Coming of age in the Eredivisie: An interview with Heerenveen’s young breakout midfielder Nolhan Courtens

Belgian midfielder Nolhan Courtens discussed his breakout season with Dutch club Heerenveen and his journey across Belgian academies in a recent interview. Under manager Robin Veldman, the teenager has scored twice across his first five Eredivisie appearances of the campaign. Courtens earned a starting spot following early substitute appearances and now regularly partners Swedish midfielder Marcus Linday.

Courtens developed at Anderlecht, Union St Gilloise, Mechelen, and Antwerp before choosing to move abroad for a fresh start in Dutch football. The midfielder noted that he looks up to Youri Tielemans and expressed future ambitions to eventually play in the Premier League, though his immediate focus remains on maturing and earning playing time with Heerenveen.