Kevin Strootman, Dutch footballer

Kevin Strootman: A Deep Dive into the Dutch Midfielder's Career

Kevin Johannes Willem Strootman, born on 13 February 1990, is a highly respected Dutch professional footballer renowned for his robust and intelligent play in the midfield. Currently showcasing his talents in Italy's top flight, Serie A, for Cagliari on a loan spell from French club Olympique de Marseille, Strootman also boasts an extensive international career with the Netherlands national team, often referred to as "Oranje."

The Engine Room: Strootman's Midfield Prowess

As a central midfielder, Strootman operates in the vital "engine room" of the pitch, linking defence and attack. His primary responsibilities often include breaking up opposition plays, winning back possession, dictating the tempo of the game through accurate passing, and providing a strong physical presence. Strootman is particularly lauded for his tactical awareness, powerful left foot, and leadership qualities. His tireless work rate and ability to "clean up" play in midfield earned him the memorable nickname "De Wasmachine" (The Washing Machine) early in his career.

A Journey Through European Football's Top Leagues

Strootman's professional journey began in his native Netherlands, rising through the ranks at Sparta Rotterdam before moving to FC Utrecht and then to Eredivisie giants PSV Eindhoven. His impressive performances for PSV, where he made over 80 appearances, earned him a significant transfer to Italian Serie A club AS Roma in 2013. At Roma, he quickly established himself as a pivotal player, contributing to the club's consistent finishes near the top of Serie A, despite battling severe knee injuries that unfortunately hampered parts of his promising tenure. After five seasons and over 130 appearances for Roma, he made the move to French Ligue 1 side Olympique de Marseille in 2018.

His career at Marseille has included several loan spells to fellow Serie A clubs, first with Genoa CFC and currently with Cagliari Calcio. This consistent involvement in Serie A underscores his enduring value, tactical intelligence, and adaptability in one of Europe's most demanding leagues, where he continues to demonstrate his experience and capabilities.

Representing "De Oranje": Strootman for the Netherlands

Kevin Strootman has proudly represented the Netherlands national team, earning 46 caps and scoring three goals since his debut in 2011. He was a key figure in the national squad, particularly during the qualification campaigns for major tournaments. Though a significant knee injury unfortunately ruled him out of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where the Netherlands finished an impressive third place, his commitment and influence on the international stage have been consistently recognized throughout his nearly decade-long tenure with "Oranje."

Frequently Asked Questions About Kevin Strootman

What is Kevin Strootman's primary playing position?
Kevin Strootman primarily plays as a central midfielder, often operating in a defensive or box-to-box role, known for his ability to win possession, break up opposition attacks, and distribute the ball effectively.
Which club does Kevin Strootman currently play for?
As of the current season, Kevin Strootman plays for Serie A club Cagliari Calcio, having joined them on loan from his parent club, Olympique de Marseille, which competes in France's Ligue 1.
What is Kevin Strootman's nickname, and what does it signify?
During his early career, Kevin Strootman earned the nickname "De Wasmachine" (The Washing Machine) due to his tireless work rate, strong tackles, and his ability to "clean up" play in midfield by winning back possession and maintaining order.
Has Kevin Strootman played for other major European clubs?
Yes, before his tenure at Marseille and loan to Cagliari, Strootman had a significant and impactful five-year spell at Italian Serie A powerhouse AS Roma, where he was a key player. He also previously played for PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch Eredivisie before moving to Italy.
What notable achievements does Kevin Strootman have with the Netherlands national team?
While a major injury unfortunately kept him out of the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals where the Netherlands finished third, Strootman was a consistent and influential presence for "Oranje," earning 46 caps and playing a crucial role in qualification campaigns for major tournaments throughout his international career.