Jim Goodwin believes the capture of Dutch defender Bert Esselink will help Dundee United to play “front foot” football next season.
Esselink, 25, has penned a two-year deal with the Tangerines with a club-held option for a further season.
The 6ft3ins centre-back arrives after his contract with Polish side Stal Mielec expired earlier this summer and bolsters Goodwin’s defensive options which include Ross Graham, Iurie Iovu and Sam Cleall-Harding.
Although he emerged through the youth ranks in his homeland with De Graapschaf, Esselink made his name in Cyprus turning out for PAEEK, APOEL and Olympiakos Nicosia.
And Goodwin lauded: “Bert’s arrival will have a transformative impact on our ability to regain possession in key areas and play on the front foot,
“His mobility and bravery allows him to engage with the opposition higher up the pitch, and the statistical data reinforces his intelligence when selecting a progressive passing option.
“Bert is also comfortable defending in a deeper block, using his awareness to remain compact and defend the box both on the ground and in the air.”
Experiences
Esselink, who would be eligible to make his debut against Brechin on Saturday, is United’s fifth signing of the close season following the arrivals of Iurie Iuvo, Zac Sapsford, Panutche Camara and Yevhenii Kurechenko.
Goodwin told Dundee United’s official website: “We believe he’ll be an influential member of the dressing room having enjoyed successful spells across Europe.
“They have enriched his footballing education and shaped him into a well-rounded professional.”
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