The Dutchman has started 2025 in style, following up a stunning first goal of the season against Napoli with a brace against Empoli.
The 24-year-old joined Udinese from Antwerp in the summer and had played for boyhood club Ajax and Hertha Berlin prior to that.
In an exclusive interview, we spoke to him about all of the above and more.
Jurgen, thanks for speaking to us. How are you finding your first season at Udinese?
"Yeah, very nice. The people here are very nice and they've helped me a lot. So, really really happy here."
How did it feel when you found out they were interested in signing you?
"I thought it was a really nice club, there are a lot of big players here. And it's a really nice competition, so I was very happy."
How would you say Serie A compares to the Bundesliga?
"I think the Bundesliga is more running and Serie A is a lot of thinking and tactics, and it's more physical I think also."
Do you notice a difference in the level of football going from the Dutch and Belgian leagues?
"Italy is a higher level I think, but in the Netherlands and Belgium they are also just different leagues. All of the leagues are really different."
Dutch players seem to do really well in Italy - Stefan de Vrij, Teun Koopmeiners, Tijani Reijnders... Do you think there's something about the football or the way of life in Italy that suits the Dutch?
"I don't know. I don't know the reason but you're right, there are a lot of Dutch players who are going well, like the players you said and also (Densel) Dumfries. I think the football in Italy does just suit us."
You've got your first goals for the club in the last few weeks, that must have been an amazing feeling.
"Yeah, really. Especially the first goal was a really nice one, also against a big team in Napoli. I was really happy... I train a lot on that type of shot, I train a lot on it."
That was against Napoli, who are in a title race with Inter and Atalanta - do you feel the increase in quality when you play those top teams?
"Yeah, you really do feel that they have a lot of quality. Some players that they have can just score and change the game in one moment. They're really top-quality teams."
Is Udinese's goal this season is to be the best of the rest behind the biggest clubs?
"I think we just want to finish as high as possible. We'll see where that can be, maybe a European spot, but we just want to end (the season) on a high and see where we finish."
Did the team's style of play immediately suit you or did you need to adjust your own game at all?
"I had to adjust a little bit. At the start, I also played in a lot of different positions, but now I play most of the time in one position, so that's more easy for me... (I like being) a number 10 or an eight, not a defensive midfielder. That's also possible but I like being more attacking."
Moving away from Italy, you must be enjoying Ajax's resurgence this season.
"Really happy, yeah... It was crazy. At one time, Ajax were in last place in the league. It was a crazy situation. But now it's looking very nice again."
When you were there, you played under Erik ten Hag - did you enjoy working with him?
"Yeah, he's a really good coach. He really wants to push you and push every player to the highest level, and he was also tactically really good."
He's gotten a lot of criticism for his work at Manchester United, do you think that was fair?
"I think at Manchester United, it's just... It's just different. It's really difficult for every coach. After (Sir Alex) Ferguson, it's just too difficult. I don't why."
You also played under Mark van Bommel at Antwerp...
"Yeah, that was really special. One of the nicest coaches I've ever had I think, and he also really made me a better player. Personally, it was also really, really nice to talk with him. Yeah, a really good coach."
Looking ahead, a year from now is the 2026 World Cup. Is that a goal in the back of your mind? Getting into the national team picture?
"It would be nice, but the midfield of the Netherlands is really good. But I'll work hard and you never know in football, maybe it's possible... The defence and the midfield of the Netherlands is very good."
Well you've scored a lot recently and the team needs a striker, maybe you can play there.
(Laughing) Yeah, who knows? Who knows?
