Erik Pieters

Erik Pieters is a back of Stoke City. He was born on 7 August 1988 in Tiel, Netherlands.

Erik’s career took off in local amateur Rhelico, where he soon drew the attention of Utrecht scouts. Pieters was first asked to join the academy of the club, but after he graduated from it, the head coach welcomed him into the main team. The footballer’s competitive début came on 19 August 2006 in the away Eredivisie match against Tilburg side Willem II, which ended in a 2-1 loss. Erik netted his first goal on 10 November 2011 in the game versus the same club (Willem II), which this time ended in a 4-1 victory.

On 9 July 2008, Pieters penned a contract with PSV, where he continues to perform at the position of a left back up till now and wears number 5 shirt. The player’s first appearance for the Eindhoven side came on 23 August 2008 in the home 2-0 victory over Rotterdam side Excelsior. Erik featured in 93 games of the Dutch side before joining Stoke City in June 2013.

Pieters received his first call-up to the Netherlands national U-21 team for the European U-21 Championship match against Portugal. The Dutchmen won that game 2-1 and proceeded to the semifinals, where they faced England. Erik was a part of the starting XI for that match, but later was substituted due to a minor injury.

On 7 May 2012, the back was included into the provisional roster for Euro 2012, but he did not participate in the tournament due to leg injury.