Jip Janssen: From wilderness to being Dutch star

Janssen said not losing hope during tough times and adding weapons to his armoury is what solidified his place in the team

Having made a silent start to his FIH World Cup campaign where he scored just once in the opening two games, Netherlands’ ace drag-flicker Jip Janssen showed what he is capable of when his engine is tuned-in by firing four goals against a clueless Chile on Thursday. Unsurprisingly, all of them came via penalty corners.

In a tournament where drag-flickers, barring Australia’s Jeremy Hayward, are struggling to find their potency, Janssen was class and confidence personified at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium to star in Netherlands’ record 14-0 demolition of the South American lightweights. His flicks had pace, power and precision — the goals showing why he’s rated as one of the top young stars of world hockey.

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Things though weren’t rosy for the 25-year-old a few years ago. After making a fine impression for the Netherlands U-21 side in Hannover in 2016 and then showing what an exciting young talent he is in the Junior World Cup in Lucknow a year later, Janssen was automatically drafted to the senior side soon. But after his debut series where he didn’t play badly, Janssen was shunted out for two years for reasons even he doesn’t know.

“Not being selected for a World Cup, European Championships and other tournament is very hard,” Janssen told DH. “When you train hard, you want to compete at the highest level but when you are not picked it can hurt. Not playing and only training when you know you have the talent to be there, can sting. It was the hardest time of my life because hockey was very dear to me since I began playing.

“I’m really glad those hard days are over. It’s been a long road. I can say after putting in all the hard years, I’ve earned my spot and I’m quite happy about it. Now, I just want to maximise my potential and help Netherlands win as many games as possible.”

Janssen, who is a rock at the Dutch defence, said not losing hope during tough times and adding weapons to his armoury is what paved his way back and solidified his place in the team. “I’m more comfortable with the ball now. I’ve increased my options. I got my high ball, my deflection, my hit. I’ve increased the number of techniques. I try to be an example for my team in hard duels and tackles. I just want to bring fighting spirit to the team.

“You want to grow everyday. You feel very happy your in a better position now. I only want to help the team, keep growing, keep improving. I’m still not there yet, I just want to be perfect everyday.”