"We may have to say goodbye to that in the time ahead" - Van der Voort tempers expectations around Van Gerwen

According to Vincent van der Voort, there is no reason to despair about Michael van Gerwen's form. On the contrary, according to his close friend and former colleague, the three-time world champion has shown that he is still competing at a high level, despite the fact that the absolute dominance of the past is over.

Van Gerwen recently qualified for the semifinals of the European Championship, and that result is an important signal for Van der Voort. "A semifinal of the European Championship is just good. And on the floor before that he doesn't get below 96 average either. Then you can't say he's not throwing anything," the analyst said in the podcast Darts Draait Door. "It's not the Van Gerwen of 10 years ago, but maybe we should say goodbye to that in the near future. That we measure him by what he's done recently."

At the Grand Slam of Darts, Van Gerwen will meet Gary Anderson, Beau Greaves and Niko Springer in the group stage, a composition that Van der Voort believes just suits the Dutchman perfectly. "These are players who are all throwing well at the moment," he states. The analyst sees the pool as an incentive rather than a problem. "Van Gerwen actually benefits from strong opposition. That keeps him sharp."

Presenter Damian Vlottes understands Van der Voort's argument, but thinks the expectations surrounding Van Gerwen will never completely disappear. "That's right, he'll keep those too," Van der Voort acknowledges. "But it's not fair to compare him now to then. If you do, he'll never be good again."

According to Van der Voort, however, no one needs to doubt Van Gerwen's ability to peak again. "He can show his level in no time, because he has already done that a few times this year. For example, at the World Series of Darts Finals and recently at the European Darts Championships. He needs to work back to his best level."