Player Details

Name

Nigel de Jong

Height

5' 9"

Weight

159 lbs

Date of Birth

11.30.1984 (39)

Birthplace

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Position

Midfielder
Career Summary

Mutually terminated contract with LA Galaxy on August 31, 2016.

De Jong is an experienced defensive midfielder that can cover ground and is known for his tenacious style of play (which earned him the nickname "The Lawnmower" in Germany. Despite his reputation for pushing the laws of the game, he has only received one red card in his professional career. He is also an adept passer of the ball, and finished the 2010-11 English Premier League season with the highest passing percentage (90%) of the top 50 players.

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International: De Jong was a crucial figure during the 2010 World Cup for the Netherlands, making six starts. He also featured for the Dutch in Euro 2012, and made five appearances in the 2014 World Cup. He currently has 81 caps and one goal for the Oranje.

Outside MLS: De Jong started his career with Ajax and Hamburg before signing with Manchester City in 2009. He eventually helped the team capture the 2011-12 Premier League title before moving on to Italy with AC Milan, where he played for three and a half seasons.