Under former Feyenoord coach Arne Slot, Liverpool sees Bijlow as a possible successor to Alisson, who is a target for Saudi clubs.
- Manchester United: Bijlow was linked with United during the summer of 2023.
Personal Background and Contract
- Birthplace: Born in Rotterdam, Bijlow has been a lifelong Feyenoord fan and player, reflecting his deep connection to the club.
- Contract: His current contract with Feyenoord runs until June 30, 2026, providing stability and leverage for the club amidst transfer speculation.
Quotes and Ambitions
Regarding the transfer links, Bijlow expressed his ambitions while showing loyalty to Feyenoord:
“They are two very nice clubs. Of course, it’s always nice to be mentioned among big clubs. I’m just saying that I’m ambitious. As long as I play for Feyenoord I will give everything for them.”
Conclusion
Justin Bijlow’s career trajectory is a testament to his resilience and talent. Despite facing multiple injury setbacks, he has consistently demonstrated his quality as a goalkeeper. His potential move to a bigger club this summer will be a significant step, with Arsenal and Liverpool leading the race for his signature. As he prepares for Euro 2024, Bijlow remains one of the Netherlands’ most reliable and promising goalkeepers.
Who is Justin Bijlow? Meet the Feyenoord Goalkeeper Wanted by Arsenal & Liverpool
Arsenal Agree Personal Terms with ‘Electric’ Target to Bolster Trossard’s Position