United sign 'transformative' Dutch defender Esselink
Dundee United have signed Bert Esselink after 25-year-old centre-half left Stal Mielec following their relegation from the Polish top flight.
United manager Jim Goodwin expects the Dutchman, who has signed a a two-year contract with a club-held option to extend for a further 12 months, to have a "transformative impact" on his defence.
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"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," Goodwin told United's website.
"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."
Esselink came through De Graafschap's academy in his homeland before making his senior debut for Cypriot club PAEEK, helping the Nicosia-based club secure promotion to the top tier for the first time.
His release clause was triggered by APOEL Nicosia, but he moved to Olympiakos Nicosia in search of first-team football.
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Esselink moved to Poland in 2023 and Unied say that during his two seasons with Stal he ranked among "the division's most successful duel combatants, possession winners and forward-pass completionists".
However, playing 28 times last season, 22 of them starts, he could not prevent his side dropping to the second tier after finishing 16th of 18 teams in the Ekstraklasa.
"Bert's arrival will have a transformative impact on our ability to regain possession in key areas and play on the front foot," Goodwin added.
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