Despite the overcrowded schedule, Tyrell Malacia is enjoying this season to the fullest at Feyenoord. For example, it looks back with satisfaction on the mutual duels with Antony and David Neres, even though this season they lost twice (0-2 and 3-2) to league-leader Ajax. Malacia wants to become a permanent fixture in the Dutch national team via Feyenoord, although the left back realizes that there is still a long way to go.
As a true Feyenoord player, Malacia knows how important the meetings with Ajax are always. “Antony said the last time he enjoyed it,” the fullback says in conversation with the General Newspaper† “It also makes sense, he won. But apart from the result I also thought it was beautiful. I have a lot of respect for him, he for me. Yes, Antony takes everything. There are guys who go along with it, lose their heads, but there have nothing on you.” Malacia knows that he must remain calm, even when opponents try to take him out of his game.
“I know: if I really lose my head, I get a malfunction. I know that side of myself, that is of no use to you as a football player, so I just have to stay as cool as possible. And that works, also thanks to the experiences at the Dutch. ” At the same the Dutch, Malacia received compliments from national coach Louis van Gaal after his performance in the friendly match against Germany (1-1). “That was nice, but I am not yet a basic player at the Dutch. I want to go there. Yes, that is possible. Why not? If you continue to develop yourself.” The left back gives an example of a part in his game that according to Van Gaal can be improved.
“At Feyenoord I often held the ball just a fraction too long. Some people saw it as a challenge. Like ‘the ball is mine, then take it away’. It wasn’t, but Louis van Gaal showed me images and indicated that it could also go wrong.I used to think: but it doesn’t go wrong, so what are we talking about? But I want to move forward, get better. So you haven’t seen me doing that for weeks,” said Malacia, who won’t be fooled. “I’m used to De Kuip. When I was still a youth player, I once looked on the internet at such a fan forum. I saw what was written about boys from the first. So much negativity. Do you know what you do then? Just don’t read. It doesn’t bother you either, do you?”