Marcel De Jong To Ottawa Was Latest In Trend Of Canadian Internationals Joining NASL

Photo credit: Canada Soccer

Marcel de Jong is the latest Canadian international to join the NASL, but de Jong believes he won’t be the last.

“I think it’s only good that players like Julian [de Guzman], Nik [Ledgerwood], and myself are willing to play in a Canadian team,” de Jong told NASL.com. “It’s getting really serious here and I think it’s only the beginning. Hopefully we can build off this and more Canadian players will be here in the future. It’s a step in the right direction.”

Playing for Ottawa last season, de Guzman re-signed for 2016. Ledgerwood joined FC Edmonton for his first season in the NASL, while de Jong will play for the first time for a Canadian club now that he joined Ottawa Fury FC. He got his professional start in the Netherlands (where he grew up) and featured in Germany and most recently in MLS with Sporting KC.

“My brother and uncle live in Toronto, so they are close by and it will be the first time for them to see me play at a club team,” he said. “That’s something special for me. I’m happy with being in Ottawa now.”

Playing with de Guzman with Fury FC should also prove fruitful when the pair play with Canada. The national team is set for two important qualifiers against Mexico with the first of the two matches on Friday, March 25.

“It’s always good to have teammates that play together with a club and the national team as well,” de Jong said. “I think it’s an advantage for us. I think it’s only better for myself and Julian as well. The chemistry from the club level will help to play in the national team games.”

De Jong, 29, grew up in the PSV Academy and playing in the Dutch system has helped him throughout his career. Also, de Jong brings his versatility to Fury FC with the Canadian international comfortable in both the midfield and defense.

“It’s always good to be able to play different positions,” he said. “Every year there are injuries or suspension, so I think it’s only positive that I can play several positions. The coach decides where I’ll play and if he wants me to play defense or midfield it’s his choice. I don’t really care as long as I’m playing.”

Whether in defense or in midfield, de Jong is hoping Ottawa can replicate a year ago similar to 2015.

“I’m hoping we have a similar season as last year because they reached the final, but unfortunately they didn’t win,” he said. “As long as we can reach the final again that would be amazing. There are a lot of new guys and a new coach, so it’s going to be different than last year. I’ve been here maybe three weeks and there are great guys and players in the team and a good coach.

“We’ll go through it game by game. We have a good group of players with international experience. A few of the main players are still here.

“What I’ve seen so far we have a really good chance to make the playoffs and we’ll go from there.”