Nathan Tjoe-A-On
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Nathan Tjoe-A-On is a Dutch-Indonesian professional footballer who currently plays as a left-back for Sunderland in the EFL Championship. Born on December 22, 2001, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Tjoe-A-On began his career in the youth ranks of Ajax before moving to Feyenoord's academy. He made his professional debut for Excelsior Rotterdam in the 2020-21 season, quickly establishing himself as a regular starter. His performances caught the attention of Sunderland, who signed him in July 2023. Tjoe-A-On's first season in England saw him make 28 appearances across all competitions, contributing 2 goals and 2 assists. His ability to adapt to the physical demands of the Championship and his attacking contributions from the left-back position have made him a valuable asset for Sunderland. At just 22 years old, Tjoe-A-On is considered a promising talent with potential for further development in his career.
Early life & youth football
Tjoe-A-On's early life and youth career were primarily spent in the Netherlands. He joined Ajax's renowned youth academy at a young age, developing his skills in one of Europe's most prestigious football schools. After several years with Ajax, Tjoe-A-On moved to Feyenoord's youth setup, where he continued to progress. His time in these academies provided him with a strong technical foundation and tactical understanding of the game. Tjoe-A-On's development in Dutch youth football prepared him well for his professional debut with Excelsior Rotterdam, where he quickly adapted to senior football, making 30 appearances in his first full season in the Eerste Divisie.
Professional career
Nathan Tjoe-A-On began his professional career with Excelsior Rotterdam, a club known for developing young talent in the Netherlands. He joined Excelsior's youth academy and progressed through their ranks before making his senior debut.Tjoe-A-On made his professional debut for Excelsior on August 28, 2020, in an Eerste Divisie match against FC Dordrecht. He quickly established himself as a regular in the team, showcasing his abilities as an attacking left-back.During the 2020-21 season, Tjoe-A-On made 30 appearances in the Eerste Divisie, helping Excelsior finish 8th in the league. His performances caught the attention of both fans and scouts, with his attacking contributions from the left-back position particularly noteworthy.The 2021-22 season proved to be a breakthrough for Tjoe-A-On. He played a crucial role in Excelsior's promotion campaign, making 36 appearances across all competitions. Excelsior secured promotion to the Eredivisie through the play-offs, with Tjoe-A-On featuring in both legs of the dramatic final against ADO Den Haag.Following Excelsior's promotion, Tjoe-A-On continued to impress in the Eredivisie during the 2022-23 season. He made 29 appearances in the Dutch top flight, scoring one goal and providing three assists. His performances in September 2022 earned him the Eredivisie Young Player of the Month award, highlighting his rapid development and impact at the highest level of Dutch football.Throughout his time at Excelsior, Tjoe-A-On demonstrated his attacking prowess from the left-back position. His ability to make overlapping runs, deliver accurate crosses, and contribute to the team's offensive play made him a valuable asset. His performances in the Eredivisie attracted attention from clubs abroad, setting the stage for his move to English football.In total, Tjoe-A-On made 95 appearances for Excelsior across all competitions, scoring two goals and providing several assists. Nathan Tjoe-A-On joined Swansea City in August 2023 for a reported fee of £300,000, signing a three-year contract with an option for an additional year. His move to the Championship side represented a significant step in his career, transitioning from the Dutch Eredivisie to English football.Upon joining Swansea, Tjoe-A-On faced stiff competition for the left-back position from Josh Tymon, who was considered one of the best in his position in the Championship. This competition limited Tjoe-A-On's immediate opportunities in the first team.Due to the limited playing time at Swansea, Tjoe-A-On was loaned out to SC Heerenveen in the Dutch Eredivisie in January 2024. This loan move was intended to provide him with more regular playing time and continue his development.At Heerenveen, Tjoe-A-On made a handful of substitute appearances, but struggled to establish himself as a regular starter. The loan spell did not provide the consistent playing time that was hoped for, and he returned to Swansea at the end of the 2023-24 season.Despite the challenges in his first year with Swansea, the 2024-25 season has shown more promise for Tjoe-A-On. He made his Swansea debut in an EFL Cup victory over Gillingham and received his first Championship minutes in a win against Preston North End.Swansea manager Luke Williams has expressed confidence in Tjoe-A-On, praising his training performances and work ethic. Williams sees Tjoe-A-On as part of his first-team plans for the 2024-25 campaign, potentially challenging Tymon for the starting left-back position.
National team
Internationally, Tjoe-A-On has represented both the Netherlands and Indonesia at youth levels. He played for the Netherlands U15 and U16 teams early in his career. However, in 2024, Tjoe-A-On made the decision to represent Indonesia at the senior level, qualifying through his Indonesian heritage. He made his debut for Indonesia on March 21, 2024, in a World Cup qualifier against Vietnam. Since then, Tjoe-A-On has become a regular fixture in the Indonesian national team, making 6 appearances and contributing 3 assists in World Cup qualification matches. His international career represents an exciting new chapter for both Tjoe-A-On and Indonesian football.
Player’s style
Tjoe-A-On's style of play is characterized by his attacking prowess from the left-back position. He possesses excellent pace and stamina, allowing him to make frequent overlapping runs and contribute to his team's offensive play. His crossing ability is a key asset, as evidenced by his 3 assists in international matches. Defensively, Tjoe-A-On is known for his positioning and ability to read the game, often making timely interceptions. He is comfortable with the ball at his feet, fitting well into teams that prefer to play out from the back. His versatility allows him to play as a left-midfielder when required, showcasing his technical skills and tactical flexibility. At Sunderland, Tjoe-A-On has adapted well to the physical demands of English football, combining his technical Dutch football education with the intensity required in the Championship.