Full Name: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar
Alias: Huntelaar
Place of Birth: Drempt, Netherlands
Date of Birth: 12/08/1983
Position: Forward
Weight: 176 lbs / 80 kg
Height: 6′1″ / 186 cm
Nationality: Dutch
Brought up through the ranks of PSV Eindhoven, Huntelaar made his much anticipated debut with the club’s first team on 23 November 2002 against Rosendaal when he was 19 years old. He was the transfered on loan to De Graafschap and Second Division side Apeldoom prior to being picked up by Heerenveen for the 2004/05 season. One year later the striker signed for Ajax, where he became one of the most prolific goal scorers in Europe.
“The Hunter’s” scoring efficiency is what best defines him. His excellent positioning, his instinct and his intelligence make him a classic number ‘9′. He is an excellent shot with both feet and has an outstanding aerial game. One factor leading to Real Madrid’s interest in Huntelaar was his 20 goals-per-season average.
In 2006 Huntelaar was the top scorer in the Dutch league and named Eredivisie Talent of the Year, and two seasons later he again scored more goals than any other player and won Europe’s Bronze Boot.
He made his international debut with the Netherlands against Ireland on 16 August 2006, scoring two goals and becoming the first striker to do so in his debut with the Orange since Dick Nanninga pulled it off in 1978. He had already won the Under-21 Euro with his country in 2006 and scored two goals in the final. Huntelaar unfortunately missed the World Cup in Germany later that summer. In Euro 2008, his first major competition on an international stage, he scored a goal against Romania.
