Brisbane Roar’s newest acquisition Stefan Nijland has wasted no time in getting familiar with his new surroundings ahead of his possible debut tomorrow night against Central Coast Mariners at Suncorp Stadium.
Brisbane Roar-s newest acquisition Stefan Nijland has wasted no time in getting familiar with his new surroundings ahead of his possible debut tomorrow night against Central Coast Mariners at Suncorp Stadium.
Nijland, signed on loan from Dutch football powerhouse PSV Eindhoven until the end of the current Hyundai A-League season, landed in Brisbane at 6am today after more than 24 hours in transit, heading straight to the Roar-s training headquarters at Ballymore Stadium.
While he didn-t take full part in this morning’s session with his new teammates, time not on the paddock was spent in discussions with the Brisbane coaching staff while carefully analysing the formation and game plan set up in front of him by Head Coach Mike Mulvey.
“My first impressions are really good, I-m glad to be here,” said Nijland, who has represented his country at Under 19, Under 20 and Under 21 levels.
“I think I-m a good technical player, I like to play the number 10 and that-s one of the biggest reasons for coming here.
“I have heard that Brisbane Roar is the best footballing team in the league so I-ll do my best here – I hope I can score goals, make goals and be important to the team.
“I got this opportunity so I spoke with my manager, my dad, my girlfriend – we have a young son of four months – so it was a big step but we all those it was the best thing to do.”
There are no doubts over the fitness of the 24-year-old, who played his last match for the PSV reserves side just last Friday with his final training session in Holland on Sunday.
The friendly match against Sparta Rotterdam was played in freezing conditions with snow surrounding the pitch, meaning the Roar coaching and medical staff will carefully watch how Nijland adapts to the heat of the Queensland summer and how he recovers from possible jetlag.
“It-s difficult to know how I-ll feel tomorrow but it-s up to the trainer [Head Coach],” Nijland said.
“I hope I can play as much as possible – it would be difficult to start but I-d like to get some minutes.
“I have watched a few games on YouTube but I-m so curious to see it all tomorrow.”
Nijland has chosen to wear Brisbane Roar’s number 9 jersey.
