van der Hoorn: I Can Play At An Even Higher Level

Swansea City defender Mike van der Hoorn says he believes he can play at an even higher level but is looking to earn himself a new deal in South Wales.

The Dutchman struggled to earn a regular first-team place in his first season last year, but he has since benefited from a switch to a back three and has been one of our most consistent performers so far in 2017/18.

The 25 year-old, who signed from Ajax for just £2m is now hoping he can earn himself a call-up for the national side, he told the Sun:

‘I want to get the maximum out of my career, and think I can play at an even higher level.

‘I have to perform every week for Swansea, keep proving my worth, improve and win a new contract. My current deal will expire next year.

‘Once I have done that I can begin to look further.

‘I am stronger than ever. I have come into my prime, and it is largely to do with time on the pitch.

‘I haven’t previously been able to prove myself across an entire season. I noticed myself falling behind the other players.

‘Who knows where I would be now had I been able to play constantly. I now have 24 games under my belt this season, and I feel myself growing as a player.

‘I hope to play for the Dutch national team. Not so long ago I could never have said this.’

Back in February we wrote an article here on van der Hoorn and his consistency, as he was top of the fans’ player ratings (and probably still is).

Some fans had their doubts on the 25 year-old when he first arrived. Ajax were willing to sell for just £2m and he didn’t arrive with glowing reviews, but he is now beginning to look like a solid Premier League defender, and while he does have his limitations and weaknesses, he fits into our back three well and offers other qualities that Fernandez and Mawson don’t quite have.