As he approaches the conclusion of his inaugural season in Serie A, Udinese midfielder Jurgen Ekkelenkamp took some time to sit down with Flashscore to share his insights on the contrasts between Italy and Germany’s top leagues, reflect on his experiences under Erik ten Hag at Ajax, and share his aspirations for the World Cup, among other topics.
The Dutch talent has kicked off 2025 in style, following a brilliant first goal of the campaign against Napoli with a double against Empoli.
At just 24 years of age, Ekkelenkamp made his move to Udinese from Antwerp during the summer, having previously donned the colours of his childhood club Ajax and Hertha Berlin.
In this exclusive chat, we delve into these subjects and more.
Jurgen, it’s great to have you here. How are you finding your first season at Udinese?
“It’s been very enjoyable. The people have been incredibly welcoming and supportive. I’m genuinely happy here.”
What were your thoughts when you learned of Udinese’s interest in signing you?
“I saw it as a fantastic opportunity. Udinese is a club with a rich history and some really great players. The competition here is impressive, so I was thrilled.”
How do you think Serie A compares to the Bundesliga?
“The Bundesliga tends to be more about running, while Serie A places a greater emphasis on strategy and tactics. It’s also quite physical, I believe.”
Have you noticed any differences in the level of play transitioning from the Dutch and Belgian leagues?
“I believe Italy presents a higher standard overall, but both the Netherlands and Belgium each have their unique styles. Every league has its distinct characteristics.”
Dutch players seem to excel in Italy — Stefan de Vrij, Teun Koopmeiners, Tijani Reijnders… Do you think there’s something about Italian football or the lifestyle that appeals to the Dutch?
“I can’t say for sure. But you’re right, a number of Dutch players have found success here, like the ones you mentioned and also (Denzel) Dumfries. Maybe the style of football in Italy aligns well with what we do.”
Scoring your first goals for the club in recent weeks must have been an exhilarating experience.
“Absolutely! The first goal was particularly special, especially against a strong team like Napoli. I was over the moon… I put in a lot of practice on that kind of shot, so it was rewarding.”
That match against Napoli came while they were competing for the title with Inter and Atalanta — did you notice a difference in quality when facing those top teams?
“Definitely, you can feel the quality they possess. Some of their players can really turn a game in an instant with their ability. They are truly top-tier teams.”
Is quitting for the best position behind the top clubs this season Udinese’s objective?
“I think we just aim to finish as high as possible. We’ll see how that goes; maybe we can secure a European spot, but for now, we just want to end the season on a positive note and see where we land.”
Did Udinese’s play style suit you from the get-go, or did you have to adapt your game at all?
“I had to make some adjustments at the start. Initially, I played in various positions, but now I’m mostly settled into one role, which makes things easier for me… I prefer playing as a number 10 or as an eight, rather than a defensive midfielder. While I can play defensively, I enjoy being more attacking.”
Shifting focus to matters away from Italy, you must be pleased with Ajax’s resurgence this season.
“Absolutely! It’s been remarkable. At one point, Ajax found themselves at the bottom of the league, which was a shocking situation. But now, things are looking promising again.”
You played under Erik ten Hag during your time there — how was that experience for you?
“He’s an excellent coach. His dedication to elevating every player’s performance and his tactical acumen really stood out.”
He has faced quite a bit of criticism for his time at Manchester United. Do you think some of that is warranted?
“Every coach faces challenges, especially at a club like Manchester United. Following (Sir Alex) Ferguson’s era, it’s a tough gig. I’m not sure why that is, though.”
You also worked under Mark van Bommel at Antwerp, didn’t you?
“Yes, that was a truly special experience. He’s one of the best coaches I’ve had, and he genuinely helped improve my game. It was also a joy to converse with him. A truly remarkable coach.”
Looking towards the future, with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, do you have ambitions of breaking into the national team?
“It would certainly be wonderful, but the Netherlands has a strong midfield. However, I’m committed to working hard, and you never know in football — anything is possible. The country’s defence and midfield are exceptionally skilled.”
Considering your recent scoring form and the current needs of the team, perhaps a forward role could suit you.
(Laughing) Yeah, who knows? It’s all possible!
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
