In Focus: Esme Brugts shining bright for the Netherlands ahead of South Africa clash | LiveScore

Esmee Brugts is making a name for herself at the World Cup. 

The 20-year-old played as a left wing-back for the Netherlands as they thrashed Vietnam 7-0 in their last group game. 

She scored two sensational goals, cutting in onto her right foot and curling a perfectly-placed shot into the top corner on both occasions, as well as claiming an assist. 

The electric youngster will hope to shine once again as the Netherlands clash with South Africa.

Brugts has been linked with Manchester United and Real Madrid this summer and it is easy to see why. 

She has impressed with PSV — scoring 12 goals in 50 appearances for the Dutch club — and is now making headlines on the biggest stage. 

Despite her tender years, she already looks like one of the most accomplished players at the World Cup, playing with the kind of guile and confidence that will have more top European clubs taking notice.

Brugts always seemed likely to succeed as a footballer. She began playing at the age of five when she trained with the boys’ team for SV Heinenoord. 

Eight years later, Brugts was signed by FC Binnenmaas and performed so well that PSV took notice — and her coach at the former feels her attitude justified that interest. 

Marius Heinerman said: “Even when the season ended, she still wanted to train. 

“When we lost a game, she was always critical of herself, saying, ‘That must be better. That must be better. That must be better.”

Brugts’ drive to improve has taken her a long way. 

She is already technically superb, physically combative and an intelligent reader of the game — and still has plenty of time to develop further. 

That is highlighted by her versatility — she has played as a centre forward, a winger and now a wing-back for the Dutch national team.

With an xG of just 0.3 from her three appearances at the World Cup so far, Brugts has been limited to relatively few chances, which is perhaps unsurprising given her role in the team. 

But her ability to shoot from distance makes her a constant threat, as she proved against Vietnam. 

Only three players at the World Cup — Linda Caicedo, Hinata Miyazawa and Lauren James — have outperformed their xG to a greater degree than Brugts. 

Those three players are among the most exciting in the tournament and Brugts can be included in that group of budding superstars.

Before the World Cup started, Brugts was focused simply on taking in the experience. 

She said: ​​”This is the biggest stage you can play football on, so I mostly just want to enjoy it. 

“I’m going to try my hardest and entertain the crowd, but especially I’m going to try to create a good feeling for myself.” 

So far she has done that and more. If she can replicate her performance against Vietnam in the knockout stages, the Netherlands’ chances of reaching the latter stages will increase significantly. 

With South Africa next up in the last 16, all eyes will be on one of the brightest prospects in the women’s game.