Get to know Justin De Haas, Valencia CF’s new signing, in depth

Valencia CF’s new signing, Justin De Haas, has spoken to VCF Media about a wide range of professional and personal topics. Get to know the Dutch centre-back in depth here:

First hours at the Ciudad Deportiva

“I’ve met some of the players, coaches and members of the coaching staff. They’re new impressions, but very positive.”

Valencia

“I was on holiday, but it was good to come a bit earlier, a week or a week and a half in advance, to get familiar with the facilities, meet the coaches, get used to life here, adapt to the temperature and get ready. I know the city and it’s very beautiful. The people are very friendly, both inside and outside the Club. So it’s a very good first impression.”

LALIGA EA SPORTS 26-27

“Playing in a league like this, with a club like this, is another step forward in my career.”

Position on the pitch

“I’m a left-footed centre-back. I’m good on the ball, I’m very good at passing, I like defending, I’m good in duels and I’m strong. I can score goals and I like that.”

Other Dutch players throughout Valencia CF’s history

“Obviously, I know them. There haven’t been many, but there have been some big names: Patrick and Justin Kluivert, Danjuma, Cillessen and Maduro.”

“I know Aimar. I’ve heard incredible stories about him and how good a player he was. Otamendi played here too. I played against him when he was at SL Benfica.”

Role models in his position

“I really like watching Van Dijk play. He’s one of the best centre-backs in the Netherlands and maybe in the world. But I like to take the best things from different centre-backs and try to learn from them.”

Other hobbies

“I have a dog, I like taking him for walks, going to good restaurants and nice places with my family, my girlfriend and my friends. I also like collecting trading cards, both sports and Pokémon - the 25th Anniversary Charizard card is my favourite - playing PlayStation - FIFA or COD, and now I’m waiting for GTA VI - and playing padel.”

Fun facts

“I saw the comments on the post announcing my arrival at Valencia CF and the nicknames were funny: ‘bull’, ‘bison’...”

Mestalla

“Luckily, I’ll be able to play here at Mestalla in its final year and experience it. I’ve heard so many incredible stories about what has happened here and I’m really looking forward to playing at Mestalla. When you play for another club, it’s very difficult to play here because of the pressure from the Valencia CF fans and the incredible support they give their players. They’re a great fanbase.”

Nou Mestalla

“I’ve seen photos and videos and it looks impressive.”