First game you watched live as a supporter?
It was Feyenoord v Ajax in Rotterdam. I remember that the Feyenoord fans were really crazy, and they lost 3-1. It was a really enjoyable game to watch, and I went with my dad, which made it even more special.
I looked up to the players from the first team at that point because I was part of their academy until I was 19 years old.
It was nice to see the level and stadium where I could have played when I was older.
First football hero?
I would say Neymar, because I really looked up to him and the way he plays his football. I really wanted to be like him, and when I was playing in the park, he was the player I would always try to be.
First football boots?
I think it was a pair of black Umbro boots. I’ve still got them in my mum’s house, and it’s something that’s nice to keep as a memory from my childhood.
First kit?
It would’ve also been a Feyenoord kit, because that’s where I played my football when I was younger.
It would’ve been the home kit sponsored by Kappa from 2006/07 when I was around five years old.
First mentor in football?
I would say Gaston Taument, who was my coach at Feyenoord. He was a right winger and is a legend at the club as well.
He was my coach in the U13s at Feyenoord and then became a coach to develop wingers from the academy. He really developed and trained me to be better at certain things and has made me the player I am today.
First professional game?
I never played a competitive match for Feyenoord, but I made my debut in a friendly in 2019. I can’t remember who it was against, but I started the game, and we won 8-0.
I remember being really nervous before we started the game, but once I got going, I was unplayable and managed to score and provide an assist. I was really happy with the way I played, but I didn’t get any further chances, so I had to leave Feyenoord.
First professional goal?
If we were to say my first real professional goal, it would be against Fulham with Leeds United in 2022.
The goal came after some nice build-up play, and I managed to get on the end of a brilliant pass and slide it past the goalkeeper. We lost the game 3-2, but it was a great feeling to score my first Premier League goal.
First red card?
My first red card came when I was in the U19s at Feyenoord. I had a bit of a dispute with an opposition player on the pitch, and the referee ended up sending us both off.
It’s been a while, and I’ve never been sent off since in my three years as a professional. Hopefully, it stays that way!
