Shurandy Sambo #2

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Most people would have given up if they had suffered a second ACL tear at just 19 - but not Sambo. Remarkably, he drew inspiration from his first injury lay-off. “During my second rehab, I still had the notes from the first one. I kept comparing the numbers, always trying to do better – even if it was just rowing 15 metres further,” he told Sportnieuws. Born in Geldrop in the Netherlands and developed in the PSV Eindhoven academy, Sambo grew up in a sporting family. “My brother did boxing and my sister did gymnastics,” he explains. “My father played football in Curaçao, so for him it’s extra special that we’ve now qualified for the World Cup.” His father also played a key role in his development. “I always trained extra with him,” says the full-back, who combines technical ability with strength in one v ones and a constant drive to push forward.

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