If you were armed with just their descriptions and positions, you would be forgiven for mistaking Gjivai Zechiel for Manchester City sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi, as both bear a degree of physical resemblance.

Their journeys, however, are in no way similar, as 22-year-old Dutchman Zechiel has taken a less direct route to senior football.

Fans across Europe are asking who he is after new Netherlands head coach Xavi included him in his first Oranje squad for this month's UEFA Nations League games.

The Rotterdam-born midfielder has done enough to earn a spot in the Netherlands squad this month, shining brightly for Feyenoord in the Eredivisie.

Who Is Gjivai Zechiel? Feyenoord's Rising Midfield Star

When Lille agreed to sell Bouaddi to Manchester City, they looked to the Eredivisie for a replacement, with reports identifying Gjivai Zechiel as a key target.

Lille reportedly made an offer worth around €17 million including bonuses, but the move did not materialise before Feyenoord handed the midfielder a new deal until 2029.

Born in June 2004 to parents of Surinamese and Cape Verdean descent, Zechiel primarily operates as a central/box-to-box midfielder, and is capable of playing in all three midfield roles.

He began his journey at local clubs Swift Boys and XerxesDZB before joining Sparta Rotterdam as an eight-year-old in 2012.

He spent six years at Sparta before joining Feyenoord's U-15s in 2018, and he progressed through their youth ranks to U-21 level.

In April 2022, he signed his first professional contract with Feyenoord before making his first-team debut against Almere City in August 2023.

During the 2024-25 season, he was sent out on loan to Sparta Rotterdam until the end of the campaign.

A new manager, Robin van Persie, took over ahead of the 2025-26 season and Zechiel subsequently joined FC Utrecht on loan, with the pair having previously experienced friction during their time together in Feyenoord's academy.

The midfielder spent the 2025-26 season on loan at FC Utrecht, where he played 50 games, scoring ten goals and providing ten assists.

Known for his technical security, press-resistant turn, and late box arrivals, Zechiel can operate as a deep-lying playmaker or a box-to-box central midfielder.

He is also praised for his confidence, game intelligence, personality, and his blend of street football flair with structured development.

He has represented his country at U-21 level, and his call-up to the senior team marks his first involvement with the Netherlands senior squad.

How Loan Spells Helped Gjivai Zechiel Break Through at Feyenoord

Gjivai Zechiel was already a Feyenoord first-team player with senior appearances and a UEFA Champions League debut under his belt when he began his loan spells.

His rise to the national team squad has been built on successive loan spells designed to give him regular senior playing time.

His first loan spell at Sparta Rotterdam took him to a familiar environment, and he was able to play 13 times before the end of the season.

For his second loan, he joined Utrecht under Ron Jans, where he developed into an important player.

Feyenoord were satisfied with his development at Utrecht and integrated him into Giovanni van Bronckhorst's squad for the 2026-27 season, where he has played a prominent role.

Zechiel has made a strong start to the season, winning the Eredivisie Player of the Month award for August while playing a prominent midfield role for the team.

This season, he has scored five goals and provided four assists in only eight appearances for Feyenoord, and has reportedly caught the attention of multiple Premier League sides, including Chelsea and Arsenal.

What Young Players Can Learn From Gjivai Zechiel's Journey

Zechiel is proof that the loan pathway can work properly for young prospects to get regular minutes to refine their senior decision-making.

Rather than waiting on the bench for a top-tier club, he accepted to build himself at a much smaller club before working his way up.

The youngster has also shown other young players that adding goals and assists to technical midfield play forces national team selectors and club scouts to pay attention.

Young players can learn that consistent performances can help create opportunities at higher levels. Zechiel earned a new contract after impressing during his loan spell and making a strong start to his return at Feyenoord.