Since joining the club in 2022, Dutchman Zian Flemming has shown to be a wise acquisition.
Flemming joined the London-based club in the summer of 2022 after scoring 12 goals and assisting four times for Eredivisie minnow Fortuna Sittard in the previous season. According to the South London Press & Mercury, this was enough for Millwall to take a chance on the ex-Ajax youth product, spending £1.7 million on the offensive midfielder.
The Lions’ choice to sign Fleming as their record signing at the time was more than justified. According to Lancashire Live, the Dutchman drew Premier League attention throughout the summer, with Millwall rejecting four bids from Burnley for the attacking midfielder. During the summer, Dutch tabloid De Telegraaf stated that European giants Sevilla and Lazio were also interested in the Millwall man.
Zian Flemming’s performance with Millwall since arriving in 2022.
Since making his competitive debut for Millwall in July 2022, the 25-year-old has appeared in 61 games throughout all competitions.
Flemming made 43 Championship appearances in 2022/23, missing only three games at the start of the season and starting 40 of them. During his rookie season, he scored 15 goals as an offensive midfielder and added three assists as the Lions finished eighth, one point short of the play-offs after a final-day collapse at home to Blackburn Rovers.
Millwall has faced challenges on the field this season, currently holding the 15th position after the departure of manager Gary Rowett. Despite the team’s struggles, Flemming has been a standout performer, featuring in 15 out of 16 Championship games, contributing four goals and two assists. His overall record for the Lions stands at an impressive 19 goals in 61 games, showcasing his prowess as an attacking midfielder.
Sofascore statistics reveal Flemming’s exceptional performance, surpassing his expected goals (xG) with 4 goals from an xG of 3.51 and exceeding his expected assists with 2 assists from an expected 1.42 this season. The Dutchman maintains a commendable 74% successful pass rate and a 59% successful dribble rate for Millwall.
Having signed a ‘long-term’ contract in 2022, as reported by the BBC, Flemming’s outstanding goal contributions may attract interest from Premier League clubs and top European sides in the upcoming January transfer window and next summer.
