Thijs Dallinga, scorer on the first day of Ligue 1 against Nice, must this year be the providential scorer of the TFC. Arrived from Excelsior Rotterdam where he finished top scorer in the Dutch D2 last year, he is taking his first steps in the pink city.
What did you think of your first in Ligue 1?
“It would have been even better if we had won the game but personally it was a good start. Scoring my first goal at home is a good start. For a goalscorer, it is important to score as soon as possible with his new club. I hope more will come.”
You scored more than 30 goals last year, does that put pressure on you?
“I don’t feel like that. I came here to develop myself, to become a better player. I want to see what my next level will be.”
There are other Dutch people in the team, does that help?
“It’s much easier. It’s always hard to find your place abroad so it helped a lot. With Stijn and Branco but also Brecht who speaks Dutch. It helps a lot to feel at home.”
What did they tell you about the club?
“I had contact with Stijn before arriving. He told me that it was a nice club, that it would be easy to fit in. Everyone is humble here. I feel very good here. We’ve been living here with my girlfriend for several weeks.
Why did you choose Toulouse?
“I want to progress. This is the perfect step for me to situate my level. I have to improve in duels, be stronger. This is the point that I have to improve and also make the link more with the midfielder.”
Do you set yourself goals?
“I don’t like setting goals. I didn’t do that last year in Rotterdam. The main objective here is already to maintain. I don’t know how many goals I will score but I want to have fun and be the best I can be.”
Were you surprised that the TFC was interested in you?
“We had contact very early on, even before knowing if the club was going to move up to Ligue 1. It was a surprise, I hadn’t necessarily thought of Toulouse. I had a very good feeling, I started to follow them, and when they were promoted I became even more interested in them. Last year, I did the same with the Excelsior. I had signed very early. I walk by feeling. I wanted to be at my new club as soon as possible.”
Do you have players who inspire you?
“Zlatan Ibrahimovic. I love watching him play. And now Haaland and Lewandoski because they are the best two right now.”