Diego Biseswar

Diego Biseswar

Personal information
Full name	Diego Marvin Biseswar
Date of birth	March 8, 1988 (1988-03-08) (age 23)
Place of birth	Amsterdam, Netherlands
Height	1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)
Playing position	Left winger
Club information
Current club	Feyenoord
Number	22
Youth career
1993–1994	DWS
1994–1999	Ajax
1999–2000	DWS
2000–2001	Stormvogels Telstar
2001–2004	Feyenoord
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2005–	Feyenoord	88	(11)
2006–2007	→ Heracles Almelo (loan)	26	(2)
2007–2008	→ De Graafschap (loan)	11	(0)
National team‡
2004–2005	Netherlands U17	?	(?)
2009–2010	Netherlands U21	?	(?)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 20 May 2011. † Appearances (Goals). ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 20 May 2011

Diego Marvin Biseswar (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈɟeːgoː ˈbisəsˌʋɑr]) (born 8 March 1988 in Amsterdam), nicknamed Diogs,^[1] is a Dutch footballer who currently plays as a left winger for Dutch Eredivisie club Feyenoord and the Netherlands U21.

After a turbulent youth career, Biseswar ended up at the Rotterdam club Feyenoord. Biseswar made his debut at the age of 17, but had a hard time becoming a first team regular. After two loan spells, Feyenoord was close to sell Biseswar, but the Amsterdam-born fought back strongly. Biseswar became a first team regular in the season 2008–09 and signed an improved contract until 2012.

Early life

Biseswar was born in Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands, to the parents Astrando and Sandra Biseswar, both of Surinamese descent. Biseswar's father is a bus driver in Amsterdam. Biseswar has one older sister and one younger brother, who is named Romario. Despite the football related names, the Biseswar boys were not named after the football icons Maradona and Romário.^[2]

As a child, Biseswar only had one passion: football. Biseswar developed his football skills on the squares of Amsterdam, until a good friend of Biseswar's father suggested his parents to let him join an amateur football team.^[2]

Club career

Youth career

Biseswar had a turbulent youth career. His first football club was DWS, a relative big amateur club from Amsterdam. After playing for DWS for one season, he was invited to join the Ajax youth academy. After five seasons, Ajax declared Biseswar to be 'unmanageable' and sent him away.^[3] It didn't bother Biseswar at all. Biseswar explained to be happy to leave: "Ajax thought I wasn't good enough and I wanted to leave myself. I didn't feel at ease, many friends were leaving and my relationship with the coach wasn't optimal. It was unfortunate, but there were no dreams in tatters." ^[2]

Biseswar returned to his friends of DWS. Again, he only played for DWS for a short term. After a successful season, in which Biseswar's team defeated Ajax twice, Biseswar joined Telstar, a Dutch Eerste Divisie club from Velsen. After one season, Biseswar was asked to join the Feyenoord youth academy. Biseswar was more than happy to: "I visited them a few times and was quickly convinced. I had no difficulty to join Feyenoord as a boy from Amsterdam. And why? Ajax was far behind me and I always had a special feeling for Feyenoord." ^[2]

After playing for Feyenoord U15 for one season, Biseswar was promoted to Feyenoord U17, in which he played for two seasons. At the end of the last season, Biseswar made his debut in Feyenoord's first team.^[2]

Feyenoord (2004–)

The beginning (2004–2006)

Biseswar's professional career started in the season 2004–05. On October 29, 2004, Biseswar signed his first professional contract with Feyenoord, at the age of 16. Biseswar would stay in De Kuip until summer 2007, with an option for another two seasons.^[4] On May 22, 2005, Biseswar made his official Feyenoord debut by replacing Tim Vincken in the 67th minute in Feyenoord's last Eredivisie match of the season 2004–05. Feyenoord defeated ADO Den Haag (6–3), which was also the last match under the management of Ruud Gullit.^[5]

Biseswar at a Feyenoord training.

In the season 2005–06, Biseswar mainly played for Feyenoord U19. However, Biseswar had six appearances in Feyenoord's first team and scored his first goal in the Eredivisie. On November 20, 2005, Biseswar replaced the injured Boussaboun in the 53rd minute in the Eredivisie away match against Roda JC. In the 79th minute, Biseswar scored the winning 2–3 goal.^[6]

Loan spells (2006–2008)

Despite Biseswar's inclusion in the senior ranks, it was felt Biseswar required more pitch time to hone his skills. Biseswar had two Eredivisie loan spells. For the season 2006–07 he joined Heracles Almelo.^[7] Biseswar made 26 Eredivisie appearances for the club, in which he scored two goals. However, Heracles Almelo decided not to continue with Biseswar due to disciplinary reasons.^[8] For the season 2007–08, Biseswar had an unsuccessful spell at Eredivisie side De Graafschap.^[9] Biseswar failed to make an impression and only played 11 Eredivisie matches for the club from Doetinchem, without scoring any goals.

Back to Feyenoord (2008–)

For the season 2008–09, Biseswar returned to Feyenoord, where he would be a free agent at the end of the season. After two disappointing loan spells and Feyenoord's unhealthy financial situation, Feyenoord decided to place Biseswar on the transfer list. A trial at Sheffield United appeared to have been fruitful, but the Blades could not come up with sufficient funds to take him to England.^[10] Feyenoord failed to sell the youngster, but Biseswar made a good impression during pre-season and the early league matches. Therefore, manager Gertjan Verbeek opted to give Biseswar another chance.^[11]

Biseswar fought back strongly and quickly developed into an important first team member. The left winger had an expiring contract at the Rotterdam side, which made him an interesting target for several clubs. Ajax,^[12] PSV, FC Twente, Benfica and Valencia ^[13] were linked with Biseswar. However, on March 10, 2009, Biseswar announced he didn't consider leaving Feyenoord for another Dutch club.^[14] On April 3, 2009, Biseswar ended all rumors by renewing his contract with Feyenoord for another three seasons.^[15] Biseswar finished the season with 28 Eredivisie matches, scoring a total of 7 goals.

International career

Biseswar was initially touted for a call up for Trinidad and Tobago to play on the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. Local research on the Caribbean islands had shown that the Feyenoord player would be eligible to receive a Trinidad and Tobago passport. Trinidad and Tobago manager Leo Beenhakker even visited Feyenoord's away match against Vitesse on January 15, 2006, to follow the Feyenoord striker. However, on January 16, 2006, Biseswar's father denied all possible links between the Biseswar family and Trinidad and Tobago on the Dutch TV show Café de Sport. Biseswar is Dutch, born in Amsterdam, while his parents are from Suriname.^[16]

Youth teams

Biseswer went through all the Dutch representative youth teams. Since he joined Feyenoord in 2002, Biseswar played for the Netherlands U16, Netherlands U17, Netherlands U19, Beloftenelftal, Jong Oranje and Netherlands B.^[17] Biseswar had his absolute highlight in his campaign with the Netherlands U17, finishing second on the UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship and third on the FIFA U-17 World Championship.

Netherlands U17 (2004–2005)

Biseswar received his first international recognition after the Netherlands U17's second place at the 2005 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship in Italy. The Feyenoord striker had the poise to claim the late group stage winner against Israel U17 (2–1) ^[18] that took the Netherlands through to the semi-final against hosts Italy U17 (0–1).^[19] Biseswar was mentioned in the team of the tournament,^[20] but couldn't save his team from losing the final to Turkey U17 (0–2).^[21] With a second place, the Netherlands U17 qualified for the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship in Peru. Biseswar's team finished third after losing the semi final against later winner Mexico U17 (0–4), but winning the third place playoff match against Turkey U17 (2–1).^[22]

Netherlands U21 (2009–)

Biseswar is currently playing for the Netherlands U21. On August 11, 2009, the Netherlands U21 started their 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship qualifying campaign with a friendly match against England U21 (0–0).

Statistics

As of 20 May 2011

Club performance			League		Cup		Continental		Total
Season	Club	League	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Netherlands			League		KNVB Cup		Europe		Total
2004–05	Feyenoord	Eredivisie	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
2005–06			6	1	1	0	0	0	7	1
2006–07	Heracles Almelo	Eredivisie	26	2	0	0	-		26	2
2007–08	Feyenoord	Eredivisie	1	0	1	0	-		2	0
	De Graafschap	Eredivisie	11	0	0	0	-		11	0
2008–09	Feyenoord	Eredivisie	28	7	2	0	4	0	34	7
2009–10			10	0	2	1	-		12	1
2010–11			23	2	0	0	-		23	2
Total	Netherlands		106	12	6	1	4	0	116	13
Career total			106	12	6	1	4	0	116	13

Trivia

• Even though living in Amsterdam, the Biseswar family have always been big Feyenoord fans. When Biseswar renewed his contract at Feyenoord in April 2009, his father was thrilled: "I look forward to come to De Kuip for many more years, because although I come from Amsterdam, Feyenoord is my club. It would be wonderful to see Diego win the national title with Feyenoord in the coming years." ^[23]

References

1. ^ RTV Rijnmond (11 September 2009). Rap Feyenoorders (Television production). Rotterdam. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_NUEMvQFZQ. 
2. ^ ^{a b c d e} "Diego Biseswar" (in Dutch). Kameraadjes. http://www.feyenoord.nl/content/asp/kameraadjes/website/feyenoord.asp?speler=10010000020742. Retrieved 1 October 2009. 
3. ^ "Het jongensboek van een Amsterdams lefgozertje [The story of an Amsterdam boy with guts]" (in Dutch). Volkskrant. 21 November 2005. http://www.volkskrant.nl/sport/article149136.ece/Het_jongensboek_van_een_Amsterdams_lefgozertje. Retrieved 1 October 2009. 
4. ^ "Eerste contract voor Diego Biseswar [First contract for Diego Biseswar]" (in Dutch). Feyenoord.nl. 29 October 2004. http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/newsdetail/S2/20041029biseswar.aspx. Retrieved 1 October 2009. 
5. ^ "Feyenoord verslaat ADO Den Haag: 6–3 [Feyenoord defeats ADO Den Haag: 6–3]" (in Dutch). Feyenoord.nl. 22 May 2005. http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/datapresenter/S2/10010000000002-10010000000016/wedstrijdinfo.aspx?contentcode=matchinfo&dataid=10010000029967. Retrieved 1 October 2009. 
6. ^ "Diego Biseswar schiet Feyenoord naar zege [Diego Biseswar shoots Feyenoord to victory]" (in Dutch). Feyenoord.nl. 20 November 2005. http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/newsdetail/S2/20051120rodajc.aspx. Retrieved 1 October 2009. 
7. ^ "Biseswar verhuurd aan Heracles Almelo [Biseswar on loan to Heracles Almelo]" (in Dutch). Feyenoord.nl. 1 August 2006. http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/newsdetail/S2/20060801biseswar.aspx. Retrieved 3 October 2009. 
8. ^ "Biseswar werkt aan zijn fouten [Biseswar tries to improve]" (in Dutch). AD. 5 Augusts 2008. http://www.fr-fanatic.com/2008/08/05/9583/. Retrieved 1 October 2009. 
9. ^ "Biseswar maakt seizoen af bij De Graafschap [Biseswar finishes season at De Graafschap]" (in Dutch). Feyenoord.nl. 31 January 2008. http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/newsdetail/S2/20080131_biseswar.aspx. Retrieved 3 October 2009. 
10. ^ "Toulon Tournament Player Of The Day: Diego Biseswar". Goal.com. 7 June 2009. http://www.goal.com/en/news/462/netherlands/2009/06/07/1311643/toulon-tournament-player-of-the-day-diego-biseswar. Retrieved 1 October 2009. 
11. ^ "Biseswar Back In the Picture". Goal.com. 15 September 2008. http://www.goal.com/en/news/1562/feyenoord/2008/09/15/865138/biseswar-back-in-the-picture. Retrieved 2 October 2009. ^{[dead link]}
12. ^ "Vraagprijs Elia hoog, alternatief Biseswar [High asking price Elia, Biseswar alternative]" (in Dutch). AjaxClub.nl. http://www.ajaxclub.nl/nieuws/Vraagprijs_Elia_hoog,_alternatief_Biseswar_.html. Retrieved 2 October 2009. 
13. ^ "Valencia join Diego Biseswar race". Goal.com. 16 March 2009. http://www.goal.com/en/news/1686/eredivisie/2009/03/16/1158368/valencia-join-diego-biseswar-race-report. Retrieved 2 October 2009. 
14. ^ "Biseswar not leaving Feyenoord for other Dutch club". Goal.com. 10 March 2009. http://www.goal.com/en/news/1686/eredivisie/2009/03/10/1148266/biseswar-not-leaving-feyenoord-for-other-dutch-team. Retrieved 2 October 2009. 
15. ^ "Biseswar nog drie jaar bij Feyenoord [Biseswar remains at Feyenoord for another three years]" (in Dutch). Feyenoord.nl. 3 April 2009. http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/newsdetail/S2/20090403_biseswar_contract.aspx. Retrieved 1 October 2009. 
16. ^ "Leo Beenhakker zit achter Biseswar aan [Leo Beenhakker chases Biseswar]" (in Dutch). Voetbal International. 16 January 2006. http://www.vi.nl/Nieuws-item/75899/Leo-Beenhakker-zit-achter-Biseswar-aan.htm. Retrieved 3 October 2009. 
17. ^ "'Even babbelen met Beenhakker' ['Quick chat with Beenhakker']" (in Dutch). Ons Oranje. 6 April 2009. http://onsoranje.nl/news/content/news/oranje/nederland-b/Onder-Oranje--Biseswar.html. Retrieved 3 October 2009. ^{[dead link]}
18. ^ "Biseswar does the business". UEFA. 8 May 2005. http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under17/history/season=2005/round=1920/match=80726/index.html. Retrieved 3 October 2009. ^{[dead link]}
19. ^ "Zaalman header ends home hopes". UEFA. 11 May 2005. http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under17/history/season=2005/round=1921/match=80817/index.html. Retrieved 3 October 2009. ^{[dead link]}
20. ^ "Ten talents to track". UEFA. 16 May 2005. http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under17/news/kind=1/newsid=302151.html. Retrieved 3 October 2009. ^{[dead link]}
21. ^ "Dynamic Turkey seal cup success". UEFA. 14 May 2005. http://www.uefa.com/competitions/under17/history/season=2005/round=1923/match=80823/index.html. Retrieved 3 October 2009. ^{[dead link]}
22. ^ "Netherlands topple lacklustre Turks (2:1)". FIFA. 3 October 2005. http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/tournament=102/edition=9095/news/newsid=100707.html. Retrieved 3 October 2009. 
23. ^ "Biseswar zet handtekening onder nieuw contract [Biseswar signs new contract]" (in Dutch). Feyenoord.nl. 6 April 2009. http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/newsdetail/S2/20090406_biseswar_contract.aspx. Retrieved 1 October 2009. 

External links

• Official Diego Biseswar profile on Feyenoord.nl (Dutch)
• Kameraadjes Club: Diego Biseswar (Dutch)
• Voetbal International: Diego Biseswar (Dutch)
• Diego Biseswar – FIFA competition record

Persondata
Name	Biseswar, Diego
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	8 March 1988
Place of birth	Amsterdam, Netherlands
Date of death
Place of death