Interviews

Veltman: Every Premier League game is like a final

The Dutch international has found adjusting to English football an enjoyable challenge.

By Charlie Hanson • 16 December 2020

By Paul Hazlewood
Joel Veltman rises high against Southampton.

Joel Veltman has said the biggest difference between the Premier League and other competitions he has experienced is the extra pressure on each game.

Having played in the Dutch League, the Champions League and Europa League, as well as representing the Netherlands in international tournaments, the 28-year-old has plenty of top-level experience and he is enjoying the different challenges of the Premier League.

“People say you're at the top of your game when you're 28, 29. I am 28 but I feel I can grow much more and that's why I made the step to Brighton, to get experience in the Premier League.

“In the Premier League every day is a final, every game is a final and that's what I wanted to feel.”

By Paul Hazlewood
Joel Veltman arrived at Albion having made nearly 250 appearances for boyhood club Ajax.

What is also unique to the Premier League is the congested Christmas programme with Albion playing the first of four games in 13 days at Fulham tonight. It's a tough schedule, but represents the chance to improve the points tally in a short period of time.  

“We had a difficult programme if you look at our matches,” said Veltman. “Tonight we have Fulham and in the coming weeks we have some very important games.

“We have ten points which says maybe we're not doing well. But in my opinion we are doing well and I have all the confidence that the points total will change soon.”

Veltman is an admirer of Fulham's style and not just because their squad includes two compatriots in Kenny Tete and Terence Kongolo.

“They have the same opinion about football as we do – they like to play. They are lower in the league but I think they will climb up the table.”

11:04

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Potter's Fulham press conference