The form of Michael van Gerwen has been under significant scrutiny this year as he looks to win his fourth World Matchplay.
The once all-conquering Dutchman does not hold a ranking title as the darting landscape continues to be dominated by Luke Humphries and Luke Littler.
Van Gerwen suffered a shock quarter-final defeat to unseeded Scott Williams at the World Championship and was comfortably beaten by Humphries in the Premier League semi-final.
His performance levels have been far off the record-setting displays from 2012-2018 and concerns have grown for the 35-year-old.
He returned to the World Cup of Darts two weeks ago for the first time since 2021 but fell at the opening hurdle with Danny Noppert courtesy of a rampant Belgian duo.
Former World Matchplay Champion Colin Lloyd, however, believes he saw signs in his performance to alleviate concerns.
‘Lloydy’ impressed with Michael van Gerwen despite defeat
Despite being thrashed 8-2 by Belgium, the Netherlands produced the highest average of the tournament in defeat.
Speaking to Online Darts, Lloyd revealed ‘Mighty Mike’s’ performance in Frankfurt has answered any questions he had about the world number two.
He said: “I was [concerned with MVG] until I looked at the way he played at the World Cup.
“People might look at this and go, ‘well he lost first round with Danny Noppert’. His attitude in that match and the way he approached that match and the way he threw, I thought he looked very very solid – I thought he looked decent.”
The former World Number One added: “You don’t write him off, you can’t write him off because he is that good. Saying that, he’s been around a long while, you get battle worn.
“Do I think Michael’s got majors left in him? Yes, I do.
“Will Michael van Gerwen be crowned Matchplay Champion at the end of the week, why not?”
Van Gerwen’s toughest match may be his first
Few would be surprised to see MVG lift the Phil Taylor trophy at the end of next week.
He has captured the World Matchplay three times, more than any other player apart from the trophy’s namesake.
MVG has a horror draw in the opening round to manoeuvre first, though.
He will clash with reigning Premier League Champion Luke Littler in what will be their tenth meeting this year.
Van Gerwen has won five of those clashes, and he will be hoping his positive record and greater experience can upset the teenage sensation.
If the Dutchman can avoid a first-round defeat for the second time in two years, don’t be surprised to see a serious title challenge from the ‘Green Machine’.