Just Like Frenkie de Jong, Mathieu van der Poel Had Something Special: How Mathieu van der Poel Could Have Become Just as Good a Professional Footballer
The football world is often captivated by stories of prodigious talent, players who seem to possess an almost innate understanding of the game, a fluidity and vision that sets them apart. Frenkie de Jong, the silky smooth midfielder for Barcelona and the Dutch national team, is a prime example of such a talent. His ability to effortlessly glide past opponents, dictate the tempo of the game, and deliver pinpoint passes has earned him widespread acclaim. But what if we told you that another Dutch athlete, celebrated for his prowess in a completely different sport, possessed a similar “something special” that could have seen him reach the pinnacle of professional football? Enter Mathieu van der Poel, the reigning multi-discipline cycling phenomenon.
Van der Poel, the grandson of the legendary Raymond Poulidor and son of former cyclist Adrie van der Poel, is a name synonymous with dominance in the world of cycling. He’s a world champion in cyclocross, a winner of the Tour of Flanders and Milan-San Remo in road cycling, and a formidable force in mountain biking. His versatility, explosive power, and tactical intelligence are legendary in the peloton. But before he dedicated himself fully to the two-wheeled world, van der Poel was a promising young footballer. And those who saw him play, those who coached him, whisper of a talent that, had he chosen a different path, could have rivaled the likes of Frenkie de Jong.
The parallels between van der Poel and de Jong, though seemingly disparate given their chosen professions, are intriguing. Both are Dutch athletes known for their exceptional athleticism, tactical awareness, and ability to perform under pressure. Both come from families steeped in sporting history, though in different disciplines. And both, at a young age, exhibited a raw, intuitive talent that hinted at future greatness.
Frenkie de Jong’s rise through the ranks was marked by his exceptional ball control, his ability to break lines with his dribbling, and his vision to unlock defenses. He was a midfielder who could dictate the flow of the game from deep, a modern-day “regista” with the added ability to drive forward. His spatial awareness and understanding of passing angles are hallmarks of his game.
Mathieu van der Poel, on the other hand, showcases his “something special” in a different arena. His cyclocross victories are built on a foundation of incredible bike handling skills, the ability to read the terrain, and an explosive power that allows him to accelerate out of corners and over obstacles. His road cycling successes highlight his tactical nous, his ability to time his attacks perfectly, and his sheer grit in the face of grueling climbs and powerful sprints. In mountain biking, his technical proficiency and fearless descending are legendary.
But let’s rewind the clock. Before the rainbow jerseys and Monument victories, Mathieu van der Poel was a young boy kicking a football. Accounts from his youth reveal a player who stood out. He was quick, agile, and possessed a natural feel for the ball. He played as a midfielder, a position that requires vision, passing range, and the ability to influence the game. Sound familiar?
Former coaches and teammates recall van der Poel’s footballing talent with a sense of wistful “what if.” They speak of a player who, even at a young age, exhibited a tactical understanding beyond his years. He could read the game, anticipate passes, and find space in crowded areas. His dribbling skills were impressive, allowing him to weave through opponents with ease. And crucially, he possessed that intangible quality – the ability to make things happen, to change the course of a game with a moment of brilliance.
One can imagine a young Mathieu van der Poel, much like a young Frenkie de Jong, effortlessly receiving the ball under pressure, turning away from challenges, and spraying incisive passes to teammates. His innate athleticism, honed through years of multi-sport participation, would have translated seamlessly to the football pitch. His explosive power, so evident in his cycling sprints, would have made him a formidable force in midfield, capable of bursting forward and contributing to attacks.
Furthermore, van der Poel’s mental fortitude, a key attribute in the demanding world of professional cycling, would have served him well in football. The ability to stay focused under pressure, to make split-second decisions, and to push through pain are all essential for success on the pitch. Van der Poel has demonstrated these qualities time and again in his cycling career, facing down formidable opponents and overcoming adversity.
The tactical intelligence that makes van der Poel such a successful cyclist also has clear parallels in football. Just as he reads the race, anticipating moves and positioning himself strategically, he would have been able to read the game on the pitch, understanding the flow of play and identifying opportunities. His ability to make quick, intelligent decisions in a fast-paced environment is a valuable asset in both sports.
So, why did van der Poel choose cycling over football? The answer, as is often the case with such decisions, is likely a complex mix of factors. His family history undoubtedly played a significant role. Growing up in a household where cycling was not just a sport, but a way of life, would have naturally steered him towards the bike. The pull of following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, both celebrated cyclists, must have been immense.
Moreover, the structured pathway for developing young cycling talent in the Netherlands is well-established. Van der Poel had access to top-level coaching and competition from a young age, providing a clear route to professional success. While the Dutch football academy system is also renowned, the personal connection and familial legacy in cycling likely held a stronger sway.
It’s also possible that van der Poel simply felt a deeper connection to cycling. Perhaps the solitude of training, the direct relationship with the bike, and the visceral challenge of conquering mountains and battling the elements resonated more with him than the team dynamic of football.
Regardless of the reasons for his choice, the question remains: could Mathieu van der Poel have become just as good a professional footballer as Frenkie de Jong? While it’s impossible to say with absolute certainty, the evidence suggests that he possessed the raw talent, the athleticism, the tactical intelligence, and the mental strength to do so.
Imagine a midfield partnership of Frenkie de Jong and Mathieu van der Poel. De Jong’s elegant control and passing range complemented by van der Poel’s explosive power, driving runs, and fearless tackling. It’s a tantalizing prospect, a hypothetical scenario that speaks to the depth of talent that exists in the Netherlands.
Of course, reaching the elite level in any sport requires more than just raw talent. It demands dedication, sacrifice, and a relentless pursuit of improvement. Both de Jong and van der Poel have demonstrated these qualities in abundance, dedicating their lives to their respective crafts.
In conclusion, while the world of sport celebrates Mathieu van der Poel as a cycling icon, it’s worth acknowledging the whispers of his footballing past. The “something special” that sets him apart on the bike was also evident with a football at his feet. Just like Frenkie de Jong, van der Poel possessed a rare combination of technical skill, athleticism, and tactical acumen. Had he chosen a different path, the football world might have been graced with another Dutch maestro, a player who could have rivaled the best in the business. The story of Mathieu van der Poel serves as a reminder that exceptional talent can manifest in various forms, and that sometimes, the greatest athletes are those who possess the versatility and innate ability to excel in multiple domains. While we celebrate his achievements on two wheels, we can also appreciate the potential that lay dormant, a testament to the extraordinary athlete that Mathieu van der Poel truly is.
