By Scott Ferguson
scott@canucks-abroad.com

Jonathan de Guzmán

Canucks-Abroad caught up with Jonathan de Guzmán recently for an update on his season with Feyenoord, his experiences as a Canadian in Holland, and his situation with the Dutch national team.

Canucks-Abroad: First off, how's it been playing with Dutch greats like Gio van Bronckhorst and Roy Makaay at Feyenoord this season?

Jonathan de Guzmán : It's a great experience, especially for a young player trying to fulfill his dream. Off the pitch, there is a lot to learn too and I'm glad to be a part of this experience.

CA: Unfortunately, there's not much Dutch football on Canadian TV, but you and your teammates have been shining for Feyenoord this year. Whats behind the rise in form?

JDG2: Well, we have a great team on paper, but the key to be at your best is to have good teamwork. Right now, things aren't going our way due to a lot of pressure and a lot of injuries, but I'm sure we are capable of finishing the season on a good mark.

CA: Bert van Marwijk was appointed manager in the summer for the second time -- was he in charge when you first joined the youth team? How involved was he with the youngsters during that time?

JDG2: When he came back to Feyenoord the second time, it was the first time I met him. I was happy and eager to go back to Holland to start the season with him, and especially the new players that came along.

CA: You've also played under greats like Ruud Gullit, Erwin Koeman and Leo Beenhakker (temporary coach last season). Each coach has their different style, but with which system have you been able to express yourself the most?

JDG2: I played under Leo Beenhakker for a week last season, and I only practiced a couple of times with Gullit when I was in the youth system. I was never under his squad.

I made my professional debut under Koeman so I will always remember him. He had a lot of confidence in me when I played under him, and for a young player thats new to the game, it's important that you're noticed by the coach and not treated like you're just another player, so I thank him for that.

CA: Along with Jacob Lensky you make up a Canadian contingent at Feyenoord, and there's more Canucks than ever in the league. What kind of challenges do our young players face in adjusting to life in Holland?

JDG2: Well, I come from Scarborough and live in Rotterdam, and the 2 cities are alike. Rotterdam is a multi-cultural city and it was easy for me to adapt to the culture and the lifestyle here at a young age.

CA: While it's not quite de Kuip, have you had a chance to take in a game at BMO Field yet? Are we finally on our way to establishing a football tradition of our own in Canada?

JDG2: I actually have been to the BMO field and it was a great experience! I saw TFC play three times and they won all three games. I'm very happy with the turnouts too. TFC has the best fans in MLS and it also shows how big soccer can get in Toronto/Canada.

CA: The CSA has been under a lot of criticism this year. Do you think that a serious, professionally-run national association would help young players to commit their futures to Canada?

JDG2: Yes of course! I believe that if we use the right resources, we can create a better soccer system in Canada. Canada has a lot of talent but we just don't know it yet; it's a pity that soccer isn't the Canadian sport. I'm happy that TFC is here to bring soccer to another level and hopefully it will get bigger and bigger.

CA: The Dutch under-21s won last year's European title and are set to travel to Beijing this summer. Have you been in contact with the coaching staff about being considered for the Olympic (under-23) squad?

JDG2: No, I haven't spoke to any of the KNVB members so I'm not sure if I'll be called up or anything. I just have to work hard and hopefully my skills will do the talking.

CA: On that note, has van Marwijk said anything about a senior call-up when he takes over the national team after Euro 2008?

JDG2: No. It was just recently that he was officially announced as the Dutch national team coach after the European Championships.

CA: World Cup qualifying will begin on both sides of the pond this year. What do you think Canada needs to do to get to South Africa?

JDG2: Canada has potential and I believe that if they use the same players they had in the Gold Cup, they have a good chance of making it to South Africa.

Thanks to Jonathan and all the best for the remainder of the season and beyond. Hopefully, we'll see the de Guzmán brothers together in the Red of Toronto one day, even if the chance to see them in the Red of Canada has passed.

Editor: Jonathan's recent decision to play for The Netherlands has sparked quite an outcry; CA still considers him a player of interest - not least because he is Canadian, but also because he is eligible to play for Toronto FC as a domestic player - one of the motivations for starting this site was to highlight the talent abroad that could and should be of interest to the TFC fans and Front Office alike.