If anyone is saving milestones this season, it is 21-year-old Nina Nijstad. The midfielder left home, played a top season, received a new contract just six months after her arrival, received her first call-up for the Orange Lionesses and will begin studying criminology after the summer. In short, plenty to discuss with the Frisian born.
Do you notice much difference from North Brabant?
"Well, people do talk a little differently and I also notice that I am already adopting that, haha. In Eindhoven there is also a bit more happening, there are more stores and that suits me."
Do you also feel like a true Frisian?
"No, you won't hear me speaking Frisian. I think that's because my parents are not from Friesland, so I didn't get it in my upbringing either."
Last summer you came over from sc Heerenveen, how did you like your first season?
"Very good, I think it was my best season so far. I have made many steps, both as a footballer and as a person. Of course I was also called up for the Orange Lionesses for the first time. I can say that PSV was the right choice."
'I'm building my own life here and I actually really like that. You learn a lot from it'
What have you developed the most in?
"I think I have made strides in many different aspects, but in the tactical area I have progressed the most. In addition, I hadn't had much strength training before this. By now I know exactly what and why I'm doing it."
And on a personal level?
"With my move to PSV, I also started living on my own, with some other girls from the team. I'm building my own life here and I actually really like that. You learn a lot from it."
Why did you choose PSV?
"The facilities here are great, of course, and I really got the feeling that PSV really wanted me. That gave me a good feeling right away and that was decisive for me."
Which match has stuck with you the most?
"I think the home game against Ajax (3-3), because from then on things went a lot better for us as a team. Before that game we were quick to let our heads down, but we learned then that you shouldn't give up."
'I'm in my head then and that's not conducive to my game. I see that as one of my biggest areas for improvement'
What kind of person are you in a group?
"Off the field I'm a pretty quiet type, but that changes on the field. Then I can get really worked up and especially upset with myself. I'm in my head then and that's not conducive to my game. I see that as one of my biggest areas for improvement."
Who is your biggest buddy in the group?
"I hang out a lot with Nadia Coolen. I admire her because as a football star she has so much perseverance and as a person she is very open and mega funny. I can tell her everything, so I hate it when she leaves."
What do you guys do like this?
"We often go shopping in different cities. That's really a hobby of mine, too. I think I go at least once a week. Not that I come back with full bags every time!"
Do you have any other hobbies besides football?
"Well, I do it less and less, but I like to play guitar. I have both an electric and a wooden one, so I used to do it a lot. And I watch a lot of football."
Do you have a favorite team abroad?
"Definitely, that's Real Madrid. I really go for that. They also have a lot of young, talented midfielders like Bellingham, Camavinga and Tchouaméni, which I love to watch. Of course also because I play in midfield myself."
How was your first international period with the Orange Lionesses?
"I really enjoyed it and learned a lot. It was impressive that so many people came to watch the training, I didn't expect that. Sure I was hoping for a debut, but with things like that you also have to be patient. It definitely tasted like more."
'I admire Nadia because as a football star she has so much perseverance and as a person she is very open and mega funny'
It will hopefully take at least another 15 years, but are you already thinking about your career after football?
"Coincidentally, next school year I will start studying criminology in Amsterdam. I actually wanted to pick that up this season, but then I thought the step was a little too big, because I was also new in at PSV."
That sounds interesting, what do you want to be?
"I'm not sure yet, but you can go in all directions, like researcher, in the security services or teaching. I also looked into medical studies. Obstetrics seemed like fun, but because of compulsory attendance that's not combinable with top football."
What do you still want to achieve in football?
"I want to experience at least one final tournament with Orange, play football in the UEFA Women's Champions League and play a few years at an absolute top club. Not that I want to leave here, because I just signed on until 2028!"
What was that moment like?
"The fact that they offered me a new contract after only six months does me a lot of good. It gives me confidence and that makes me play even more freely. I'm very happy about it."
Last week you also experienced the championship party here - you are already starting to laugh - how was that?
"Very nice, because you also see what kind of club PSV is; very warm and everyone knows each other. For us it was also a moment when we thought: next year it will be our turn!"
Nina, we've got your back. This column is made possible in part by OTTO Work Force. Our back sponsor supports everyone with the ambition to reach their personal peak.
