Goalkeeper Hidde Jurjus has joined FC Volendam and immediately aims to challenge Mio Backhaus for the starting position. The 30-year-old shot-stopper arrived on a free transfer from Roda JC Kerkrade, as reported by the Noordhollands Dagblad this week.
Jurjus signed a two-year contract with the Volendam club. He replaces the departed Filip Stanković in the squad, who returned to Inter Milan after his loan spell. The new signing is an experienced presence in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie, where he played over ninety matches for Roda JC in the past three seasons.
What does Jurjus mean for the goalkeeper group?
The arrival of Jurjus creates clear competition for the number one shirt. Mio Backhaus, who played 23 league matches last season, remains the first choice on paper. But the new addition did not come to just sit on the bench. "I am here to play," Jurjus told the Noordhollands Dagblad. "I know Mio is here, he is a good keeper. But I am going for it."
The goalkeeper department is completed by young Stijn van Gassel, who is mainly active with Jong FC Volendam. The club has an overview of all players on our squad page. Jurjus's experience could be important for a team that conceded 66 goals last season, the third-highest amount in the league.
How does he fit into manager Matthias Kohler's plans?
Manager Matthias Kohler gains an extra option familiar with the Dutch second tier with Jurjus. The German coach, who only took over this summer himself, now has two goalkeepers with Eredivisie experience at his disposal. Kohler will likely make his choice based on form and reliability during the pre-season period.
The club currently sits fourteenth in the standings, with seven points from six matches. The defence has already conceded nine goals. A stable last line is therefore a priority. Jurjus kept thirteen clean sheets in 34 matches for Roda JC last season.
What are the new keeper's statistics?
Hidde Jurjus brings a significant amount of match experience to the Kras Stadion. Below is an overview of his performances in recent seasons.
| Season | Club | League Appearances | Clean sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023/24 | Roda JC | 34 | 13 |
| 2022/23 | Roda JC | 32 | 10 |
| 2021/22 | Roda JC | 28 | 9 |
| 2020/21 | FC Emmen | 4 | 1 |
The goalkeeper, who also played for De Graafschap and FC Twente, has over 150 Eerste Divisie appearances to his name in total. His statistics can be compared to other keepers in the league on our stats page. His direct competitor Backhaus kept six clean sheets last term.
Besides his sporting ambitions, Jurjus has a practical goal in Volendam. He is still looking for a bicycle to get around the fishing village. His first chance to play could come as soon as September 13, when FC Volendam travels to face TOP Oss. That match is listed in the full schedule on our fixtures page.
