Southeast Asia Indonesia

Bali United head coach praises new recruit Nick van der Velden

Bali United head coach Eko Purjianto has sent out positive assessment about Nick van der Velden, who joined the club recently as a marquee player.

After watching the Dutch midfielder in two training sessions yesterday and today, Eko Purjianto seems to be satisfied with the level of performance from Nick van der Velden.

“Skill-wise, he’s a player with great quality,” Eko told the club website.

“Yesterday he said he was still feeling the jet lag, but today he showed his spirit while undergoing a training session. He is still trying to adapt to the weather.”

“It looks like he was the player who drank [water] most often because of the heat, but I think that does not matter,” the 41-year-old head coach added.

Nick van der Velden previously played for AZ Alkmaar, NEC, FC Groningen and Willem II and won the 2008–09 Eredivisie with AZ Alkmaar.

His most recent stint was at Scottish club Dundee United, before accepting a big-money offer from Liga 1 outfit Bali United.

Van der Velden will soon match up against fellow Dutchman and former Dundee midfielder Marcus Klok. The 24-year-old joined PS Makassar earlier this month.