Jim Goodwin has praised Bert Esselink for battling back to become a first-choice pick for Dundee United. The experienced Dutchman has been a focal point of the Tannadice central defence alongside Michael Forbes.
The 27-year-old started last season and then fell out of the team, but got his head down, worked hard over the summer and pushed himself to the front of Goodwin’s thoughts.
Goodwin on the partnership
Goodwin said: “Bert and Forbes have developed a great relationship. I know people will maybe look at the goals against column and say: ‘How can he be saying that given the volume of goals that we conceded before the recent clean sheets?’ But I don't think you can point the finger at Forbes, Esselink or even (Jack) Walton for a number of the goals.”
Goodwin admitted Esselink’s experience, physical presence and reading of the game are major strengths. There were a few times last season when the central defender was substituted at half-time, but his manager thinks the pace of Forbes makes them the perfect pairing.
They helped United keep a clean sheet in their weekend win over Hibs. They will look to build on that at St Johnstone at the weekend.
Adapting to his strengths
“All players have got different attributes and bring different qualities to the team,” the United boss insisted. “Bert's main attributes are his experience, albeit he's not a 35-year-old centre-half; he's certainly one of the most experienced members of our squad. He's got great leadership qualities and is an excellent communicator.
“Aerially, he defends very well. But there's no getting away from the fact that he's probably not the quickest centre-backs in the league. We've had to try and adapt to that and give him a little bit of protection and make sure that we're not isolating him at times.
“There were times last season where I was guilty as a manager – I've got to take responsibility for one or two of those instances where he was isolated against very, very quick players. But Bert's reading of the game has never been in question and it all comes back to his professionalism, determination and resilience. He's a great example to the whole squad – particularly the younger ones – that if you keep yourself right and keep working hard, things can change quickly.”
Competition for places
Goodwin has got competition right across his squad. The central defensive jostle has left Iurie Iovu and captain Ross Graham cooling their heels on the sidelines. Their manager believes Esselink is the perfect example for them both to follow.
He added: “Iurie has been great. I probably have more regular dialogue with the players who are out of the team, than those who are in it. Some of them take a bit more managing than others, but Iurie has been fantastic. He's never let his head go down and he understands why he's not in the team right now.
“Bert Esselink deserves a huge amount of credit for that. Bert was in a similar situation to Iurie last season where he wasn't getting in the team, but he didn't throw his toys out of the pram; he kept his head down, kept working hard and came back in great condition in pre-season. Himself and Forbes have struck up a really decent partnership.
“Now that we're only playing with two centre-back, that unfortunately means a couple within the squad need to miss out – but Iurie he recognises that Bert has done well in that position. It's also important for Bert to realise that there's a very good young centre-half in Iovu waiting for any slip-ups; it keeps everybody on their toes.”
