If you’ve ever tuned into an Eredivisie match or followed a Dutch youth prospect, you probably know Joshua Zirkzee’s name. Born in 1999 in Amsterdam, the forward grew up with Ajax’s famed academy before making his senior debut at Jong Ajax. In just a few seasons he proved himself as a clinical finisher who can find space inside the box and finish with both feet.
After a short loan spell at FC Barcelona B that didn’t pan out, Zirkzee returned to the Netherlands and signed for AZ Alkmaar in 2020. At AZ he finally got regular first‑team minutes, scoring crucial goals that helped the club secure European qualification. His goal tally may not be massive, but his work rate off the ball and ability to hold up play make him a useful piece in any attack.
Zirkzee’s biggest moments came during the 2021‑22 season when he netted ten league goals for AZ, including a late winner against PSV that sparked a brief title chase. He also shone in the Europa League, scoring twice against a strong French side and showing he can perform on bigger stages. Internationally, he earned several caps with the Netherlands U21 team, contributing to their successful qualification campaign for the European Championship.
In 2023 he attracted interest from clubs in England’s Championship and Belgium’s top division. While no transfer materialised, those rumors highlighted his growing reputation as a reliable target man who can adapt to different styles of play. His contract with AZ runs until 2025, giving him time to either cement his place or move on for a new challenge.
This season Zirkzee is expected to take a step up in responsibility. Coach Pascal Jansen has hinted that the striker will be used more as a focal point, leading the line and linking with wingers like Myron Boadu. Keep an eye on his movement during set‑pieces; he’s become better at finding pockets of space and can turn a corner flag into a scoring chance.
Another area to monitor is his partnership with midfielders who can feed him quick passes. AZ has recruited a new creative midfielder, and the chemistry between them could boost Zirkzee’s goal numbers. If you follow the club’s social media, you’ll often see behind‑the‑scenes clips of his training drills – they reveal a player working hard on his heading technique and first touch.
For fans looking to catch him live, AZ’s home games are streamed on the official Eredivisie platform, and highlights are posted to YouTube within hours. Signing up for match alerts ensures you won’t miss the moments when Zirkzee steps onto the pitch and starts making things happen.
In short, Joshua Zirkzee may not be a household name yet, but his steady progress, knack for crucial goals, and willingness to improve make him a player worth watching. Whether he stays at AZ or moves elsewhere, the next couple of years will likely define his career trajectory.
