Adelaide United centre-back, Bart Vriends, says he is ready to bring defensive power, leadership, and personality to the Reds.
The Eredivisie legend, who signed a two-year deal with the Reds on a free-transfer from Sparta Rotterdam, arrived in Adelaide last night in preparation to join the full squad for training on Monday.
Speaking to the media at Coopers Stadium Friday afternoon, Vriends spoke about his excitement at joining the Club, his signing journey, and how he hopes his leadership and decade-long experience in the Dutch top flight will shape the squad for the upcoming season.
Vriends on his decision to choose United as his first Club abroad:
“After twelve years in the Netherlands I was ready for something abroad, some adventure. A couple of years ago I was also talking to some clubs in Australia and it was still stuck in my mind somewhere.
“Quite early Adelaide contacted me and I was very happy about it. I used to play with Craig Goodwin a couple of years ago and he also convinced me to come this way. It was actually quite an easy decision.
“I was in touch with Marius [Zanin] from the club. And then the next day I read in a Dutch newspaper that Ernest Faber was coming to the Club as well, and he called me the same afternoon. We didn’t know each other but we had a nice chat with Cor, the owner of the Club. They were very enthusiastic about this Club as well and about the city and the lifestyle of Australia. We spoke about the values of the Club and the way they want to play, and I think it fits me really well. I’m looking forward to it.”
Vriends on feeling instantly welcomed to Adelaide after a long journey from the Netherlands:
“The flight was quite long. I think from home to here was about 27 hours, so a little jet-lagged. I met the boys this morning at the training ground, they made it really easy for me to get into the dressing room and all the people were super nice. There were even people from the Club waiting for me at the airport last night.
“I feel very welcome and happy from the beginning. And what really helps me is that I felt like the Club really wanted me to sign and add me to the team.”
Vriends on what he believes he brings to the team both on and off the field:
“I’m a strong defender, I like to play duels. And I like to also motivate the team quite a bit. I’ve been playing in the Dutch Eredivisie for 12-13 years now; a league that is well known for the build up playing style and winning balls back quite soon.
“So, it’s a combination of things. I’m a centre-back that really likes to defend, tackle and play duels, but also try to build up from the back and play some smaller passes to break the lines. So that’s hopefully what I can show at Coopers Stadium soon.
“I hope I can add value to the team in terms of defensive power, but also organisation and leadership and a bit of personality as well. But first, I want to just fit in and get to know the people and then show myself on the pitch.”
Vriends on what he knows about Adelaide United and the Isuzu-UTE A-League:
“I’ve been watching clips on YouTube, especially about the Championship campaign in 2016. It looked really good to me, especially the atmosphere in the stadium and the whole vibe around the Club. An intense type of football, that’s what I like; dynamic and direct.
“I’ve been playing with some Australian players back in the Netherlands as well. For example, Craig Goodwin and Kenny Dougall, Tommy Oar and Michael Zullo. They’re great lads and quite skilful players. So, I believe that we might underestimate the level of the A-League in Europe. I’m very curious to the atmosphere and the vibe of the stadium, but also the level of playing. I think it’s quite intense.
