Donyell Malen

Surjit Patowary

Donyell Malen might have bagged assist of the season with this backheel flick against Ajax

Ajax, Donyell Malen, PSV Eindhoven

Back heel flicks on a football pitch leave the opposition defenders stunned and the audiences thrilled, and when executed to perfection, are one of the most aesthetic things about the beautiful game as we know it.

Donyell Malen of PSV Eindhoven pulled off an assist of the season contender against AFC Ajax with an incredible backheel assist for Eran Zahavi last night.

The young Dutchman secured two assists for Eran Zahavi’s brace, as PSV drew with Ajax in their last game in the Dutch Eredivisie.

It was in the 2nd minute when Malen received the ball in the final third as he casually flicked it into fellow striker Zahavi’s path without looking at the ball, who slotted the ball home past Ajax goalkeeper André Onana.

The flick had lazy arrogance written all over it, as the 21-year-old forward showed incredible flair and technique to bamboozle the Ajax defenders and assist his teammate in front of goal.

Promising prospect Malen suffered a season-ending knee injury last season but has seamlessly come back in action with a string of brilliant performances for PSV Eindhoven. Malen now has a total of 15 direct goal contributions in 17 starts this season, including 5 goals in the UEFA Europa League (Transfermrkt).

It was an encounter at the top of the Eredivisie standings as Ajax met PSV Eindhoven with top spot in the Dutch first division at stake.

The match eventually ended in a 2-2 draw as goals from Quincy Promes and Antony cancelled out Zahavi’s brace for the clubs to be awarded a point each.

Defending champions Ajax are still a point clear at the top of the league, as PSV will hope for more brilliant performances from their promising prospect to eventually overthrow the present league leaders from the top spot.