He may only be 18-years-old, but hugely talented centre-back Kik Pierie is heading into his third season in the Heerenveen defence.
- By Michael Bell
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Born in Boston due to his father working in America, Pierie moved back to Leeuwarden at a young age and eventually joined the Heerenveen academy. The Frisian’s have produced several talented centre-backs over the last few years including Jerry St Juste, Joost van Aken and Jeffrey Gouweleeuw, and Pierie is the latest to make a name for himself in the Abe Lenstra Stadion.
Jurgen Streppel handed Pierie his first-team debut at the end of the 2016/17 season, with the then 16-year-old impressing in the European play-off defeat to Utrecht. Last season, Pierie was one of the first names on the Streppel’s teamsheet, making 35 appearances and his performances didn’t go unnoticed.
Manchester United is just one of the top European clubs that has been linked with Pierie but the Netherlands U19 international has so far decided to remain at Heerenveen.
Style of Play
The 18-year-old is an exceptionally talented ball-playing centre-back, who can also be deployed as a full-back.
Pierie reads the game well for someone so young, is an aggressive tackler and loves to carry the ball out of defence. He has good vision and is a fine passer of the ball, completing over 1300 in the Eredivisie last season, while only 148 went astray.
When he burst into the Heerenveen squad, Pierie looked a little lightweight and slender, but last season he worked hard in the gym on his strength and he no longer looks out of place going toe to toe with the Eredivisie’s finest attackers.
What to expect from Pierie this season
Pierie’s development at Heerenveen has been rapid and he is now considered to be one of the finest young defensive talents the club has ever produced. He will look to continue his development this season in the centre of the Frisian’s defence and aid the club in their bid to qualify for Europe.
Heerenveen have so far managed to keep hold of the talented defender but with the big names circling, they may not be able to keep hold of Pierie past this season should he continue to impress.