Feyenoord build from the back
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Article summary
Feyenoord have reinforced their defence by signing Netherlands Under-21 right-back Dwight Tiendalli and Belgian international Philippe Léonard.
Article body
Feyenoord have reinforced their defensive options by signing Netherlands Under-21 right-back Dwight Tiendalli and Belgian international left-back Philippe Léonard.
'Big step up'
The 20-year-old Tiendalli will arrive at De Kuip on a four-year contract, medical permitting, fresh from a victorious campaign with the Jong Oranje at this summer's UEFA European Under-21 Championship. He leaves FC Utrecht after 41 Eredivisie appearances spanning three seasons. "This is a big step up for me as Feyenoord are a massive club with great support," Tiendalli said.
International experience
Meanwhile, the 32-year-old Léonard, who has 24 caps for his country, joins on a free transfer having quit Belgian First Division runners-up R. Standard de Liège at the end of last term. "He will have to get fit but once he is, he will bring a lot of experience," said Feyenoord technical manager Peter Bosz. Léonard started out with Standard in 1992 before a six-year spell with AS Monaco FC, where he won two league titles and the French League Cup. Following a solitary campaign with OGC Nice, he returned to Standard in summer 2004 and took his total of league games for the Liege outfit to 180.