Mixture of styles is suiting Schmeltz

SIDNEY Schmeltz believes Athletic’s playing style has a touch of Dutch courage about it.
The winger, who arrived from his native Netherlands during the summer, reckons Lee Johnson has imposed a playing style that bridges the nations.

“This team has a mix of English play but also of play in Holland; moving the ball around quickly, staying in your positions and working the lines,” said Schmeltz, who was recalled to the Athletic starting line-up for last week’s visit to Preston.

“It is more physical here and sometimes you have to switch off and tune in to the English style of play, maybe kick it forward and run. You have to mix it up.”

Now settled in England with his girlfriend and baby daughter, Schmeltz says his experience at SC Veendam last season, when the Dutch second division club went bankrupt in March to leave him without an employer, has given him a new perspective on his working life.

“It made me realise you have to be very lucky in football,” Schmeltz added. “When you are taking everything for granted it can bring you straight back down to earth again.”