Transfer Profile: Dave Bulthuis

Ulsan Hyundai completed their foreign player quota with the acquisition of Dutch defender Dave Bulthuis as the Horangi look to challenge on three fronts again in 2019. K League United spoke exclusively with NOS Studio Sport Commentator Jeroen Grueter to gain an insight into what Ulsan fans can expect from their new signing.
(Image via Ulsan Hyundai)

How was Bulthuis viewed at Heerenveen? League wide?

A nice anecdote is that he decided to get tattooed pretty heavily early in his career at FC Utrecht to look scarier on the pitch. It was a part of looking tough for his opponents. On the pitch he is fearless and quite a good header of the ball. 

Strongest aspects of his game?

Bulthuis is a tough guy, on and off the pitch - a leader as well. He wants to help his team by leading by example. He is not shy and has had a decent career. He is a true Amsterdam bloke with a lot of natural flair.

Weaknesses?

The only problem is that is not the most talented of players. His positioning can be quite poor and so you wouldn't really want him to be bossing your back line. 

Reason for leaving?

What happens when things are going wrong on the pitch is that he can lose his head and dive into wild tackles and commit big fouls. For that reason he lost his place at Heerenveen and for the sake of everybody he left the club. He cannot cope with playing second fiddle.

Where do you think he would be best utilised at Ulsan Hyundai?

At centre-back or leftback. He started at leftback and I think he is less vulnerable at that position. No other positions will suit him.

What should K League fans expect from him?

K League fans can expect lots of determination and tackles. He is not shy of fouling an opponent if necessary. He's colourful on and off the pitch and won't be there as a spectator.

Best moment with Heerenveen? 

He scored a goal in a crazy match against Feyenoord (3-5). Many things went wrong in the back four of Heerenveen and it could give you a nice picture of Bulthuis. He had a goal against Excelsior too.