So who is Diego Biseswar??

September 21st, 2008 | by: Jan | Comments(7)

The Feyenoord fans had a great day against Volendam (5-0 win) and didn’t mind the draw against Ajax, yesterday. And the player who gave his team wings in both games was on the list to be sold. Diego Biseswar has found a second lease on life at Feyenoord.

Biseswar had two goals and one assist against Volendam and was instrumental in Feyenoord’s game against arch rival Ajax. With sparkles in his eyes, he tells his story. Sometimes humble, sometimes euphoric. The youngster had a chance to make a so-called “long-nose” to all present, but the Feyenoord player wouldn’t think of that. He hadn’t played that well and still has a long way to go and a lot to learn. And he though coach Verbeek was right to start Biseswar on the bench this season, “because I must do much better than this,” he said.

It sounded surreal out of the mouth of the much criticized talent. He wasn’t disciplined, was too lazy and arrogant. Twice, the Rotterdam club hired him out (Heracles and De Graafschap) and twice he failed to make an impression.

“He is a fascinating, special kid,” says Gertjan Verbeek. “Diego is always happy and smiling. No complications whatsoever. And that has it’s plusses and minusses. But I can’t just load him up with tactiical tasks. Than he’ll freeze. But if you allow him to play his game, he can do wonders. As you’ve seen today, again.”

“I just want to grab my opportunity now. I have played more this season than last,” he reflects on last season under Van Marwijk, who never used the youngster despite all the injuries.

“I don’t want to look back. I love it how Verbeek puts his confidence in me. He played me in our tournament, while management had told him I could leave. I even went on a test week to Sheffield United, but it didn’t result in anything.”

With Gertjan Verbeek at the helm, it seems Feyenoord can finally cash in on their youth development. The club that saw talents like Bouhatar (NEC), Leonardo (NAC and now Ajax), Evander Sno (Celtic, now Ajax) Van Persie (Arsenal), Drenthe (Real Madrid) and Loovens (Celtic) leave Rotterdam because they didn’t get a real chance at Feyenoord again has an interesting group of players on the verge of breaking through.

Verbeek doesn’t look at names or reputations, but picks those lads that will do the job. Whatever their age or history with the club.

The future is bright in Rotterdam.