Nigel de Jong's first goal for Manchester City was entirely unremarkable; a low roller off a corner kick that weaved its way through a crowded box and nestled itself inside the far post. It was only the tenth minute, but the home crowd was roaring. They bounced so hard the TV cameras shook, and the stands seemed to sway beneath their feet.
It’s rare for supporters to sing your name after just your first goal for the club. Then again, it’s rare to take nearly a hundred games to do it.
Nigel de Jong will never look like Lionel Messi dribbling on goal, nor is he Andrea Pirlo, launching long balls 60 yards down the field.
He’s the bulldog constantly nipping at their heels. He’s the knife-edge of the defense that keeps all the competitors on their toes. In a way, he's subtle; the twinge of panic in the back of an attacker’s mind knowing they’re being chased, throwing them off their rhythm.
But watching him is anything but subtle. He's a heat-seeking missile, skidding across the turf to snuff out the danger for his team.
“A perfect tackle is more satisfying than a perfect stepover,” he once said.
So I guess you could say he's not the prototypical Dutch soccer player, known for their mastery of the pass and being inventors of the modern possession game. But just like Spain, who only became a dynasty when they embraced the hard-nosed Carles Puyol, the Netherlands found the yin to their yang in Nigel de Jong; that little bit of muscle to bolster their magical touch.
His career started in a more attacking role at the legendary Dutch youth academy at Ajax, so he has the technical skills in his back pocket. And that’s where he started getting into the habit of becoming a fan favorite, being named the team's player of the year in his final season in 2005. Then it was time to move up to the Bundesliga, where his form and a probable 2006 World Cup call-up could only be stopped by injury. But it was his next move, in 2009 when he signed for Manchester City, where he truly jumped into the spotlight.
And it was then I fell in love.
Okay, so maybe it's time to come clean: I'm a Manchester City fan. I tell you this for good reason because it's at this part of this story when I was most like you, the reader. Back in 2009, like you are now, I was wondering what I was going to get.
At Manchester City, Nigel de Jong played with attacking superstars -- Yaya Toure, David Silva and Sergio Aguero -- amazingly talented, creative players that focus on what we love most: scoring goals. But somebody has to be around to keep the opponents from charging down the other way.
So while Steven Gerrard, Giovani dos Santos, and Robbie Keane are cooking up some magic at the top of the field, the other team is eventually going to get the ball. And what’s the first thing they’re going to see when they look up to spring their counterattack?
This:
Or really, this:
Some American fans might remember that kung fu kick in the World Cup final. But before you buy into the “dirty footballer” hype, consider the contraposition; Nigel de Jong has only ever picked up one red card (for two yellow cards), in a career spanning 14 years and thousands of tackles.
And when there's a one-on-one counter attack going against your side, there's no one you'd would rather have on the job, than “Nige”.
And don’t let the general perception of the boring defensive midfielder fool you; De Jong’s slide tackles have made me jump from my chair. They make you realize that scoring goals isn’t the only reason they call it the "Beautiful Game."
At Manchester City, he was surrounded by some of the best in the world. But when the team wasn’t quite clicking during a frosty winter road game, it would be Nigel grabbing his team by the scruff of the neck and dragging it across the finish line. It was almost like the game hadn’t started -- his teammates wouldn’t fully kick into gear -- until the Dutchman stopped an opposing passing move in its tracks. De Jong's teammates then jolted to life.
And when the game was on the line, when the other guys brought the ball forward for one last chance, it was De Jong who was the first line of defense. He glared across the midfield like a dog pulling on a leash, saying without speaking, "You could try to score, but I will make life miserable for you the entire way."
And you believed him.
Since he’s parted ways with the fast-paced, physical nature of the Premier League, he’s learned how to rely on more than his tackling in Serie A, one of the most tactically disciplined leagues in the world.
The past few years I’ve watched attackers play checkers as he plays chess -- predicting their move before they do, blocking the pass before the pass, or gaining that half-step allowing him to block the shot.
In many ways, De Jong steadied a sinking ship at AC Milan. He was a stabilizing force for a team that didn’t have a lot going right.
He was their defensive heartbeat, seemingly playing defensive midfield and both center-back positions at the same time. He was a rare bright spot during a legendary team's dark period, while maintaining his status as the hardest-working player on the field.
This season meant a new manager in Milan. Rosters tend to change under new leadership, and for whatever reason, tactical or otherwise, Nigel stopped playing. And just like that, he was gone -- but only to the Galaxy’s benefit.
So just what are the LA Galaxy getting with Nigel de Jong?
The Galaxy are getting a player with 76 caps for one of the world’s biggest soccer powers, including an appearance in the World Cup Final and a player who brings experienced defending and crucial balance to the Galaxy’s loaded front line.
But more than anything the Galaxy are getting a player with an affinity for the big occasion.
Just look at this resume:
- Nigel de Jong scored his first career goal against Arsenal in the Champions League.
- Nigel de Jong started the attack in Manchester City’s famous last-gasp title-winning moment.
- Nigel de Jong scored the game-winning goal in a Milan derby.
- Nigel de Jong scored the game-winning goal in Bayern’s first ever loss at Allianz Arena.
And de Jong is more than just an enforcer, he’s a father of two, a genuinely nice guy and a bonafide cult hero for just about every team he’s ever played.
Because Nigel de Jong is the type of player fans can fall in love with.
Scoring can sometimes feel otherworldly, too special for the average person to fathom. Defending is relatable. It’s not magic; it’s brains, lungs, and heart.
But it’s also a place where you can’t hide; you don’t have to be “in form” to give it your all. And I know, if up became down and black became white, and I got to play for my favorite team, I may not score. I may not even have a good game. But you know, I’m not going to have an ounce left at the final whistle.
And I guess that’s the best compliment I could give Nigel de Jong. He’s a talented athlete who plays like a fan. And for that, he owns a very special piece of real estate in my heart.