Lars Veldwijk is a Dutch-South African professional soccer player who has been making waves in the sport for his impressive skills on the field. Born in the Netherlands on August 21, 1991, Veldwijk currently plays as a striker for Suwon FC in the South Korean K League 1. He has also represented the South African national team in international competitions.
Veldwijk began his professional career in the Netherlands, playing for clubs such as FC Volendam, FC Utrecht, and PEC Zwolle. He then moved on to play in countries such as Norway, Denmark, and South Korea, where he has continued to impress with his goal-scoring abilities. Despite being born in the Netherlands, Veldwijk chose to represent South Africa at the international level due to his mother’s South African heritage. He has since earned caps for the national team and has become a key player for the squad.
Throughout his career, Veldwijk has garnered attention for his height and physicality on the field, as well as his technical abilities and scoring prowess. He has been praised for his work ethic and dedication to the sport, and has proven to be a valuable asset to any team he plays for. With his talent and potential, Veldwijk is sure to continue making a name for himself in the world of soccer.
Early Life and Education
Lars Veldwijk was born on August 21, 1991, in Uithoorn, Netherlands. He grew up in a football-loving family, with his father being a former professional footballer.
From a young age, Veldwijk showed a keen interest in football, and his parents encouraged him to pursue his passion. He started playing for local clubs and eventually joined the youth academy of FC Volendam, a Dutch professional football club.
Veldwijk’s talent and dedication soon caught the attention of scouts from other clubs, and he was offered a place in the youth academy of FC Utrecht. He spent several years honing his skills at the club, playing for their youth teams and eventually making his way to the first team.
Despite his early success, Veldwijk recognized the importance of education and continued to pursue his studies alongside his football career. He attended the Johan Cruyff College, a Dutch vocational school for athletes, where he studied marketing and communications.
Throughout his youth and early career, Veldwijk’s passion for football and commitment to his education helped him develop into the skilled and well-rounded player he is today.
Beginning of Football Career
Lars Veldwijk’s passion for football started at a young age. He began playing football in the Netherlands, where he was born on August 21, 1991, in Uithoorn. Veldwijk’s journey to becoming a professional footballer started with his first steps on the field.
First Steps
Veldwijk’s parents encouraged his love for football and he started playing at a local club. He quickly showed promise and joined the youth academy of AZ Alkmaar. There, he honed his skills and developed into a promising young player.
Dutch Leagues
In 2010, Veldwijk made his professional debut for FC Volendam in the Dutch second division. He played for several Dutch clubs, including FC Dordrecht, PEC Zwolle, FC Utrecht, and Excelsior. He scored 18 goals in 38 appearances during his time at Excelsior, which earned him a move to Nottingham Forest in the English Championship.
During his time in the Dutch leagues, Veldwijk established himself as a talented striker with an eye for goal. He was known for his physicality, aerial ability, and clinical finishing. Veldwijk’s success in the Dutch leagues paved the way for him to play in top leagues across Europe and Asia.
Overall, Veldwijk’s early career in the Dutch leagues laid the foundation for his success as a professional footballer. His dedication and hard work during his early years paid off, as he continued to develop his skills and make a name for himself in the football world.
Move to South Africa
Joining SuperSport United
In 2019, Lars Veldwijk made a move to SuperSport United, a South African football club based in Pretoria. He joined the team on loan from Sparta Rotterdam, a Dutch club where he had been playing since 2018. The loan agreement was for six months, with an option to extend for another six months.
Veldwijk’s move to SuperSport United was seen as a significant boost for the club, which had struggled to find a consistent goalscorer in the previous season. The 6’6″ striker’s towering presence and aerial ability made him a valuable addition to the team’s attacking lineup.
Performance and Impact
Veldwijk’s impact on SuperSport United was immediate. He scored on his debut for the club, a 2-1 victory over Bidvest Wits, and went on to score six goals in his first ten appearances. His performances earned him the club’s Player of the Month award for February 2019.
Veldwijk’s goalscoring form helped SuperSport United climb up the league table, and they eventually finished in fourth place in the 2018-19 season. His contribution to the team’s success was widely acknowledged by fans and pundits alike.
Overall, Lars Veldwijk’s move to South Africa proved to be a successful one. He made a significant impact on SuperSport United and helped the team achieve a respectable league position. His performances also caught the attention of the South African national team, and he went on to earn two caps for Bafana Bafana.
Return to Europe
Lars Veldwijk has had a career that has taken him all over the world, but he has always had a special connection with European football. After a successful stint in South Korea, Veldwijk returned to Europe to continue his career in the Dutch Eredivisie.
Nottingham Forest
Veldwijk’s first stint in Europe was with Nottingham Forest, where he signed in 2014. Unfortunately, he found it difficult to break into the first team and was sent out on loan to a number of clubs, including PEC Zwolle and FC Groningen. Despite his struggles at Forest, Veldwijk has expressed his gratitude for the experience and the chance to play in the highly competitive English Championship.
Sparta Rotterdam
After a successful season with Suwon FC in South Korea, Veldwijk returned to the Netherlands to sign with Sparta Rotterdam in 2022. The move reunited him with his former manager at PEC Zwolle, Henk Fraser, and gave him the chance to play in the top flight of Dutch football once again.
Veldwijk has made an immediate impact at Sparta, scoring goals and helping the team climb the table. His performances have earned him praise from fans and pundits alike, and he has quickly become a key player for the club.
Overall, Veldwijk’s return to Europe has been a successful one. He has proven that he can compete at the highest level of European football and has shown that he still has plenty to offer as a striker. With his talent and experience, he is sure to continue making an impact wherever he plays next.
International Career
Choosing South Africa
Despite being born in the Netherlands, Lars Veldwijk chose to represent the South African national team. This decision was influenced by his mother, who was born in South Africa and had a strong connection to the country. Veldwijk made his debut for South Africa in May 2016 in a friendly match against Mozambique.
World Cup Qualifiers
Veldwijk has been a regular fixture in the South Africa national team during their World Cup qualifying campaign. He played a crucial role in their victory over Ghana in November 2022, scoring a goal and providing an assist in a 2-0 win. South Africa currently sits in second place in their qualifying group, with three games remaining.
In addition to his success in World Cup qualifying, Veldwijk has also been a key player for South Africa in other international competitions. He helped lead the team to a second-place finish in the 2021 COSAFA Cup, scoring two goals in the tournament.
Overall, Veldwijk’s decision to represent South Africa has been a successful one. He has become an important player for the national team and has helped them achieve success on the international stage.
Playing Style and Strengths
Lars Veldwijk is a tall and physical striker with excellent aerial abilities. He is known for his ability to hold up the ball and bring his teammates into play. Veldwijk is also a clinical finisher with a powerful shot and good technique. He is comfortable with both feet and can score from a variety of positions.
One of Veldwijk’s biggest strengths is his work rate. He is a tireless runner who is always looking to press the opposition and win the ball back. Veldwijk’s physicality also makes him a difficult player to dispossess and he is often able to hold off defenders and create space for himself.
In addition to his technical and physical abilities, Veldwijk is also a smart player who reads the game well. He has a good understanding of space and is able to make intelligent runs to get into scoring positions. Veldwijk’s ability to anticipate the movement of his teammates and the opposition also allows him to make effective passes and create chances for his team.
Overall, Veldwijk’s playing style and strengths make him a valuable asset to any team. His combination of technical ability, physicality, and intelligence make him a versatile and effective striker who can score goals and create opportunities for his teammates.
Challenges and Controversies
Lars Veldwijk’s career has been marked by some challenges and controversies. Here are some of the notable ones:
- National Team Controversy: Despite being born in the Netherlands, Veldwijk has represented South Africa at the international level. However, his selection has not been without controversy. In 2019, he was left out of the South African squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, reportedly due to his poor attitude and lack of commitment to the team. Veldwijk has since addressed questions surrounding his future with the national team, stating that he is committed to playing for South Africa.
- Club Struggles: Veldwijk has played for several clubs throughout his career, but has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter at some of them. At Nottingham Forest, he made just seven appearances before being loaned out to PEC Zwolle. He also struggled to make an impact at Sparta Rotterdam, scoring just four goals in 22 appearances.
- Off-Field Incidents: Veldwijk has been involved in a few off-field incidents throughout his career. In 2018, he was suspended by Sparta Rotterdam for a week after reportedly being involved in a physical altercation with a teammate. In 2020, he was fined by his current club, Suwon FC, for breaking quarantine rules during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite these challenges and controversies, Veldwijk remains a talented striker with a lot to offer on the field. His size and strength make him a formidable presence in the box, and he has a knack for scoring goals. With the right mindset and support, he has the potential to be a valuable asset to any team.
Legacy and Impact on Football
Lars Veldwijk has made a significant impact on football throughout his career. Although he has not played for any of the top European clubs, he has still managed to leave his mark on the game.
One of the most notable aspects of Veldwijk’s legacy is his goal-scoring ability. He has consistently found the back of the net throughout his career, scoring 35 goals in 45 appearances for Excelsior in the 2013-14 season [1]. He also scored 11 goals in his debut season for Supersport United in South Africa [2]. His ability to score goals has made him a valuable asset to every team he has played for.
In addition to his goal-scoring ability, Veldwijk has also been a leader on the field. He has captained several of the teams he has played for, including FC Groningen in the Netherlands and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in South Korea [3]. His leadership skills have helped to inspire his teammates and drive his teams to success.
Veldwijk’s impact on football has not been limited to his on-field performances. He has also been an ambassador for the sport, using his platform to promote football and inspire young players. He has worked with several youth football programs in South Africa, helping to develop the next generation of football stars [4].
Overall, Lars Veldwijk’s legacy and impact on football are a testament to his talent, leadership, and passion for the sport. He has inspired countless players and fans around the world, and his contributions to the game will not be forgotten.
[1] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lars_Veldwijk) [2] (https://nodeszone.com/the-rise-and-success-of-lars-veldwijk-a-closer-look-at-the-dutch-football-star/) [3] (https://extratime.es/lars-veldwijk/) [4] (https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/football-news/former-nottingham-forest-striker-lars-2675994)
FAQs
What teams has Lars Veldwijk played for?
Lars Veldwijk has played for several teams throughout his career. He started his professional career with FC Volendam in the Netherlands in 2011. He also played for Excelsior Rotterdam, PEC Zwolle, FC Utrecht, Nottingham Forest, KV Kortrijk, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Sparta Rotterdam, and Suwon Samsung Bluewings.
What is Lars Veldwijk’s playing style?
Lars Veldwijk is known for his physical presence on the field, with his height and strength making him a formidable opponent for defenders. He is also an excellent finisher, with a keen eye for goal. His aerial ability and hold-up play make him a valuable asset for his team’s attacking play.
What is Lars Veldwijk’s nationality?
Lars Veldwijk was born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and a South African father. He is eligible to play for both the Netherlands and South Africa but has chosen to represent South Africa at the international level.
What is Lars Veldwijk’s height and weight?
Lars Veldwijk is 1.96 meters tall (6 feet 5 inches) and weighs approximately 88 kilograms (194 pounds).
What are Lars Veldwijk’s career stats?
Lars Veldwijk has had a successful career so far, scoring a total of 129 goals in over 300 appearances for various clubs. His best season came in 2018-19 when he scored 24 goals in 38 appearances for Sparta Rotterdam in the Dutch second division.
Has Lars Veldwijk won any awards or accolades?
Lars Veldwijk has not won any major individual awards or accolades in his career so far. However, he has been an important player for several teams and has helped them achieve success in various competitions.