Michael van Gerwen hasn’t been at his ferocious best during the 2024 campaign so far.
He was beaten by Luke Humphries in the World Championship semi-final and Mighty Mike just hasn’t really got going.
Van Gerwen does still sit at number two in the world rankings but he’s not quite been the scary player that he’s proved in the past.
The three-time World Champion lost 6-3 to Ryan Searle in the latest European Tour event and was largely disappointing.
Now, Richard Ashdown has shared some views on Van Gerwen and he thinks something isn’t quite right.
What Richard Ashdown has said about Michael van Gerwen
The English darts master of ceremonies and referee has made some intriguing claims about Van Gerwen.
He doesn’t think the player is in the best form and he doesn’t understand what is going on with him at the moment.
Ashdown told the Love the Darts podcast: “He’s the one player in recent weeks that I just feel doesn’t want to be there.
“It’s just like he would rather be anywhere else, and I have never felt that about him because part of how brilliant he was, his energy and his desire was always so strong.
“Only he can tell you the reasons why, I am just saying it from a point of view that can all see.
“I never see the lad simile anymore. The charism that he was so famous for has gone for now. I guess so. It looks like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders.”
Form is temporary but class is permanent for Michael van Gerwen
It’s natural that Van Gerwen won’t be enjoying things just now because he simply hates losing.
When the Dutchman enters any competition he wants to win it and with results going awry of late he won’t be happy.
It’s only a matter of time before Van Gerwen catches fire once again though and when he gets going he’s a formidable player.
With three World crowns to his name, Van Gerwen will be desperate to add more big titles to his collection during the remainder of the year.
Ashdown does have valid points but in our view, it won’t be long before Van Gerwen is playing brilliant darts like everyone knows he is capable of.