Jan-Arie van der Heijden


Jan-Arie van der Heijden is a Dutch footballer who plays as a centre back for Eredivisie-side Feyenoord.

Club career

Born in Leiden, Van der Heijden made his debut for Ajax in a league match against Roda JC on 4 November 2007. Prior to playing for Ajax, he played for V.V. Schoonhoven. He has also attained a bachelor's degree in Sports and Economics. Although the player has only played two league games for Ajax he did play a full match against VfB Stuttgart and made a substitutes appearance against Italian champions F.C. Internazionale Milano. On his 20th birthday, 3 March 2008, the player signed an improved contract that bound him to Ajax until 2013.
In the 2008–09 season under manager Marco van Basten, Van der Heijden was injured until March 2009 due to a double knee-injury. During the season, he had a number of unfortunate setbacks that prolonged his recovery period. At the end of March he was about to resume full training with Young Ajax, and he played a number of full matches with the reserve squad. On 10 May 2009, the last day of the Eredivisie season, Van der Heijden was on the bench as Ajax played against FC Twente, although he did not come onto the pitch.
For the 2009–10 season, new manager Martin Jol came in and Van der Heijden was sent out on loan to gain experience in the Eredivisie. On 31 August, he joined Willem II Tilburg on loan until 30 June 2010. At Willem II he has become a first team regular as a controlling midfielder or as a libero. He made his first goal in competitive football for the Tilburg side in a 2–1 home victory against VVV-Venlo. He kicked a great free kick in the top corner leaving the goalkeeper without any chance. In January 2010, Ajax teammate Mitchell Donald joined Van der Heijden on loan from Ajax at the Tilburg club.

Feyenoord

On 22 April 2018, he played as Feyenoord won the 2017–18 KNVB Cup final 3–0 against AZ Alkmaar.

International career

Van der Heijden also participated in the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship, where the Netherlands reached the semi finals, but they were beaten by the later winners Mexico. He was called up for the 2008 Toulon Tournament. On 13 October 2009, he made his U-21 debut in a 2011 European Championship qualifier.

Honours

Feyenoord