Jay Kruiver Is a New NK Osijek Player

NK Osijek strengthened the squad with the signing of Jay Kruiver on the final day of the transfer window. The 25-year-old Dutchman arrives from Roda Kerkrade and immediately joined the White and Blues, completing his first training session at Opus Arena.

In football, you never know where your journey will take you. I was happy when the opportunity to come to Osijek arose because I want to play and prove myself on the pitch. The Club showed interest, the talks quickly became concrete and I’m glad to be here. I believe I’ve made a good decision, said Kruiver.

He made 79 appearances for Roda, scoring five goals and providing seven assists. Before arriving, he familiarised himself with the Club’s history, while he also remembers NK Osijek from the European matches against PSV.

I read and watched some basic information about the Club, which has a long tradition and an important place in Croatian football. I remember when Osijek knocked PSV out of Europe with two victories. That was when I first became familiar with NK Osijek because it was a result that received a lot of coverage in the Netherlands. I also read that Osijek is a beautiful and pleasant city, and I’m looking forward to getting to know it better.

Pace and Contribution at Both Ends

Kruiver primarily plays at right-back but can also operate as a wing-back.

I like to use the space and make forward runs from deeper positions. Defensively, I consider myself a reliable player, and what I can promise is that I will always give everything I have. That will be the case in Osijek as well.

The White and Blues’ new signing believes the team can have a successful season, while his first goal is to earn his place on the pitch.

I hope we will have a very good season. The team has started well, scored a lot of goals and won matches. There are many young players in the squad, and it is up to me to work hard and fight for a place in the starting eleven.

He singled out former Germany international Philipp Lahm as one of his footballing role models.

I especially enjoyed watching Philipp Lahm, both at Bayern and with the German national team. I like that style of play, and he performed it at the highest level.

Zandvliet: He Brings Additional Quality

The White and Blues’ sporting director Kenneth Zandvliet is also pleased with Kruiver’s arrival.

Jay brings additional quality and competition at right-back. He can also play as a wing-back, has excellent stamina and can meet the demands of playing in transition. His above-average pace, tactical discipline and ability to make forward runs down the flank give us another option in the attacking phase. He has signed a two-year contract, with an option to extend for a further year, and we wish him every success in the NK Osijek shirt, said Zandvliet.