Luuk de Jong laughs loudly. The PSV striker has just been told he was included in a Daily Mail list of the 100 worst Premier League strikers – at No 75. His half-season on loan at Newcastle 10 years ago has long faded into the distance but was clearly not quickly forgotten by everyone.
When that countdown of “the biggest flops”, dating from 2017, is brought to his attention, De Jong says: “Really? When I only played 12 matches and not all of them from the start? And not in my position, either? Oh well, that’s the football world, you know. I was young. I think I am better armed now to take on Premier League defenders. It’s about your response to adversity – that makes the difference.”
