“The perfect player for Millwall” – Lions manager Gary Rowett recommended new signing to previous Den boss
BY RICHARD CAWLEY
Maikel Kieftenbeld has the perfect playing style to be a Den favourite – with Gary Rowett revealing he once plugged the Dutchman’s merits to previous Millwall boss Neil Harris.
The 30-year-old midfielder signed an 18-month deal with the Lions on Monday to complete a free transfer move from Birmingham.
Rowett was in charge of the Blues when Kieftenbeld arrived from Groningen in the summer of 2015.
He also tried to buy the former Dutch U20 international while at Derby County.
“I once said to Chopper that if there was a player perfect for Millwall then Maikel Kieftenbeld is that person,” said Rowett. “I meant that with the fans there, he is the sort they appreciate with those tackles flying in.
“I tried to sign him on deadline day at Derby. The deal got done a minute after 11pm and got chucked out by the EFL. We actually did sign him but it fell through on technical reasons, it was something like the paperwork was signed in the wrong place.
“It was really disappointing for me and Maikel but it shows his character that he went back to Birmingham and was welcomed with open arms by the players and fans. In my opinion he has been their best-performing midfielder this season. He is the type of player you can trust. He brings that game understanding. With the right blend he can add something to us.”
Some Blues fans have expressed their anger at Kieftenbeld being allowed to move on – especially with no fee being paid.
“He was a real favourite there and that’s why really I’m quite surprised we were told he was available,” said Rowett. “It’s not for me to judge other clubs and what business they do.
“The reason he was appreciated is that he wants to win and puts effort in. Fans enjoy skill and good attacking play but our fans, and also Birmingham’s, enjoy that drive and desire as well.
“But Maikel has also got other attributes. He scored some very good goals for me, I remember when we beat Derby 3-0 he struck a volley from the edge of the box.
“And against Brentford he broke the game up on the edge of his own box in the 89th minute and ran the length of the pitch to tap in a cross from a striker. That epitomises him.
“He’s got very good destructive qualities. He knows where to stand and position himself in different formations.”
Millwall’s midfield options have been depleted by Ryan Leonard shifting into the right of the back three. He is likely to continue there until any defensive reinforcements come in with Murray Wallace (broken foot0 expected to be out for a number of weeks.
“We’ve got a real need at the moment for some legs and energy in the midfield positions,” said Rowett. “With Lenny stepping back it means it is even more important to get one or two bodies in that area.
“I felt Maikel was a really good addition. He helps us in the short term and I think he helps us over the next few seasons.”
