In an exclusive interview with Football-Oranje, which you can watch by clicking here, ex-PSV centre-back Karim Rekik discussed whether Dutch teenagers should still be leaving the Netherlands early to pursue careers in England.

  • by Michael Statham
  • Follow Michael on Twitter @EredivisieMike

Rekik left Feyenoord as a teenager to transfer to Manchester City’s youth academy. Sometimes, young Dutch players leave the Netherlands very early in their careers in the hope of developing themselves in England, which can cause controversy among players, clubs and Dutch media.

When asked about whether he would recommend moving clubs so early to other Dutch players, Rekik said, “For me, if you’re convinced about your quality, then you do it.”

The 24-year-old continued, “If you think like: I don’t know because everybody says that you know you finish your career there; you don’t get a chance – then don’t do it.”

Rekik featured sporadically in England before returning to the Netherlands to win the title with PSV Eindhoven. He then moved on to play in France for Marseille and now in Germany with Hertha Berlin. “For me, I was convinced in my qualities; I had a great time in England. Then I went to PSV and I had a great time there; I won the championship there.”

“My career went on. So, it depends to recommend people. It’s very difficult; it’s individual.”

You can watch the full interview by clicking here.





Michael Statham (803 Posts)

Writer/interviewer/YouTuber for Football-Oranje. Massive Dutch football fan from the UK. Follow me @EredivisieMike & subscribe to Football-Oranje on YouTube.