Quilindschy Hartman is leveraging his Premier League experience at Burnley to bolster Espanyol’s defensive lineup. Following a season that ended in relegation for the English club, the Dutch international defender told Sport that he plans to apply the tactical lessons learned from facing world-class attackers like Salah, Semenyo, and Saka to his current campaign in Spain.
Applying Premier League Intensity to La Liga
Hartman’s transition to Espanyol follows a challenging stint at Burnley, where he made 21 league appearances. According to his interview with Sport, the defender views his time in England as a professional catalyst. Facing high-caliber opponents weekly provided a rigorous environment that he believes is essential for his development.
“Every week I played against some of the best footballers in the world,” Hartman told Sport. He specifically cited names like Salah, Semenyo, and Saka as benchmarks for the level of competition he navigated. By moving to Espanyol, he intends to translate the physicality and speed of the English top flight into the more technical landscape of Spanish football.
Did you know?
Quilindschy Hartman joined Burnley from Feyenoord in a transfer deal valued at 12 million euros during the summer of 2015.
Espanyol’s Strategic Outlook for the Coming Season
The defender remains cautious regarding Espanyol’s specific targets for the upcoming season. While the club aims to improve upon previous performances, Hartman emphasized that it is too early to set rigid expectations for final league positions.
“We must wait and see how things develop,” Hartman noted. While he acknowledged that finishing in the top five would be a significant achievement for the squad, he maintained that the primary focus remains on consistent week-to-week improvement rather than long-term table projections.
Comparison: English vs. Spanish Defensive Demands
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Quilindschy Hartman play before joining Espanyol?
Before joining Espanyol on loan, Hartman played for Burnley in the Premier League. He moved to the English club from Feyenoord in 2015 for a reported fee of 12 million euros.
What does Hartman hope to bring to Espanyol?
Hartman aims to bring the experience gained from playing in large English stadiums and facing world-class attackers to help improve Espanyol’s performance compared to the previous season.
Has Hartman set a specific goal for Espanyol this season?
No. While he mentioned that a fifth-place finish would be fantastic, he stated that it is currently too early to set specific positional goals and that the focus is on game-by-game development.
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