I want to play in the AFC competitions with the club: Bengaluru FC’s Keziah Veendorp
New Bengaluru FC foreigner Keziah Veendorp is determined to win silverware at his new club as the Dutch embark on a challenge in India.
New Bengaluru FC foreigner Keziah Veendorp is determined to win silverware at his new club as the Dutchman embarks on a challenge in India.
A versatile player who can operate as both a centre-back and a defensive midfielder, is exactly what the team has been missing since the departure of Bruno Ramires. Having spent his entire football career in the Dutch league, Veendorp is now ready to take on the next challenge in his career with Bengaluru FC.
Excitement is building at the Blues' camp as they prepare for the new Indian Super League (ISL) season, and their new signing is already sensing the fervour and energy radiating from the fans.
"It was nice to see the atmosphere and the bond with the fans," Veendorp said in an interaction with Deccan Herald, after the Blues’ open training session on Sunday.
With players like Aleksandar Jovanovic and Slavko Damjanovic already in the team, Veendorp could be effectively placed in the midfield alongside Suresh Wangjam and Rohit Kumar. Bengaluru FC's head coach, Simon Grayson, could harness his creativity by employing him as a link between the defence and the attack.
The 26-year-old shares his acquired style of play and is determined to give his best for the team, regardless of the role the coach assigns to him.
“It was also because the coach knew me well. My quality is linking up the play with passes. I am very comfortable on the ball. If someone was injured on the right side or the left side, it didn't matter, and I played there. Last year, I played a full season at number six, and this is my best position to play," he stated.
The Dutch footballer expressed his amusement upon discovering the standards of Indian football and the ISL. He also revealed the factors that led him to sign with this new team, setting out on a fresh journey in a new country.
"Before, I did not know a lot about the Indian leagues. But when I spoke to the coaches and learnt more information, I was quite surprised about how professional it is. Darren (Caldeira) and coach (Simon) Grayson turned my head, and I was positive. From that point on, I wanted to go," Veendorp revealed.
Bengaluru FC reached three out of three possible finals last season, managing to win one. Given the team's value and standards, Veendorp is also determined to continue building on and enhancing that performance from the previous season, aiming to secure trophies with the Blues.
"Last year the club played three finals. That needs to be the level we must reach again. Now we need to win them. For me personally, if we are able to do that, maybe play in the AFC competitions," he commented.