Emir Bars is the rare type of player who has no positional preference. "As long as I can showcase my attacking qualities," said the native of Helmonder, who was named best striker of the Otten Innovation Cup this summer.
After a brief stint at SC Helmondia, Emir was invited to PSV Academy at the age of six. "The first year was especially exciting. I was new and also a little boy. That was definitely a very special period." His work ethic combined with footballing qualities brought him a place in the Psv U21 selection as well as his first professional contract. "That was very special, especially because I've been playing here for years. PSV is my second home."
'I am a dangerous player and have the quality to create many chances'
Insight
Emir played his first matches at PSV Academy as a right wing defender. "But the trainers soon realized that my qualities up front were more useful. In my second year I was increasingly positioned in the forward position and since then I've actually always played in an attacking position." He also learned a lot on a personal level at PSV. "I became a much tougher footballer. You have to fight for your spot and that definitely shapes you as a person."
The 18-year-old youth international paints a clear picture of his player profile. "I am a dangerous player and have the quality to create many chances. I can do that through a pass, but also with a dribble. It doesn't matter to me where I play, as long as I can show my attacking qualities."
'My goal is to make the step up to the A squad within now and a year or two'
Ambition
Emir was part of PSV 1's 28-man squad for the training camp in Spain, which was completed ahead of this season. "That's my best moment so far anyway. My first time in training was special and, to be honest, I was also quite nervous about that, whereas now it almost feels normal. You get used to it, but also realize sometimes that what you are doing is very special."
The signing of his professional contract fanned an additional fire. "It is a dream of mine to play in PSV 1 and I will do everything to achieve that. My goal is to make the step up to the A-selection within now and a year or two."
