Joel Veltman insists that the ultra-competitive nature of the Premier League means there would never be a repeat of the amazing game involving his previous club Ajax last Saturday.
The Dutch league leaders beat VVV-Venlo 13-0 to set a new record for the biggest win in the Eredivisie.
But after getting his first start in Monday’s 1-1 draw against West Brom, Veltman says that kind of result would never be repeated here.
“I am in touch with [Ajax players] Davy Klassen and Danny Blind and as a former player it was nice to see [that result].
“But it would never happen here. In the Premier League even if you played against nine players it would never be 13-0, it is too competitive for that. It says a lot I guess about the Eredivisie and the Premier League, which is a much higher level for sure.”
Veltman showed his versatility against the Baggies, operating in central defence and then at right-back in the second half but he was left frustrated that Albion dropped two points after dominating the first 45 minutes.
“I did play a lot of times with Ajax at centre-back but because of injuries I played right-back with them too, even in the Champions League. To be honest I don’t mind, but if I had to choose it would centre-back.
“It was frustrating that we dropped two points. In the second half we didn’t play, and we gave them too much space. What we did in the first half they did to us in the second and after they equalised they smelt blood and went for a 1-2 win, but at the end we’re disappointed not to have got a 1-0. We needed a second goal when we were on top, because that relaxes you and gives you confidence.”
Veltman, who joined the club from Ajax in July, is enjoying life in Sussex with his wife Naomi, their young daughter and two dogs.
“I came in strange circumstances with Covid but I have settled in and really enjoy it here. The medical and technical staff as well as the players have been really nice. They have made my family welcome.
"I got a lot of recommendations from [first-team coach] Bruno for good restaurants so we have been checking them out. And when we joined the weather was nice so we spent a lot of time on the beach.
"We have a nice place near Hove Lagoon. Davy Propper goes swimming in the sea a lot, but not me – it’s too cold!”