Overview
Kevin Strootman is a professional footballer from the Netherlands, primarily operating as a central midfielder. Born on February 13, 1990, in Ridderkerk, his career has been marked by a blend of technical skill, tactical intelligence, and physical presence, despite facing significant injury challenges. Strootman's play often revolves around his ability to dictate tempo, break up opposition attacks, and distribute the ball effectively from deep or box-to-box positions.
Position
Strootman is typically deployed as a defensive or central midfielder. His versatility allows him to function effectively as a deep-lying playmaker (regista), a box-to-box midfielder, or even in a more advanced central role when required. His primary strengths lie in his ability to regain possession, intercept passes, and initiate attacks with accurate passing. He is known for his defensive work rate, often covering significant ground to support both the defensive line and offensive movements.
Identity
Often referred to as 'The Washing Machine' by fans and media during his time at AS Roma due to his ability to win and recycle possession, Strootman's identity on the pitch is that of a strong, intelligent, and reliable central figure. His leadership qualities, evident in his communication and organizational skills, have seen him take on influential roles at various clubs and for the national team. He combines tactical discipline with a powerful left foot, making him a threat from distance and a reliable set-piece taker.
Career path
Kevin Strootman's professional career began in the Netherlands, progressing through various clubs before making his mark in Serie A and Ligue 1.
Sparta Rotterdam
Strootman began his youth career at local clubs before joining the academy of Sparta Rotterdam. He made his senior debut for the club in the Eerste Divisie during the 2007-08 season. He quickly established himself as a first-team regular, making 84 appearances across all competitions before his departure in January 2011 (Transfermarkt).
FC Utrecht
In January 2011, Strootman moved to FC Utrecht. His stint there was brief but impactful, featuring regularly and showcasing his capabilities in the Eredivisie. He played 16 matches for Utrecht before attracting interest from top Dutch clubs (Transfermarkt).
PSV Eindhoven
Strootman joined PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 2011. This move proved to be a significant step in his career, where he developed into one of the most highly-rated midfielders in the Eredivisie. During his two seasons at PSV, he made 88 appearances, scoring 11 goals and providing 20 assists (Transfermarkt). His performances at PSV earned him a reputation as a complete midfielder and a key figure in the team, culminating in interest from major European clubs.
AS Roma
In July 2013, Strootman made a high-profile move to AS Roma in Italy's Serie A. He quickly became an integral part of Roma's midfield, known for his relentless energy and distribution. His tenure at Roma, however, was significantly impacted by a series of serious knee injuries, particularly an anterior cruciate ligament rupture in March 2014, which sidelined him for extended periods (Wikipedia). Despite these setbacks, he made 131 appearances for the Giallorossi, scoring 13 goals over five seasons, and was a fan favorite due to his resilience and commitment (Transfermarkt).
Olympique Marseille
Strootman moved to Olympique Marseille in August 2018. He spent three seasons at the French club, making 88 appearances and scoring 4 goals (Transfermarkt). During his time in Marseille, he also had loan spells at Genoa CFC and Cagliari Calcio, returning to Serie A for experience and game time. These loans provided him with further opportunities to feature regularly after his injury struggles.
Playing style
Kevin Strootman's playing style is characterized by a blend of technical proficiency, tactical astuteness, and physical robustness. As a central midfielder, he excels in the box-to-box role, contributing significantly to both defensive and offensive phases of play.
One of Strootman's primary attributes is his passing ability. He possesses excellent vision and a wide range of passing, capable of orchestrating play from deep positions with accurate short passes and incisive long balls to switch play or find attackers. His pass completion rates have consistently been high throughout his career, often exceeding 85% (Sofascore), indicating his reliability in possession.
Defensively, Strootman is known for his strong tackling and intelligent positioning. He reads the game well, allowing him to intercept passes and break up opposition attacks effectively. His physical presence, at 1.86 m, enables him to compete successfully in aerial duels and physical contests in midfield. While not a prolific goalscorer, he possesses a powerful left-footed shot from outside the box and makes well-timed runs into the penalty area, contributing to attacking movements.
His work rate and stamina are also notable. Strootman consistently covers significant ground during matches, demonstrating the endurance required for his box-to-box role. He is adept at pressing opponents and tracking back to support his defense. Compared to players like Nemanja Matić in terms of defensive solidity and short passing, or perhaps a more robust version of Xabi Alonso in his prime for deep distribution, Strootman offers a unique blend of these qualities.
Despite his injury history, Strootman has maintained a high level of technical execution and tactical understanding, allowing him to adapt his game. His ability to control the tempo of a match and provide a stable presence in midfield makes him a valuable asset to any team.
Achievements & honours
Kevin Strootman's career has seen him lift domestic trophies and earn individual recognition for his performances, particularly during his time in the Netherlands. While major European trophies have eluded him, his contributions to title-challenging teams underscore his quality.
Club Honours
| Competition | Club | Year |
|---|---|---|
| KNVB Cup | PSV Eindhoven | 2011–12 |
| Johan Cruyff Shield | PSV Eindhoven | 2012 |
Individual Accolades
- Eredivisie Team of the Year: 2011–12, 2012–13 (Wikipedia)
- AS Roma Player of the Season: 2013-14 (unofficial fan awards often cited)
Strootman's consistent high-level performances during his peak years, especially at PSV and early in his Roma career, earned him widespread praise and inclusion in various team of the season selections. His leadership qualities were also frequently highlighted, making him a captaincy candidate at several points in his career.
International career
Kevin Strootman has represented the Netherlands national team at various levels, earning his senior debut in 2011. He quickly became a key figure in the Oranje midfield, known for his composure and tactical intelligence.
He made his senior international debut for the Netherlands on February 9, 2011, in a friendly against Austria (Wikipedia). Strootman's consistent performances for PSV Eindhoven and later AS Roma solidified his place in the national squad. He was a vital part of the Dutch team during the qualification campaigns for several major tournaments.
However, Strootman's international career was significantly impacted by the serious knee injury he sustained in March 2014, which forced him to miss the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where the Netherlands finished third (FIFA.com). This was a considerable blow, as he was expected to be a starter in Louis van Gaal's midfield.
Despite the injury setbacks, he continued to be called up to the national team when fit, contributing to subsequent qualification efforts. Strootman has accumulated over 40 caps for his country, scoring several goals. He played a significant role in the Netherlands' campaigns for the UEFA European Championship and FIFA World Cup qualifiers, providing a strong and experienced presence in central midfield (Wikipedia). His ability to dictate play and shield the defense made him a valuable asset, even as competition for midfield places grew.
What makes Kevin Strootman stand out
Kevin Strootman stands out primarily for his exceptional blend of tactical intelligence and physical presence in midfield. He possesses a rare ability to read the game, anticipate opposition movements, and break down attacks, often winning the ball back and immediately initiating counter-attacks with his precise passing. His leadership qualities are also a significant differentiator; he is known for his vocal communication and organizational skills on the pitch, often directing teammates and setting the tempo for his side.
A signature trait is his powerful left-footed strike from range, making him a threat from outside the box. Furthermore, his resilience in overcoming multiple severe knee injuries is a testament to his mental fortitude and dedication, allowing him to return to top-flight football and maintain a high standard of play. This determination has earned him immense respect from peers and fans alike.
"Strootman is a player with great personality. He's a leader, he's strong, he's good with the ball, he's got everything." – Luciano Spalletti