Thomas Ouwejan

Thomas Ouwejan, a Dutch professional footballer, was born on September 30, 1996, in Purmerend, Netherlands. He began his football journey at a young age, joining local clubs in his hometown before being scouted by AZ Alkmaar's youth academy. His early years were marked by dedication to developing his skills as a versatile midfielder and defender.

Thomas Ouwejan made his professional debut for AZ Alkmaar on January 3, 2014, in a KNVB Cup match against Ajax. Entering as a substitute, Ouwejan showcased his potential as a robust defender capable of supporting attack plays. This debut marked the beginning of his professional career in football, a journey that would lead him to become a regular starter in the team's line-up.

On May 8, 2016, Thomas Ouwejan made his Eredivisie debut for AZ Alkmaar in a match against FC Utrecht. He played an important role in the defense as AZ secured a 3-0 victory. Ouwejan's performance was noted for his calm composure on the field, and this appearance solidified his position as a promising talent within the team's senior squad.

Thomas Ouwejan scored his first Eredivisie goal for AZ Alkmaar on September 30, 2017, in a thrilling 2-1 win over Excelsior. Playing as a left-back, Ouwejan's contribution came as a crucial opener, driving upfield to connect with a cross. This goal highlighted his offensive potential and versatility, boosting his profile as a valuable player for AZ.

On February 25, 2018, Thomas Ouwejan extended his contract with AZ Alkmaar, committing his future to the club until 2022. This contract extension underscored the club's confidence in his abilities to excel as a key player. It also highlighted his importance to the team, as he was seen as a future leader on the field with a deep understanding of AZ's playing philosophy.

Thomas Ouwejan made his debut for the Netherlands U21 national team on November 19, 2019, in a UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification match against England U21. His inclusion in the squad was a testament to his rising stature in Dutch football, showcasing his ability to compete internationally and representing his potential to join the senior national team in the future.

On October 5, 2020, Thomas Ouwejan joined Italian Serie A club Udinese on a season-long loan deal from AZ Alkmaar. The move was a significant step in his career, as it provided him with the opportunity to experience a different football culture and compete in one of Europe's top leagues. Ouwejan's adaptability and skills were tested and developed further in the Italian setting.

Thomas Ouwejan transferred to German club Schalke 04 on July 1, 2021. This move followed his loan tenure at Italian side Udinese. At Schalke, Ouwejan was brought in to strengthen the team's defensive lineup. His ability to play both as a defender and in midfield added valuable depth to the squad. Ouwejan's presence was expected to help Schalke in their campaign in the German league.

On May 7, 2022, Thomas Ouwejan played a pivotal role in helping Schalke 04 secure promotion to the German Bundesliga by winning the 2. Bundesliga. His defensive performances throughout the season significantly contributed to the team's successful campaign. Ouwejan's contributions were praised as Schalke celebrated their swift return to the top-flight German football league.

Thomas Ouwejan renewed his contract with Schalke 04 on June 2, 2023. This renewal solidified his place as a crucial member of the team going forward, reflecting the club's ambition to maintain a strong squad for their upcoming campaigns. Ouwejan's consistent performances and versatility made him an indispensable asset, with expectations high for the coming seasons.