Ex-HSV-Defender of Drongelen |
Rick is back and on top
Since Rick van Drongelen in the summer of 2021 HSV has left, things are no longer working for the former crowd favorite. For Union Berlin it wasn’t used at all. In the last back series at KV Mechelen he played ten games – until a broken finger stopped him.
Now the central defender from Union after Rostock borrowed. For Hansa, he played his first game over 90 minutes in almost six months against Hannover. Despite the 1-0 defeat the Dutchman put in a solid performance just two days after signing.
Blitz debut! Rick back and up
The Dutchman: “I was happy that I was allowed to start straight away. It felt very good to be back on the pitch for 90 minutes.”
Will this transfer be a stroke of luck for Hansa?
Despite initial coordination problems, van Drongelen showed off his physique, header and tackle strength in the back three. Hansa trainer Jens Härtel (53): “A reasonable debut. He has not played a competitive game for a long time. We can’t expect miracles just yet.”
Van Drongelen made his Bundesliga debut at HSV when he was 18. He later increased his market value to 8 million euros. After relegation in 2018 and a cruciate ligament rupture, the defender moved to Berlin in 2021. There he did not make the breakthrough. After his trip to Belgium, the clearer wants to regain a foothold in Rostock.
Van Drongelen: “I want to use my strengths. What I lack is rhythm, strength and endurance.”
He is supported by compatriot John Verhoek (33/formerly FC St. Pauli) and from his family. The Dutchman: “John explained a few things to me right away. My parents were there too.”
