FC Twente summer signing Nicky Kuiper has admitted his surprise that he is not a first-team regular.
Left-back frustrated by lack of first-team opportunities
FC Twente summer signing Nicky Kuiper has admitted his surprise that he is not a first-team regular under Steve McClaren.
The former Vitesse Arnhem left-back was a target of champions AZ Alkmaar, but he snubbed the interest because it was thought he would be a regular at Twente.
Kuiper has therefore sounded his disappointment that boss McClaren has preferred to select Slobodan Rajkovic, a centre-back by trade, on the left of defence.
"It is annoying that I am currently second choice behind Rajkovic. At the start of the season I had not expected this because he is more a central defender," Kuiper told
KNVB.nl.
But the 20-year-old, who started and scored against FC Utrecht last weekend due to an injury to Rajkovic, acknowledges he is still developing.
"At the same time, I have much to learn. I have only played 19 matches in professional football," he added.
"The opportunities I get, I must take. Steve McClaren gives me confidence, but sees improvement. Patience is the magic word."
