Bert Esselink
Dutch footballerWikipedia
8
MENTIONS
6
EPISODES
3
PODCASTS
Search complete. 8 mentions across 6 episodes found for "Bert Esselink".
Aug 31, 2026
Alan TemplePANELIST
Michael Forbes was absolutely brilliant up against John Jules, properly aggressive, fighting, scrapping for everything.
Alan TemplePANELIST
The sort of defensive performance that when fans were bemoaning United's weakness last season, they were desperate to see, give as good as you get, and alongside them, Bert Esselink was unbelievably good.
Alan TemplePANELIST
More blocks, more clearances, more aerial duels won than any other player on the pitch, and all after getting booked, after 10 minutes.
Alan TemplePANELIST
Really, really mature performance to keep the head for the entirety of the game.
Alan TemplePANELIST
And whether it was United's intention at the start of pre-season to have Bert Esselink as their first-choice centre-back alongside Michael Forbes, I don't know.
Alan TemplePANELIST
You would need to ask Jim Goodwin.
Alan TemplePANELIST
And even then, with the benefit of hindsight, I'm not sure how honest an answer you'd get.
Alan TemplePANELIST
whether by hook or by crook, United may just have stumbled upon a right good centre-back pairing that complement each other quite well, because you've got Bert there who will win everything in the air, he's a right good leader, he's got a bit of experience, and then you've got Michael Forbes who's really sharp across the ground, quick, aggressive, young.
Ronnie CostelloHOST
I mean man of the match you've actually got choices this week I mean Jack Wallen's got a clean sheet, Mary Merriman especially first half I thought he was unplayable, Sarsford scored, good link up play, good start to the season, Bert we've mentioned, Will Ferry, great hair, great Alice band, caused loads of problems but who gets your man of the match?
Paul McNicollHOST
Yeah, at halftime I probably would have said Mehdi Mergam, but come the end of the game I was all aboard the Bert Esselink Express.
Paul McNicollHOST
Bert? Yeah, he was brilliant yesterday.
speaker_2UNKNOWN
Okay.
Fraser WishartCORRESPONDENT
So they go with Jack Walton in goals.
Fraser WishartCORRESPONDENT
Jack Rollins, Bert Esselink, Michael Forbes, and Will Ferry across the back.
Fraser WishartCORRESPONDENT
Emmanuel Agbe, Pinuchi Kamara, and Abdoulaye Yoro across the midfield with Medi Mergim, Zach Sapsford, and Daniel Benny as the forward three.
Fraser WishartCORRESPONDENT
Their subs, Jordan Amisa, Iuri Owo, Ross Graham, Lachlan Rose, Kevin Siobatouru, Neil Farrugia, Jesse Randall, Dario Namo, and Jesse Msoko.
Dave GallowayCORRESPONDENT
So they will start with Walton in goals.
Dave GallowayCORRESPONDENT
Yoro, Esselink, Forbes, and Ferry at the back.
Dave GallowayCORRESPONDENT
Shiveh, Tate, and Camara in midfield.
Dave GallowayCORRESPONDENT
Up top, Mergim, Metsoko, and Randall.
Alan TempleHOST
He was very, very good.
Alan TempleHOST
So if not for a really good intervention by Bert Esselink early doors, Kevin giving away possession on the left flank could have cost him an early goal.
Alan TempleHOST
And he was a little bit rusty.
Alan TempleHOST
A couple of his touches were heavy, but he then grew into the game.
Alison McConnellCORRESPONDENT
But just to give you a quick run through the teams again.
Alison McConnellCORRESPONDENT
For Dundee United, it is Jack Walton, Joshua Rollins, Bert Esselink, Michael Forbes, Kevin Touba-Toure, Vico Sivell, Julius Öskisson, Emmanuel Eji, Jesse Randall, Lachlan Rose, and Zach Sapsford.
Alison McConnellCORRESPONDENT
On the bench, it is Amisa, Ayobu, Graham, Mergim, Kamara, Farouvie, Yoro, Benny, and Metsoko.
Alison McConnellCORRESPONDENT
And for Celtic, plenty of changes from that team that blew Kilmarnock away at Rugby Park last Sunday.