Dutch link helps West Brom's new defensive pairing

Mar 27 2009 by Robert Tanner, Birmingham Post

Defender Jonas Olsson has revealed that talking double Dutch has been the secret behind the instant understanding he has struck up with centre-back partner Shelton Martis.

Swede Olsson spent three years at NEC Nijmegen in Holland and his experience has helped him bond with Martis, who was born in Willemstad in Netherlands Antilles and began his career with SBV Excelsior and FC Eindhoven.

After some calamitous defensive performances while Olsson was out injured, manager Tony Mowbray decided to give Martis his opportunity. Since he has been teamed with Olsson, Albion have conceded just once in two games and have drawn both.

Olsson said he was enjoying his new partnership and said 26-year-old Martis deserved his opportunity.

“He is a professional and always does his job in training and in games,” Olsson said.

“The feeling before the West Ham game was that he was training really well and really making an effort.

“He is also Dutch and I have played in the Dutch league, so the communication is good between us. We speak English mainly but when it is just between us at half time or during the game then mainly Dutch.