Erik Pieters

Erik Pieters (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈeː.rɪk ˈpi.tərs]) (born 7 August 1988) is a Dutch footballer who plays as a left back for Premier League club Stoke City and the Dutch national team.

Pieters began his career with Utrecht and made his professional debut in August 2006. He impressed enough at the Stadion Galgenwaard to earn a move to PSV Eindhoven in July 2008 for €2.5 million. At PSV he won the Johan Cruijff Shield in 2008 and the KNVB Beker in 2011–12 and also became a regular member of the Dutch national team. Injuries hampered his progress in 2012–13 before he moved to English side Stoke City in June 2013 for €3.6 million.

Career

Early career

Born in Tiel, Pieters grew up in Enspijk and started as a central midfielder in the juvenile ranks of VV Rhelico in Rumpt. There he was scouted by FC Utrecht and, after a trial period, he joined the Utrecht youth academy.

Utrecht

Pieters made his Eredivise debut for Utrecht in a 2–1 defeat against Willem II and went on to make 29 appearances in his maiden season as Utrecht finished the 2006–07 season in 9th position and they went on to win in the Intertoto Cup play-offs. In the 2007–08 season, Pieters made his European debut in July in the Intertoto Cup. He made 35 appearances and scored twice against Willem II and FC Groningen as Utrecht finished in 10th position. His solid performances attracted the interest of PSV Eindhoven.