Mikael Ramaker - The Prodigy

My name is Mikael Ramaker, and I am a footballer. At least, I hope to be. Up until now I though it was too late, but through a few unexpected, lucky events, I think I have a break. I am 15, and, at this age, most footballers would already have been at a youth academy for a few seasons. Still, I can catch up. I was born and raised in Saint-Etienne, France, where my Dutch family moved. Despite spending my entire life in France, I feel like a Dutchman. My name, my family, my history lies in Holland. Still, I am not decided on which International team I'd side with if I ever got the chance. I obviously support AS Saint-Etienne, as, growing up, it was the team I went to see on a regular basis. However, I do really like Ajax and I follow them on the European level. Those are the only teams I really like. Messi, for me, is the best player in the world. I think he is fantastic, one of the best in the last few decades, maybe better than Zidane and Ronaldo. At Saint-Etienne, I like Aubameyang, I like his quick, slick style of play. I also really like Ben Arfa, I think he is very good on the ball and his dribbling is something I aspire to replicate. Like Messi and Aubameyang, my main position is Striker. I am good at scoring. When I play with my friends, I always score the most. I am not ball greedy, like some, I try and assist as often as possible... but when the ball falls in to place, and I have the chance to score- I do. I can play on the wings too, as I am quite fast and a good dribbler, but, I am best at forward. So, about that lucky event. My father helped this man who's car broke down, and, while repairing his car, he found out he was a football agent. Not just any football agent, but the same agent that works with Younes Belhanda and Adil Remi! After he met me and I showed him what I could do, he said he could work with me, and find me a club! Marco said it would be hard to find a club for me in France, but it would be quite easy in Holland. He spoke to a few clubs and I have actually heard some are preparing a contract offer! I'd be interested in joining any team in the Eredivisie, so if I get an offer, it would be amazing.

Good luck with this Toon, and Mikael

Good luck for the future
"Ramaker is going to be a star! It's clear for all to see."

Hope this goes smoothly for you, I do like a good player journey-type story

I was offered a couple of contracts over the last week, my agent said Heerenveen and Roda JC were the best out of them, and that I could choose. My Grandmother lives quite close to Kerkrade, so I chose to go to Roda JC.
I joined the club on a Free agent, I am currently on a youth contract, but, when I come of age, I hope I will have impressed enough to get a full, senior deal.
Already, in my first week (and a few days) I have played for the FIRST TEAM! Only as a substitute, but, on two separate occasions! I played pretty good for my first ever games- I didn't do much, but what I did do, I did well.
We won both games! We played well, and it looks positive for the league! I hope when the Eredivisie does kick off, Roda JC can make an impression and finish high! Maybe I might even be able to make a couple of appearances! Who knows.

Good start

It's my birthday, I am 16! I am the age most people start getting a chance at playing pro-football, but things have gone way faster then I expected. I have improved quite a lot in the few months I have been here and I have made loads of appearances for the reserves.
But that wasn't the best bit. One day i was training with the reserves and the manager said that he wanted me to travel with the team to FC Twente's ground to be a sub! I was ecstatic. I didn't think I would play, but to get the chance was great. I was wrong, though, I DID play!
A 15 year old appearing in the Dutch league, it was big. I was actually the youngest ever. I think that is a huge achievement. The coaches tell me I could become big in Holland, and that one day I will be one of Roda's best players. I think this is really promising for me, I just hope I don't mess it up.
After that I played another game. Both games I did alright. I wasn't the best, but I wasn't the worst on the pitch, and, I think that's a massive achievement when there are players with 20 years more experience then me on the pitch.
When I play in the first team, I get the '23 Ramaker' shirt. It's not the number I would have preferred- if I could choose, I'd pick 11, as it is November, my birth month- I don't know why but it just would be what I'd like. But, I am just a little fish in this pond now and I don't get the low number shirts yet.
Meanwhile, looking at the league table, Roda JC are lying in the bottom half, but I wouldn't say we're in a relegation battle- yet. I don't mind if we finish low as long as we survive, then, next season I will hopefully get more chance at the first team and I can make an impact, hopefully.

Enjoying this mate keep it up!

Really good so far

Roda JC = always candidate for demoting and in big financial trouble.....

Good work Toon

Awesome start and updates mate! Good luck to Mikael for his career!

Good place to build up reputation

It's 2013, and things are starting to pick up for me. Although I am not really threatening a first team position for Roda JC, I am really staring to pick up the pace in the reserves, where I am one of the best players. It's looking pretty positive for me at the moment, the coaches are pushing me hard and are saying I will be one of Roda's best players in a few years.
I have been playing pretty good lately. For someone who has only been with a pro team for half a year, I think I am doing great. I am focusing hard and I believe I can be an international one day. If I keep on developing at this rate, at least.
The coaches have told me that I will not develop as fast playing for the reserves as I would playing for an actual team, normally, so they said I should consider going out on loan if the opportunity comes up. I wouldn't mind that too much, and, I heard Sparta were interested in me.
The big news around the start of the year is the Ballon D'or, which Messi won. I didn't really expect anyone else, to be honest. Maybe Ronaldo. The World Player of the Year was Rooney, he has been prolific so far and I guess he deserves it, but I wouldn't compare him to Messi.

A move to Sparta would be good to get some first team game time! The future looks bright for Ramaker!