Michael van Gerwen has passed his peak if you believe the Dutch commentator Jacques Nieuwlaat after intermittent success to begin 2020.
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The World Number One made a phenomenal impression at this year's UK Open after a barren spell to start the year winning the title. Van Gerwen also won two tournaments during the PDC Summer Series in July.
However, there were also several early eliminations in ProTour tournaments and also at the Masters and World Matchplay this season, Mighty Mike was eliminated early which for the former in particular where he has been dominant, it's unexpected.
“His highlight was 2016. Then he won everything and was unbeatable. He's simply not as good at the moment. But you're only that good for a short period of time in general. So if you want to put it that way, Van Gerwen has passed his peak ”, Nieuwlaat responded to the question of whether Van Gerwen has passed his peak.
Nieuwlaat argues that lack of consistency is the basis of his destructive dominance. But he will still win enough.
"What you have noticed lately is that he is less consistent. Previously, he always had a standard level, which was close to a hundred (average). It was also always a dominant 98 to 100 average. He set the rhythm in the match and determined what happened on the stage. He has completely lost that direction. ”
According to the RTL commentator, this was also reflected in his match against Simon Whitlock at the World Matchplay, which Van Gerwen lost 11-4 ."He gives the opponent the opportunity to take control. Whitlock is experienced enough to think 'wait a minute, I can get him'. Those are the games that Van Gerwen should definitely win. ”
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VAN GERWEN IS OUT!
Take a bow Simon Whitlock, after 15 consecutive losses to Van Gerwen, 'The Wizard' thrashes the world number one to send him home early and set up a quarter-final clash with Gary Anderson!