Scouted as a fielder, but completely transformed into a goalkeeper; it is the PSV story of Niek Schiks. A book with an open ending, as the 19-year-old co-footed goalkeeper works hard at Young PSV for a breakthrough.
Donning the gloves
At JVC Cuijck, Niek played in defense or midfield. There he impressed PSV scouts. "I was not very fast, but had a good technique." Goalkeeping had never come up until he had to fill in once during a tournament. "The trainers immediately noticed I had talent. The following years I alternated between field play and goalkeeping, but from the O13 I completely chose goalkeeping," says Niek, who has now played almost thirty official matches for Young PSV.
So his change of position turned out to be a bull's-eye, even the goalkeeper himself knows, "In hindsight, of course I'm very happy with it, especially when I see the places I get to and what it brings me; playing for this club for so long." He describes himself as an involved goalkeeper. "I'm involved a lot with my team, especially with the four defenders in front of me. I communicate a lot and don't mince my words in doing so." Niek also gets involved soccer-wise. "I enjoy that. On the ball it is visible that I have a football past, I am two-legged and have a good pass in the house. Fortunately, the primary task of a goalkeeper, stopping balls, also goes well for me," he laughs. "The more I stop, the further I get."
Boyhood dream
Niek knows no better than playing for PSV. He can still clearly remember how he looked at it as a little boy: "I was well aware that PSV was a very big club, but at that time you are mainly concerned with 'playing good football'. I was living the dream of my classmates." According to the 19-year-old, it's good not to get ahead of yourself when you've been around a professional club for longer. "You have to watch out that it doesn't become normal to play at PSV, because there are a lot of guys who would want that. I always try to stay down-to-earth, and I think I still manage that quite well. That's also because of the people at the club: teammates, staff and trainers keep me with both feet on the ground."
Fighting for your place
At Young PSV, Roy Steur and Kjell Peersman also get playing time. Yet there is no question of a bitter competitive atmosphere. "It's very simple: you play at a top club at a decent level, so the bar is high. That's good for all of us, because it only makes us better. The best will come out on top in the end. That thought motivates me to show up during matches."
Meanwhile, Niek has been on the training field several times with the A-selection. "Every young football player dreams of this. Since my arrival this was my goal, so the first time involved the necessary nerves. I also eventually got used to it as I got to know the guys better." His fellow goalies played a big role in that. "Boy Waterman is like a mentor for me, I can always go to him. The fact that he and Joël Drommel speak Dutch comes in handy. Walter Benítez is really a beast in goal, I also learn a lot from him. I look along with experienced players, which helps me improve my game and develop a unique style of play."
