Together with Jong PSV, FC Eindhoven is the surprising leader in the Kitchen Champion Division (KKD). John Neeskens is a striking basic player with the blue and white. The 31-year-old Spanish-American defender says he is the son of former international Johan Neeskens, who died last year, although he never recognized him openly. John’s dream was to play football in the Netherlands and in Eindhoven he gets that chance. “The name Neeskens does not give extra pressure, I am proud of it,” says John.
According to the football player there is no doubt whatsoever: Johan Neeskens is his father: “Many people don’t know the story, but I do. He is my father, we have had beautiful moments. I did not come to the Netherlands to prove myself. Whether I look like him in appearance? Of course! As a player it is difficult to compare, the times have changed.”
John Neeskens Ramirez, as Johns reads his full name, was born in the United States, but grew up largely in Spain. Two countries where the former top footballer Johan Neeskens was a well -known appearance. “I know he was also very famous in the Netherlands. It makes me proud that he is my father.”
Johan Neeskens was known, among other things, for his hard penalties. The best known is the penalty kick in the 1974 World Cup against West Germany, which he popped through the middle. “You have to ask the trainer if I am on the list of penaltymers at FC Eindhoven. Hopefully I can take one, I would like to take responsibility. If I shoot through the middle, you will see automatically.”
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With his 31 years and his experience at many clubs in America, Spain and Slovakia, a wish was fulfilled this summer: a move to the Netherlands. “I wanted to play football here once and now the chance was there. At FC Eindhoven I was fantastic, I immediately felt at home. The football style in the Netherlands suits me, it looks like Spain. I also like living in Eindhoven.”
The Spanish-American defender does not wear the captain’s band, but is the leader in the Eindhoven defense. “I take a lot of experience with me and try to help my teammates inside and outside the line. In the field I am a talker and I do everything for the team. We have a young group and the players show a good mentality. That we have won the first three games makes me happy.”
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Trainer Maurice Verberne is satisfied with the arrival of Neeskens. “It is a very nice and normal boy who is very good at the group. He has a different mentality than we are used to in the Netherlands. He will take the boys’ Spanish over-my-mentality.”
Co -runner
Trainer Maurice Verberne of FC Eindhoven is proud of the nine points from three games. “It gives the confirmation that we are on the right track. Defensively it looks good and when we can play football, we do that. We are on the floor with both legs, it is not up to us to float.”
“The season takes a long time. The goal at FC Eindhoven is to play attractively and give players the opportunity to develop, so that they either stay with us or be sold to other clubs. But we are also sports men and of course want to get the most out of a season. Getting the play-offs is a prize for us.”
FC Eindhoven will play against Roda JC on Friday at 8 p.m.