Overview
Patrick van Aanholt is a seasoned Dutch professional footballer, recognized for his dynamic role as a left-back. Born in 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, on 29 August 1990, Van Aanholt stands at 1.75 meters (5 ft 9 in) and has carved out a notable career in European football. His journey has seen him play in the Premier League, Eredivisie, and Süper Lig, accumulating significant experience at the highest levels of the game. He has also earned caps for the Netherlands national team, representing his country on the international stage.
Position
Van Aanholt primarily operates as a left-back, a role that demands both defensive solidity and attacking impetus. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated the ability to patrol the entire left flank, contributing to build-up play and providing width in attack, while also fulfilling his defensive responsibilities. His versatility has occasionally seen him deployed in a more advanced left-midfield role, particularly in systems that favor wing-backs.
Identity
Van Aanholt's footballing identity is characterized by his athleticism, speed, and powerful left-footed delivery. He is often described as an attacking full-back, known for his overlapping runs, willingness to drive into the opposition half, and ability to contribute goals and assists. His experience across various leagues has instilled a tactical understanding that allows him to adapt to different defensive and offensive schemes, making him a valuable asset to any squad.
Career path
Patrick van Aanholt's footballing journey began in the youth ranks of PSV Eindhoven before he moved to Chelsea's academy in 2007. His professional debut for Chelsea came in a League Cup match against Newcastle United in September 2010. Despite his potential, competition for places at Chelsea led to a series of loan spells that provided him with valuable first-team experience.
Loan Spells and Development
His initial loan moves included stints at Coventry City in 2009, followed by spells at Newcastle United and Leicester City in 2010. These experiences in the Championship allowed him to refine his game and adapt to the physicality of senior football. A significant loan period came at Vitesse Arnhem in the Eredivisie, where he spent two seasons from 2011 to 2013, making over 70 appearances and establishing himself as a key player. This period was crucial for his development, providing consistent playing time at a high level.
Sunderland and Crystal Palace
In July 2014, Van Aanholt made a permanent move to Sunderland for an undisclosed fee, as reported by Transfermarkt. He spent two and a half seasons with the Black Cats, becoming a regular starter and showcasing his attacking capabilities, often contributing with important goals. His performances at Sunderland attracted interest from other Premier League clubs, leading to his transfer to Crystal Palace in January 2017. At Crystal Palace, Van Aanholt continued to be a prominent figure at left-back, known for his forward runs and goal-scoring ability from defense. He made over 130 appearances for the Eagles before his departure.
Galatasaray and PSV Eindhoven
After his contract with Crystal Palace expired, Van Aanholt moved to Turkish Süper Lig club Galatasaray in July 2021 on a free transfer, a move also detailed by Transfermarkt. He spent two seasons in Turkey, featuring regularly in domestic competitions and the UEFA Europa League. In January 2023, he returned to the Netherlands, joining PSV Eindhoven on loan, marking a return to his former youth club. This move provided him with another opportunity to play in the Eredivisie and contribute to a title-contending side.
Playing style
Patrick van Aanholt is quintessential modern full-back, distinguished by his offensive contributions and athletic attributes. His playing style is characterized by a strong emphasis on attacking down the left flank, providing width, and delivering crosses into the box. Van Aanholt's pace and stamina enable him to make frequent overlapping runs, getting behind opposition defenses and creating goal-scoring opportunities. Data from platforms like FBref often highlights his involvement in progressive carries and passes into the final third, underscoring his forward-thinking approach.
Technically, Van Aanholt possesses a powerful left foot, which he uses effectively for shooting from distance and delivering dangerous crosses. He is known for his ability to strike the ball with venom, leading to several memorable goals from outside the penalty area during his career, particularly during his time in the Premier League with Sunderland and Crystal Palace. His finishing ability is notably high for a defender, making him a genuine goal threat.
While his attacking prowess is a key feature, Van Aanholt also contributes defensively. His speed aids in recovery runs and tracking back, helping to nullify opposition wingers. He exhibits good tackling ability and anticipation, often intercepting passes and breaking up play in his defensive third. However, like many attacking full-backs, his positioning can sometimes be exposed when caught high up the pitch, requiring strong cover from central defenders or midfielders.
Comparisons can be drawn to other attacking full-backs who balance defensive duties with significant offensive output, such as a younger Aleksandar Kolarov or Kieran Trippier, both known for their powerful shots and crossing ability from wide positions. Van Aanholt's consistent goal contributions from defense set him apart, making him a valuable asset in systems that rely on full-backs for creative output.
Achievements & honours
Patrick van Aanholt has accumulated several team honors throughout his career, reflecting his contributions to successful sides in various leagues. While individual accolades have been less frequent, his consistent performance has been a key factor in his teams' successes.
Club Honours
| Competition | Club | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Eredivisie | PSV Eindhoven | 2022–23 |
| KNVB Cup | PSV Eindhoven | 2022–23 |
| FA Youth Cup | Chelsea | 2009–10 |
His return to PSV Eindhoven saw him contribute to their Eredivisie triumph in the 2022-23 season, adding a significant domestic league title to his collection. He also secured the KNVB Cup with PSV in the same season, demonstrating his impact in Dutch football. Earlier in his career, he was part of the Chelsea youth team that lifted the FA Youth Cup in the 2009–10 season, a testament to his early promise.
International Milestones
While he has not won major international tournaments with the Netherlands national team, his consistent presence in the squad and participation in qualifying campaigns for major tournaments represent significant milestones in his career, affirming his status as a respected international player.
International career
Patrick van Aanholt has represented the Netherlands at various youth levels before making his senior international debut. His journey through the national team setup began with the U17, U19, and U21 squads, where he gained valuable experience in international competition. He was a regular for the Netherlands U21 team, participating in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
Van Aanholt earned his first senior cap for the Netherlands national team on 19 November 2013, coming on as a substitute in a friendly against Colombia. Since his debut, he has accumulated 19 caps for his country, as confirmed by FIFA. While he has yet to score a senior international goal, his role has primarily been to provide defensive solidity and attacking width from the left-back position.
He has been part of the Netherlands squad for various qualifying campaigns for major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship. Notably, he was selected in the squad for UEFA Euro 2020 (held in 2021), where he made appearances in the group stage matches. His inclusion in such a prestigious tournament underscored his value to the national team, providing an experienced option at left-back.
Van Aanholt typically serves as a reliable option for the national team, often competing for a starting spot or providing depth from the bench. His understanding of the game and ability to adapt to different tactical setups make him a versatile asset for the national coach. His international career reflects a consistent performer who has maintained a place in the competitive Dutch squad over several years.
What makes Patrick van Aanholt stand out
Patrick van Aanholt stands out primarily due to his exceptional attacking output for a full-back. While many defenders are expected to contribute offensively, Van Aanholt's consistent ability to score goals and provide assists from the left-back position is a defining trait. His powerful left-footed shot, often unleashed from outside the box, has yielded numerous spectacular goals throughout his career, making him a genuine threat in the final third.
Another distinguishing feature is his relentless work rate and athleticism. He possesses the stamina to cover the entire left flank for 90 minutes, constantly shuttling between defense and attack. This allows his teams to maintain width and pressure on the opposition, creating numerical advantages in wide areas. His speed also enables him to recover defensively, mitigating the risks associated with his forward forays.
"Patrick brings a lot of energy and an attacking threat from left-back. He's difficult to play against because he's always looking to get forward and has a real eye for goal."