Former FC Bayern Munich & current VfL Wolfsburg assistant coach Andries Jonker described this player as Netherlands’ Lost Talent. This “lost talent” is born with the ability to outpace opponent with his trickery footwork, good first first touch and excellent vision to send a defence-splitting pass to his strikers with the least expected flip.
The “lost talent”, a 31 years old Dutch-Moroccan midfielder, Khalid Hamdaoui has officially signed for S-League club, Woodlands Wellington FC this new season.
Discovered by Netherlands’ legend, Johan Cruyff, at the age of just 8 years old to join the world renowned Ajax youth academy, Khalid spent 8 years training with Ajax youth before moving over to AZ Alkmaar and NAC Breda. When the opportunity came knocking for him to turn professional, he signed for one of the most supported J-League teams, Tokyo Verdy in 2001.
Subsequently, the skillful playmaker also turned out for O Elvas C.A.D. in the Primeira Liga in Portugal, MVV Masstricht, Omniworld and FC Turkiyemspor in Netherlands and Dundee FC in the Scottish Premier League. His last club was Raja Casablanca in Morocco in year 2009 before he moved into coaching.
Having represented Netherlands U-14, U-16, U-18, U-20 & U-23 under the guidance of his mentor Andries Jonker, who he also described as his “second dad” in life, Khalid was called up for the senior team on 4 separate occasions. One of the highlights of the called-up would have to be for Euro 2004 selection. Unfortunately, Khalid did not make the final squad. Although the player himself was disappointed that he has never play a single game for the senior team before, he never gave up, he continued to work hard overseas.
Another information worth mentioning, because of his excellent footwork which was already known to all coaches during his Ajax youth days, the skillful player was already a regular with Netherlands National Futsal Team at the age of just 19 years old!
When asked about his second Asian football attempt, Khalid said, “I have not been playing regularly for the past 2 years because of Streetkings’ coaching, but I am confident and I will do my best for the team”. This season, Khalid will also be donning jersey number-5 which he admits that is his wife’s favorite number!
Woodlands Wellington has certainly made a fantastic signing which not only Woodlands’ players will benefit from Khalid’s experience from playing in the top European leagues, his professionalism both on and off the field will enhance Singapore football as a whole. Together with the likes of Kazuyuki Toda, Martin Wagner and probably more such quality players coming into S-League, Singapore football development is obviously on the right track. And this season certainly looks extremely exciting!
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