Dutch 'warrior' challenges V.League

Mitchell Dijks has just joined Nam Dinh Club.

In his first conversation with Tri Thuc - Znews , former Bologna defender Mitchell Dijks - who was introduced to V.League by former midfielder Nguyen Van Bakel - shared about his difficult childhood, the pressure of football and his desire to make history at Thien Truong.

Big turning point

- You have faced many top strikers in your career. Who was your toughest opponent?

- I have faced Cristiano Ronaldo, Erling Haaland, Zlatan Ibrahimovic… but the one who gave me the most difficulty was Romelu Lukaku, when he was playing for Inter Milan. Lukaku's strength and ability to dominate was really impressive.

- Moving from Europe to Vietnam is a big turning point. How do you view this decision?

- Yes, this is a very big step. I had a difficult childhood, no contact with my father, suffered a lot of trauma and had to go through a long process to heal and overcome. For me, coming to Vietnam is not just about football or a beautiful country, but also a challenge for my own maturity and personal development. I have faith in myself and always want to challenge myself.

- How do the pressures and expectations here compare to Europe?

- There is pressure everywhere, there are fans. Nam Dinh has been in the championship group for the past two years, so of course the fans have high expectations. But I think pressure is necessary - it forces you to overcome your limits and play better.

- What was your first impression when you arrived in Nam Dinh?

- It's incredibly hot (laughs). But the people here are wonderful: friendly, warm, grateful and proud of their country. Only the traffic is… many times more crowded than in the Netherlands (laughs).

Mitchell Dijks used to play for Ajax, Bologna...

- Have you ever experienced a football atmosphere as exciting as in Vietnam?

- I used to play for Ajax, participated in Ajax - Feyenoord matches, or in Italy Bologna - Fiorentina. There was always tension and passion. I liked that, and I was happy to see that Vietnamese fans were just as passionate.

- What about Vietnamese cuisine ?

- I tried it and loved it. The first time I went with a Vietnamese representative, he was very happy to see me enjoying the food. I even ordered more dishes and gave the taxi driver extra tips. He then took me to a typical Vietnamese restaurant - which made me happy and excited immediately.

- Who makes you feel most comfortable in the dressing room?

- Mahmoud is a very friendly person. I get along with everyone easily, but to have a deeper connection, it takes time, I've only been here for about a week.

- Do you think you can help young players in Nam Dinh?

- I have a lot of experience and I am always willing to share. The only problem is that the language is a bit difficult. But young players are always eager to learn, and I hope I can help them develop further.

- Do you know about Rafaelson - the big star of Nam Dinh?

- I'm sorry, I've never heard of him before.

"I don't care about the names of other clubs"

- Have you watched the matches in V.League? And what are your feelings?

- Yes, I watched two games - a 2-1 win and a 1-2 loss. The level was pretty good, but I found the weather the most difficult. There are more clashes and longer balls than in the Netherlands. In Europe, especially in the Netherlands, we have more possession.

- Many other V.League clubs also brought in famous strikers. Do you think that will be a challenge for you?

- Honestly, I don't care about the reputation of other clubs. If they have big stars, all the better, because then I'll put them "in my pocket" (laughs).

Nam Dinh's left-back is very confident about the new adventure.

- How do you want Nam Dinh fans to remember you?

- As a Dutch warrior. I want them to see the intensity in every fight I have, and remember me as a warrior, a leader, and a teacher.

- Your message to the fans before your debut match at Thien Truong?

- I am very happy to be here. I will put all my energy into playing, I will play with all my heart and I want to write history - to become the first Dutch player of Nam Dinh. I need time to regain my fitness and get used to the climate, but when I adapt, I will become a "machine".

- If 10 years from now, looking back at this period of time, what would you tell yourself?

- I would say: 'Mitch, you did the right thing. I'm so proud of you. You went it alone, faced it alone, and it was the right decision. It was a big step, not just in football but in your personal journey.'

Source: https://znews.vn/chien-binh-ha-lan-thach-thuc-vleague-post1579982.html