Lutsharel Geertruida playing for Feyenoord (Image: Getty Images )
A Dutch football sensation set to shine at Euro 2024 has conquered his stutter to break into the hip-hop scene. Lutsharel Geertruida, who plays at centre-back for Feyenoord, has been a standout performer this season
Yet he's notoriously camera-shy off the field. His speech impediment became public when ESPN journalist Jan Joost van Gangelen tried to get PSV's Jordan Teze on air as recognition for his impressive season, reports the Daily Star.
ESPN had similar intentions for Geertruida but pulled back after consulting with Feyenoord. Van Gangelen revealed: "Now there is reason to explain that.
"He has played well again, but he stutters a lot! That is why Feyenoord has decided, in consultation with him, not to do interviews."
Van Gangelen also shared that an attempt by Feyenoord to feature Geertruida in a fan video was unsuccessful, stating: "Someone who is physically top and a revelation simply cannot figure it out. That is especially annoying for him."
However, Geertruida has surprised many with his burgeoning hip-hop career. His single 'Game Over' can be found on YouTube, and he's also collaborated with Dubbel T on the track 'On top'.
Lutsharel Geertruida has earned nine caps for the Netherlands (Image: Getty)
Geertruida's football career is flourishing alongside his rap ambitions. He has been selected for Ronald Koeman's Dutch squad for the European Championships, which began with Germany's 5-1 trouncing of Scotland, and has reportedly caught the eye of Liverpool's new manager, Arne Slot, who previously managed him at Feyenoord.
Having made 198 appearances and netted 23 goals for his club, Geertruida's talent and swift ascent in the Eredivisie have not gone unnoticed. Liverpool icon Dirk Kuyt commented on the young player's potential, stating: "It won't take long for the interest of top European teams to be there for them (young Dutch players)."
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Ronald Koeman will be hoping his side goes far in Germany (Image: Getty)
"I hope Liverpool is interested in Feyenoord players, and I am an example it can work. When I was working as under-19s coach, (Benfica star, Orkun) Kokcu and Geertruida were in my team at the time."
The Netherlands begin their Euro 2024 campaign against Poland on Sunday, before taking on France in one of the most hotly-anticipated matches of the group stages. They then face Austria in their final match before the knockout rounds.
