Damián van der Vaart is thriving at Ajax. He is in his second season with the O19 team. Ahead of the upcoming clash against PSV O19, we spoke with him post-training. He emphasizes that he is focused on his game and not distractions.
Settling in Amsterdam
Damián van der Vaart, at eighteen, feels comfortable in Amsterdam. He signed his contract over a year ago. “The first year was an adjustment,” he says. “Now, I feel at home. It feels good here.” Despite being in the Netherlands for a short time, he considers himself a Dutchman. He adds, “I had never lived in the Netherlands before last year.”
Footballing Journey
His journey started in Germany at SC Victoria Hamburg. He recalls training with his father, which honed his skills. Later, at fourteen, he moved to Denmark, where he began his professional career with Esbjerg fB. “Moving to a new country was a challenge,” he admits, “but I learned to adapt quickly.”
Living in His Father’s Shadow
Many associate Damián with his father, Rafael van der Vaart. He acknowledges the influence of his father in his career. However, he insists, “I am Damián, not Rafael’s son.” He highlights his individual style, especially in his free-kick technique. “I’ve developed my own style,” he states proudly.
Learning Under Pressure
Under coach Willem Weijs, Damián has become a key player. He praises Weijs for instilling confidence. “He encourages high-pressure gameplay,” Damián notes. This approach boosts team spirit, which is vital for their success.
Looking Ahead
As the Ajax O19 prepares for the PSV match, Damián is optimistic. “We have strong belief in our group,” he asserts. The game, scheduled for Saturday at 14:30, is eagerly awaited. However, Damián prefers to focus on football, stating, “I want to enjoy the game, not worry about external matters.”
In conclusion, Damián van der Vaart is making his mark at Ajax. With his dedication and talent, he is set for a promising future in football.
