The latest episode of Winging it with Zak and Brad is here!
On this week’s episode, the dynamic duo of Steve Zakuani and Brad Evans are joined by right back Kelvin Leerdam. A Suriname international who played on various Dutch youth national teams, Leerdam spoke about his experiences coming up alongside some of the top players in the global game.
You might recognize the names of some of his former Netherlands U-21 teammates.
“At that time, when we were U-21’s, nobody thought that [Liverpool center back] Virgil van Dijk would be the guy he is now,” said Leerdam. “He wasn’t even a starter on the U-21 team. Everybody knows him. [Georginio] Wijnaldum and Memphis Depay. We had a good team, man. Stefan de Vrij from Inter [Milan], a center back. Bruno Martes Indi went to Porto after, and [we had] Daley Blind from Ajax.”
Later in the show, Zak and Brad interviewed former Sounders striker Kenny Cooper. Ahead Saturday’s Sounders Classicsmatch – the club will be re-airing the 2014 Supporters’ Shield-clinching victory against the LA Galaxy – Cooper spoke about some his favorite memories with the Rave Green.
Clint Dempsey (left) and Kenny Cooper (right) hoist the U.S. Open Cup trophy | Corky Trewin
A former prospect with Manchester United, Cooper was a significant contributor during his brief spell in Seattle, posting three goals and four assists from just 989 MLS minutes in 2014. He also notched six goals in four games in the U.S. Open Cup, earning Player of the Tournament honors as the club lifted the trophy for the fourth time.
“It sincerely was one of the highlights of my life, on the field and off the field,” said Cooper. “I just loved my time there. My wife and I just love the Pacific Northwest.
“Honestly, the club reminded so much of Manchester United. Just everything from the professionalism, the supporters, the energy of the fans, the number of fans and the passion. Everything was just incredible to experience. It feels like such a privilege to have been a part of it.”
You can listen to the full episode here.
