Player Focus: Luc Castaignos - A striker reborn

Stuivenberg is no stranger to the brilliance of Castaignos and witnessed it again firsthand during the recent international break. Jong Oranje won 6-0 away to Georgia U21 in a Euro U21 qualifier. Castaignos bagged a hat-trick. His second goal could only be described as an ‘unintentional golazo’. After receiving the ball in the corner of the pitch from a throw-in, he turned and swerved the ball over the goalkeeper and into the goal from an almost impossible angle. “I was lucky,” he told NUsport. “It was meant to be a cross.”

Such is Castaignos form of late that many could be forgiven if they thought it was intentional. After all this is someone who is known for being fearless and innovative, willing to try something different and unorthodox. His half-surprised smile in celebration was another reminder that he’s enjoying his football again; the swagger and confidence is back. In the same game he lined up alongside two of his Twente teammates: midfielder Kyle Ebecilio and winger Promes – all three have been instrumental to Twente’s impressive start.

But let us go back to the beginning. Castaignos was born in the city of Schiedam, notable for where Jan van Riebeeck – founder of Cape Town – resided. Growing up in a troublesome neighbourhood never impacted on his desire to become a professional footballer. Castaignos was kept on the straight and narrow by his supportive parents and love of the game.

He would join Feyenoord’s academy at the age of fourteen from amateur side Excelsior ’20. Paul Benschop, his youth team coach at Excelsior ’20, remembers a single-minded and driven individual. “I remember a weekend get-together. We had many small activities, including a panna (nutmeg) tournament. Luc just wanted to win everything; it was not for his team it was for himself.” By the time he turned fifteen he was not only playing in Feyenoord’s under-16 team but featured heavily in their under-18 squad, winning a host of silverware.

It was at the 2009 under-17 European Championships in Germany – where he guided the Dutch to the final, only to lose to the hosts, and finish as the tournament’s joint top scorer – when interest started to grow. Arsenal, Real Madrid, Manchester United and future club Internazionale were all linked. The same summer saw him promoted to Feyenoord’s senior squad. He made his debut three days before his 17th birthday in a Cup match against Harkemase Boys. His final season at Feyenoord (15 goals in 34 games) was bittersweet; supporters knowing he was off to Italy were apathetic, a new idol gone as soon as he had arrived. He was a mercenary as far as they were concerned.

Now twenty-one, and with regular football, he’s back on the road to fulfilling his potential. Castaignos saw the error of his ways and once seasoned in the Eredivisie a move abroad is logical. Before the possibility of a first international cap it’s worth considering that like many of his contemporaries he’s eligible to play for more than one nation. Although born in the Netherlands his father is French and mother is of Cape Verdean descent, but it’s the Dutch orange he wants to wear. He’s yet to cross the mind of Louis van Gaal, but if he keeps up the level he is currently performing at, it won’t be long before he does.