Ron Vlaar

At 39 years old, Ron Vlaar has this physical status:

Ron Peter Vlaar (born 16 February 1985) is a Dutch former footballer who played as a centre-back.

Vlaar rose to the top of AZ's youth ranks. He played sparingly for two seasons before joining Feyenoord in 2006. He spent time with Aston Villa in the Premier League before returning to Arizona in 2015.

At various youth levels, Vlaar represented the Netherlands. However, he had the most success with the Netherlands U20 on the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship and the Netherlands U21 on the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2006 and 2007. Since 2005, Vlaar has been a Netherlands international, he has been retired in 2010. He was selected in the national team for Euro 2012 and the 2014 Fifa World Cup, where the bronze medal winners were crowned. Vlaar has played 32 times for the Netherlands national team and has captained both Feyenoord and Aston Villa.

Early life

Vlaar was born in Hensbroek, North Holland. Margaret's mother, Margaret, was a handball player, while his father was an amateur football player. Ellen and Lisan, Vlaar's younger sister, are also active in sports. Ellen is a gymnast and Lisan plays volleyball.

Personal life

Vlaar was married to Stephanie in 2010 and has two children. He has a tattoo of his two children on his chest. However, in 2011, Vlaar and his wife divorced, just months after his wife gave birth to his second child.

In March 2011, Vlaar and his then-colleague Luc Castaignos took part in a spinning marathon for the charity Stichting Luna Sluiter Foundation. He speaks Dutch, but also in English. Vlaar was confirmed in the Netherlands media in December 2011 that he was involved in a poker game with referee Serdar Gözüyük. In reaction, he denied such allegations by saying: "It is absolute nonsense." I find it disturbing that it is said that poker is being played for big money at my house, not even poker at all because that is simply not the case. Nothing came out, as the study showed. "I find it very frustrating that I get into the news that way, which makes me very sad." Outside of football, Vlaar said he plays snooker in his spare time.

Vlaar and Karim El Ahmadi, who were first teammates at Feyenoord and then Aston Villa, were good friends and helped each other settle in England. Following his release from professional football, Vlaar said he wanted to do teaching.

Source

Club career

Vlaar began playing in Hensbroek at the age of six and joined Apollo '68 in Hensbroek. Kees Wijte, Apollo's youth coach, was quickly convinced: "But Ron was already allowed to train with us when he was five years old." You could already see how well he was. Ron had a solid kick both his left and right leg, as well as a very good one as well. In addition, he had a vivacious attitude. Ron has always wanted to win and get better.

He left Apollo '68, which was when Vlaar's last year in elementary school. The youngster wanted to play on a higher level, and he joined SVW '27 from Heerhugowaard. Vlaar's growth at his new club was much more than anticipated. After playing for SVW 27 for one season, he was accepted into the AZ youth academy, a professional team in the Eerste Divisie. Vlaar signed his first youth contract with the club in 2002, retaining him in Alkmaar until summer 2007. Vlaar had started out in the defensive midfield position and after "being told by his coach that he should be more concentrated in the back," he said.

Vlaar made his unexpected Eithergist debut in the away match against RKC Waalwijk on April 23, 2005, half way through the 2004-05 season, due to suspensions within the first-team squad at the end of the season. Vlaar made his European debut on April 28th, 2005, when he was part of the starting lineup in the UEFA Cup semi-final away match against Sporting Lisbon, losing 2–1. In his debut season, Vlaar appeared in three Ethnic matches and two UEFA Cup matches.

Although Vlaar believed that the 2005-06 season would be his breakthrough year, Arizona coach Louis van Gaal kept going for more experienced players. Nevertheless, he sustained a thigh injury that forced him to miss the first two league matches of the season. In a 5–0 win over Vitesse on August 27, 2005, Vlaar made his first appearance of the season by arriving as a 64th-minute substitute. In a 5–3 loss against Krylia Sovetov Samara in the first leg of the UEFA Cup on September 15, 2005, he scored his first goal for the club. Vlaar appeared in three matches as a replacement, having a total of seven Element appearances in his first half-year. Vlaar lost by 3–0 in a match against PSV Eindhoven on October 15, 2005, after losing for a second bookable offence. Despite his substitution status at AZ, the youngster captivated Netherlands coach Marco van Basten enough to invite him to his first international matches. Since the player was only playing at AZ for a youth deal, several parties were keen to give him more playing time. AZ wanted to give him a new and improved deal, but Vlaar expressed no interest in staying in AZ because he was blackmailed by AZ coach Louis van Gaal: "I told me I would only play at emergencies if I didn't sign the new one." Coach van Gaal denied the player's allegations and was suspended as a result, but was fined as a result. Vlaar was close to a contract with Ajax and was seen in London while visiting Martin Jol's Tottenham Hotspur with his father and agent. However, Vlaar signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Feyenoord on December 28, 2005. "When I was twenty years old, I could go to Ajax, PSV, and Tottenham," Vlaar tells De Telegraaf. "I went to Tottenham twice." I did not do it in consultation with my parents, but now that I have the opportunity to visit Aston Villa, I know that I made the right decision. Now I'm in like a big boy."

Vlaar made his official Feyenoord debut in the away match against Vitesse Arnhem on January 15, 2006, when the club beat them 1–0. "It was not bad, but there is always room for improvement," the coach said after the match. I have to settle down a bit on the ball, but I also have to get used to my fellow players. In any case, it's great that we won for the first time in the club's history. Much has been said and written about what has been going on in recent months. I now want to get rid of it. I'm feeling very relaxed right now, both in practice and in games. It's going really well. I'm relaxed, in a positive way. It's very refreshing." In the next two matches against Roda JC and Heracles Almelo, Vlaar helped Feyenoord maintain a clean sheet. Since joining the club, he quickly became a first team starter, forming a center-back relationship with André Bahia. Vlaar was booed by AZ Alkmaar during his first match against his former team, AZ Alkmaar, on March 19, 2006, as Feyenoord lost 1–0. Vlaar then played in both legs of the play-offs round against Ajax, losing 7–2 on aggregate, and in the first round, he was at fault for conceding the first goal of the game in the return leg. Despite the loss, Feyenoord's contributions made the team eligible for the UEFA Cup next season. After his winter break transfer, Vlaar played 16 Element games, without scoring any goals during the 2005–06 season.

Vlaar had a poor start to the 2006–07 season when he sustained a foot injury in the pre-season match against Reading, losing 2–1. It seemed that it was a minor injury at first, but Vlaar was forced to leave in the 33rd minute of the season's opening home match against FC Groningen due to the team's 3–0 loss. The doctors discovered a crack in his foot, causing Vlaar to miss the entire first half of the season. On Feyenoord's website, he had been confirmed fit to return from injury by late-November. In a 3–0 win over Den Bosch on December 4, 2006, Vlaar recovered from injury, played for Jong Feyenoord, and played over an hour. In a 3–1 victory over ADO Den Haag on December 10, he made his first appearance in four months for the club, arriving as a second half replacement in a 3–1 triumph. In a 3–1 victory over Wisa Kraków in the UEFA Cup three days later, Vlaar made his first appearance for Feyenoord and watched the entire game. In a 2–1 loss against FC Utrecht on December 16, 2006, he scored his first goal for the club in the away game in a follow-up match. Vlaar recovered his position in the first team after being injured, establishing a Bahia relationship. He then helped Feyenoord maintain three clean sheets in three matches between 11 March 2007 and April 2007. Vlaar performed in both legs of the league play-offs for a spot in the UEFA Cup next season against FC Groningen, where the club lost 3–1 on aggregate. He made twenty-three appearances (twenty Ecrisie matches) and scoring once in all competitions at the end of the 2006–07 season.

Vlaar was excited to take the next step in his growth with the arrival of new Feyenoord coach Bert van Marwijk and his new centre back partner Kevin Hofland in the 2007–08 season. He began the season by helping the team keep a clean sheet in the first three league games. In a 5–0 victory over NAC Breda on August 26, 2007, Vlaar scored his first goal of the season on the first day of the season. However, Feyenoord won 3-1 as he got hurt in the Eivisie away match against Roda JC on September 16, 2007 and was suspended in the 41st minute. Vlaar required surgery on the cruciate ligament and was out for the remainder of the season. Vlaar suffered with an additional setback after the surgery because he had a bacterial infection. When on the sidelines, Vlaar signed a contract extension with the club, extending him until 2012. He said: "I'm going to do everything I can to be at the first training session on July 5th," he said shortly after starting a Feyenoord contract. Fighting duels is the only thing I don't do well. However, other things are going well. I am delighted with the confidence shown in this new deal. It gives me a helping hand." Vlaar made four appearances and scoring once in all competitions at the end of the 2007–08 season.

Vlaar recovered from his injury in the 2008-2009 season by returning to training with Feyenoord in May 2008 in order to regain his fitness. However, he sustained another knee injury during pre-season, this time in a medial collateral ligament. But Vlaar recovered from injury and appeared in a number of friendly matches throughout the club's pre-season. Kevin Hofland, an innocent, suffered his cruciate ligament damage, which he had forgotten about. It was the same injury that kept Vlaar out of the previous season, causing him to miss the whole season. He had a fruitful knee surgery while on the sidelines. He returned to training in June 2009 after a long absence. "Yes, that was not a nice idea," Vlaar said about his recovery: I knew that I would have to miss the entire season once more. It was a trying time for me, particularly because I couldn't do anything in the first weeks. Since the fluid had to get out of the knee, I had to wait eight weeks before going into an operation.

Did I think my career was in danger?

No, not really. I'm a optimist. I've found it a bit difficult as a result of the previous post. Towards myself but also towards others. To be more efficient, you'll have to get to the bottom of your own problems. Hence, it was helpful that I was in Zeist, far away from the club, on my recovery. After a while, I felt more of a Feyenoord supporter than a player."

Vlaar returned from injury after being sidelined for two years, playing in a number of friendly matches in Feyenoord's pre-season as he returned to action for his first team. During the 2009–10 season, Vlaar made a good comeback, helping the club hold four clean sheets in a row. After Vlaar returned to Brazil, he formed a strong alliance with Brazilian center back André Bahia. With his lethal physique and stunning displays, his results have earned accolades. Vlaar was also voted Feyenoord's third choice captain. In a 5–0 victory over Harkemase Boys in the second round of the KNVB Beker on September 24, he scored from a 60-meter distance goal in the KNVB Cup away, his first goal of the season. In the upcoming two matches, Feyenoord was aided in keeping a clean sheet. In a 2–0 draw, he scored from a header against ADO Den Haag on November 29, 2009, his club's next game for the club came on November 29th. In a 3–2 win over FC Groningen on February 28, 2010, Vlaar scored his third goal of the season, launching from a free kick and turning out to be the winning goal. He scored two more goals against Heracles Almelo and Vitesse in the 2009–10 season. Vlaar suffered a hamstring injury and was forced to leave early in the 16th minute during a 3–0 victory over Sparta Rotterdam on April 14, 2010. Feyenoord lost 6–1 on aggregate after being active in both legs of the KNVB Cup Final against rivals' Ajax. Despite suffering injuries on three occasions earlier in the 2009–2010 season, Vlaar went on to make thirty-nine appearances and scoring five times in all leagues. He was named as part of Voetbal International's Team of the Season for his achievements.

Vlaar was linked to Feyenoord with Bundesliga sides Werder Bremen and Süper Lig side Bursaspor wanted to sign him ahead of the 2010-11 season, but the club refused to sign him. Following Giovanni van Bronckhorst's departure, Vlaar was named Feyenoord captain by the start of the 2010–11 season. He debuted in the centre-back role, playing with Stefan de Vrij in the club's first five league matches of the season. In a 3–2 loss to Excelsior on August 15, Vlaar scored his first goal of the season, scoring from a header. However, he sustained a hamstring injury while losing 2–1 against Ajax on September 19, 2010 and was recalled at halftime. It was announced that the player would be out in six weeks from four to six weeks after the match. Vlaar sustained the same injury during Feyenoord's pre-season, but the injury was not serious as first expected. In a 1–1 draw against Roda JC, Vlaar didn't return from injury, starting the whole game on November 7, 2010; it wasn't until November 7th that he pulled him out. Since recovering from injury, he continued to regain his first team role, as well as captain. In a 2–2 draw on February 20, 2011, Vlaar was able to play in the match against ADO Den Haag after suffering a back injury in the previous match. In a 5-1 victory over FC Groningen, the man was greeted on his second goal of the season. However, during a 3–1 victory over PSV Eindhoven on April 24, 2011, Vlaar suffered a calf injury and was forced to leave early at halftime. It was reported that after the match, he would be out for the remainder of the 2010-11 season. Vlaar made twenty-eight appearances and scoring two times in all competitions at the end of the 2010–11 season.

After rumors surrounding his future at Feyenoord, Vlaar signed a deal with the club on June 27, 2011, keeping him until 2014. He also converted from twenty to four for the new season. Vlaar was one of thirteen players to lose faith in Mario Been, causing him to resign as Feyenoord's manager, with Been's successor, Ronald Koeman. He continued to develop himself in the first squad, beginning with a center-back relationship with de Vrij, as well as keeping his captaincy intact. In a 2–1 loss to the Go Ahead Eagles in the third round of the KNVB Beker on October 27, 2011, Vlaar then scored his first goal of the season. "We've all been through a lot," the coach said of the club's latest success. You also have to make it harder, so you get a thicker skin. You have to disclose it. Last year, we saw a lot of negative stuff, and a lot took place at the start of this season. You get a lot over yourself and you have to give it a home. If you're still haven't achieved, you'll have to protect yourself against it. In the meantime, there must be a switch." Vlaar played a key role in the team's second spot in the 2012–13 UEFA Champions League, winning a spot in the third qualifying round. Despite suffering injuries during the 2011–12 season, the player appeared in every match in the league, winning twenty-six times and scoring once in all competitions. Vlaar said, "It shows a lot about our skills that we know how to win such top competitions." This season, we've expected more from each other. In addition, the trainers played a key role in this. We were also spared of injuries, which was fortunately. No, no such thing as a cup or bowl resulted in a cup or bowl. But this is a wonderful reward for those who have worked really hard to bring Feyenoord back to the top. Last year, I joined because I wanted to create something with this club. And with this second position, you have already achieved that. However, we can take one more step. You have to look forward."

Vlaar said ahead of the 2012–13 season, he hopes to remain at Feyenoord and continue to support the team with their success. However, Vlaar began to be linked to Feyenoord, with European clubs like Fiorentina and Genoa interested in signing him. The club's technical director Martin van Geel confirmed that they did not sell the player as a result of the rumors. Vlaar replied to the transfer rumors, despite being uncertain about his future with Feyenoord, he wished to remain at the club and helped them win the league ahead of the new season. Feyenoord reported on July 15, 2012, that Vlaar had flown to Birmingham to speak with Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert in the hopes of a possible transfer. Manager Lambert expressed disappointment in referring to the player's trade rumors, assuaging the player's fate. Vlaar denied that the contract was off and he'd remain with Feyenoord during Villa's pre-season tour of the United States, but not in the United States. It was then revealed on July 27 that Vlaar will eventually return to the Premier League as he had agreed personal terms and would sign for Villa subject to him passing a medical. Vlaar officially joined Aston Villa on August 1, 2012, for a three-year deal.

On the club's website, Vlaar spoke about his move to the country and his desire to be a cult hero among supporters shortly after joining Aston Villa and being given a number four shirt. In a 1–0 loss to West Ham United in the first game of the season, he made his Aston Villa debut, starting the entire game. Vlaar was named captain for the 2012-2013 season in the absence of club captain Stiliyan Petrov, who was in mourning for cancer. Aston Villa's first victory of the season came in a 2–0 victory over Swansea City on September 15, 2012. He then talked about his role as a captain, but he faced new challenges as a captain in "a different league, different language, and a different culture." Vlaar established himself in the first thirteen league games of the season, teaming with Ciaran Clark in the middle of the season. However, he sustained a calf injury in a match against Arsenal on November 24, 2012, and was suspended in the 51st minute as Aston Villa drew 0–0. After a MRI, Vlaar was out for two months due to the injury. He didn't make his return to the starting line against West Bromwich Albion on January 19th and helped the club draw 2–2. However, after starting five starts for Aston Villa, Vlaar suffered a calf injury while in training and missed two games as a result. But he made his return to the starting lineup against Reading on March 9, 2013, when the club defeated 2–1. Following his return from injury, Vlaar regained his first team position for the remainder of the 2012–13 season, helping Aston Villa's fight for survival and avoid relegation in the Premier League. In a 6–1 victory over Sunderland on 29 April 29, he scored his first goal for the club with a 30-yard blast. Vlaar scored his second goal for Aston Villa in a 2–2 draw away in a match against recently promoted Wigan Athletic in the last game of the season, scoring from just inside the penalty area. In all competitions, he made thirty-one appearances and scoring twice. While avoiding relegation in the Premier League, Vlaar said that the youngsters in the team should learn from their mistakes and hoping that Aston Villa does not find themselves in the relegation zone next season. Nevertheless, Vlaar later said: "It wasn't an easy season." I was my first season in the Premier League and at Aston Villa, but I think I could have done better. I want more from myself. If we have a new season, I think it will be better. I'm never completely happy with the way I play, but I do continue to look for ways to improve. I want to be more involved in personal battles, I want to win more headers, but I want to make less mistakes. I just need to be more efficient. I believe you can do a lot with practice. So you train like you play, so it's 100 percent every day."

Vlaar started the season right by caping the whole game and assisting Aston Villa in beating Arsenal 3-1 in the first game of the 2013-14 season. Since the 2013–14 season, Vlaar has been in the first team, forming a center-back partnership with Clark, Nathan Baker, and Jores Okore. He then helped the club keep three clean sheets out of the club's four league matches throughout November. Vlaar's result was lauded by manager Lambert, who believed that he should be included in the FIFA World Cup squad. Vlaar sustained a calf injury and was suspended at halftime during a match against Southampton on December 4th, 2013. He returned to the starting lineup against Sunderland on January 1, 2014, but first to suffer an injury and was called back in the 70th minute. Vlaar returned to the starting lineup against Arsenal on January 13, 2014, after missing only matches. Aston Villa lost 21-01. During a 2–1 loss to Everton on February 1, 2014, he played two more matches before he suffered a hamstring injury and was forced to leave in the 80th minute. After being on the sidelines for ten days as a result of the injury, Vlaar returned to the starting lineup against Cardiff CIty on Tuesday and helped the club keep a clean sheet in a 0–0 draw. "I think there might be a chance," Lambert said after the match. I'll have to see how he feels. You cannot risk it. He has to feel confident and confident if he'll play, and if he's confident and believes he can play, you should take a look at it. Ron's departure is a bitter blow." He regained his first team position by playing in the center-back role for the remainder of the 2013–14 season and helped Aston Villa avoid relegation once more by finishing in 15th place. Vlaar made thirty-four appearances in all competitions at the end of the 2013–14 season.

Vlaar said ahead of the 2014–15 season that he's aiming for the new season is to help Aston Villa win silverware. Vlaar was recruited away from the team due to his success in the FIFA World Cup, and clubs like Queens Park Rangers and Lazio were keen to sign him. He stayed at Aston Villa following manager Lambert's talks. When Vlaar helped the team get off to a winning start in the first three league matches of the season, he began the 2014-2015 season. Vlaar sustained a calf injury during a 2–1 victory over Hull City on August 31, 2014, but was sidelined for a month. He didn't return to the starting lineup against Everton on October 18 and played the entire game as Aston Villa lost 3–0. Nevertheless, Vlaar sustained a calf injury while on international service but was sidelined for weeks. In a 1–0 loss against West Bromwich Albion on December 13, Vlaar returned to the first team from injury, as a 78th-minute replacement. His return was short-lived after he sustained a knee injury in a 0–0 draw against Crystal Palace on January 1st, 2015, and was suspended in the 15th minute. It was announced that Vlaar would be out for six weeks following the match. He was linked with a move away from the club, with Juventus, Liverpool, and Manchester United all wanting to sign him while on the sidelines. Aston Villa will not sell Vlaar in the January transfer window, according to manager Lambert, who agreed and stated that he did not sign the contract but not informed him. In a 2–1 victory, Vlaar returned to the starting lineup against Leicester City in the fifth round of the FA Cup on February 15, 2015. He was sent–off for his second bookable offence in a 2–1 loss in a follow-up match against Stoke City. Vlaar sustained a calf injury while serving his suspension, putting him out for a month. In a 3–3 draw against Queens Park Rangers on April 7, he returned to the starting lineup and played the entire game. In a 2–1 victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-finals, Vlaar then relinquished his captaincy to Fabian Delph for the remainder of the 2014–15 season and played his first match without an armband. Following this, he formed a central defence partnership with Jores Okore, and the two teams also competed together in the 2015 FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, where the team was defeated 4–0 by Arsenal on May 30, 2015. Vlaar made twenty-three appearances in all competitions after the 2014-2015 season.

With his deal coming to an end in the 2014-–15 season, Vlaar's future at Aston Villa was speculated over whether he'll continue or not by giving him a new contract. On two separate occasions, Vlaar stated that he wanted to remain at the club. Following delays in contract talks, Aston Villa's Vlaar was given a new deal on June 8, 2015. However, he turned down the club's contract, effectively leaving him as a free agent.

By his coworkers, Vlaar earned the nickname 'Concrete Ron' during his time at Aston Villa. He was a fan favorite among Aston Villa supporters, who chanted: "Ooh aah Ron Vlaar," says the narrator.

Following his release by Aston Villa, Vlaar was linked back to Feyenoord and even started a recovery program after he was out for between three to four months after undergoing a surgery. However, the club let him go and later expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision. Vlaar was linked to a transfer to his former team, AZ Alkmaar and Everton, once more. He signed AZ Alkmaar for the second time on a contract that runs until the end of the 2015–16 season on December 7, 2015.

Vlaar played in a match for Jong AZ, starting a match and playing 61 minutes in a 4–1 victory over Jong SC Cambuur on December 14th, 2015, in order to regain his fitness. In a 2–2 draw against FC Utrecht on December 19, 2015, he made his second appearance for the club, starting the whole game. Vlaar quickly settled himself in the first team after joining AZ Alkmaar, establishing a centre-back alliance with either Derrick Luckassen or Stijn Wuytens. He captained the club on four occasions in the absence of Jeffrey Gouweleeuw. In a 4–1 victory over FC Groningen on February 20, 2016, Vlaar scored his first goal for AZ Alkmaar, scoring his second goal of the game. On the last game of the season, he played for the club against FC Utrecht 3–1 to secure a spot in the UEFA Europa League next season. Despite being sidelined by an injury later this season, Vlaar continued to make nineteen appearances and scoring once in all competitions. Following all of this, he signed a new two-year contract with AZ Alkmaar on May 9, 2016.

Vlaar changed number shirt to four ahead of the 2016-17 season and was appointed as the captain of AZ Alkmaar. He started the season well for AZ Alkmaar by helping the team win all four of their matches against PAS Giannina and FK Vojvodina in the UEFA Europa League to qualify for the group stage. In three matches between August 28, 2016 and September 2016, Vlaar maintained a clean sheet for AZ Alkmaar. However, he sustained a calf injury and was suspended in the 57th minute during a 5–0 loss UEFA Europa League match against Zenit Saint Petersburg on September 29, 2016. After being sidelined for three weeks due to the injury, Vlaar returned to the starting lineup against FC Groningen on October 23 but only to suffer another calf injury and was forced to be substituted in the 69th minute. In a 0–0 draw, the player returned to the starting lineup against Maccabi Tel Aviv in the UEFA Europa League a week later, on November 3rd. Vlaar then began playing in the next four games before suffering a calf injury that kept him out for two months. It wasn't until he returned to the starting lineup in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 on February 23, 2017, that he was out of the tournament after being out for two months. Following all of this, Vlaar regained his first team position, playing with Rens van Eijden and Luckassen, as well as retaining his captaincy, but he had to work hard. Vlaar got off the track against Vitesse in the KNVB Cup Final, losing 2–0. AZ Alkmaar lost on penalties against FC Utrecht after a 3–3 draw on aggragate in the league's play-offs for a spot in the UEFA Europa League. "I am dissatisfie with this season and also in my own season," the club's founder said. It hasn't been as I expected it would be. We'll have to consult ourselves because we can do so much more. We've heard that far too little has been shown. It's difficult to process this loss, but we must keep going." Vlaar made thirty-four appearances in all competitions throughout the 2016–17 season.

"I had an awful season" ahead of the 2017–18 season, Vlaar said. During a relaxing holiday, I considered a lot and had conversations with my girlfriend and friends. I don't want to go back to school this season: I'm struggling with injuries and form. It was often that it wasn't strong enough. All was just wrong. I didn't think football was strong enough either. AZ intends to play more offensive football and stage more. It has been a changeable field, which should not be out of our game. Something new is in the works. It takes time. Disappointments will also be received. We need a team, not eleven guys, so it's important to know that we are doing it with a team. We need everyone. Everyone has to fight for a position, and the level rises. He continued to form a center-back alliance with Wuytens, as well as the club's captain for the first six league games of the season. However, he sustained a knee injury while training and was hospitalized the remainder of the year. Having recovered from his injury, Vlaar was then placed on the replacement bench for a month, thanks to Pantelis Chatzidiakos and Wuytens' center-back partnership. He played his first match since returning from injury against Fortuna Sittard on February 12, 2018 and played 59 minutes before being suspended. In a 3–1 win over NAC Breda five days later, Vlaar made his first appearance in five months in a five-month debut. "I am in good shape, I am fit," he said of his fitness after this. I have to wait patiently for my chance. I'll have to get into match rhythm myself. I played for an hour and 45 minutes for the first time. "Today was ninety minutes of play." In a 3–0 victory, Vlaar returned to the role as captain after his first appearance in six months against ADO Den Haag on March 31 and helped the club keep a clean sheet. In a 3–2 loss, Vlaar received a red card for his second bookable offence in a follow-up match against PSV Eindhoven. AZ Alkmaar's appeal was successful after the match. Vlaar started the KNVB Cup Final against Feyenoord as captain, defeating Feyenoord by 2–0 for the second time, giving AZ Alkmaar's second straight match in a row for the second time. He received a standing ovation from his former team Feyenoord during the match. Vlaar made fifteen appearances in all competitions at the end of the 2017–18 season. "Of course, I imagined it differently," he said despite the season. I've never been dissatisfied with whatever situation I was in. I've always been active. I would have loved to play more and be fitter. The team was fine when I was back to work. I had to be patient during the procedure. I accelerated the preparation. Not only for myself, but also for the other guys who participated. Competitivity makes you more efficient. It's about the club. It hasn't cost me any effort, and I have never been dissatisfied with it."

Since ruling out retirement, Vlaar stayed at AZ Alkmaar by signing a one-year deal extension, keeping him until 2019. He resigned from Guus Til's captaincy post due to his injury. Vlaar was active in the first two months of the 2018-19 season, establishing a centre-back alliance with Chatzidiakos. This continued until he missed two games due to an injury. Butvlaar returned to the first team from injury, starting a match and playing 57 minutes before being suspended in a 2–2 draw against PEC Zwolle on September 30th. After being suspended to the reserve bench for the next two games, he then returned to his first team position and started in the next three matches. Vlaar also missed two games due to his health problems. In a 2–0 victory over Fortuna Sittard on December 7, the player returned from injury, starting the whole game and assisting the club in a clean sheet. Following this, Vlaar resumed his first team position, establishing a center-back alliance with Chatzidiakos and Teun Koopmeiners. Between 19 January 2019 and February 2019, he helped AZ Alkmaar maintain six clean sheets. The club's six clean sheets ended against Willem II on February 24, 2019, when Vlaar and Marco Bizot had a breakdown, resulting in Marios Vrousai capitalizing the mistakes to score as AZ Alkmaar lost 21-01. He was able to recover from his mistakes by assisting the club in three matches between March 10 and March 2019. In a 1–0 victory over FC Groningen on March 30, Vlaar scored his only goal of the game and helped AZ Alkmaar keep a clean sheet. In a 2–2 draw against Vitesse, the goal was followed by his second goal of the season. After beating PSV Eindhoven 1–0 on May 12, 2019, he later helped the team qualify for the UEFA Europa League next season. Vlaar made thirty-four appearances and scoring twice in all competitions during the 2018-19 season. Following this, he signed a one-year contract extension with AZ Alkmaar.

Vlaar's season began well with his assistance in the first six matches, including four UEFA Europa League matches against BK Häcken and FC Mariupol in the first six weeks. Vlaar scored in the first game of the season against Fortuna Sittard in 4–0 victory. He appeared in both legs of the UEFA Europa League play-offs round against Royal Antwerp after missing one game due to his fitness, as AZ Alkmaar defeated aggragate 6–2. Following this, Vlaar found himself in and out of the club's starting lineup in the first three months of the season. In a 4–2 loss to Heerenveen on 19 October 19, he scored from a header for his second goal of the season. Vlaar suffered a calf injury that forced him to miss a month. But he returned from injury against Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League match on December 12, 2019, beginning as a 68th-minute replacement in a 4–0 loss. However, he recovered after suffering a calf injury that kept him out for weeks. In a 5–1 victory, he returned from injury, playing in a friendly match against Mechelen on January 10, 2020, starting a match and playing 45 minutes before being called back to play. In the upcoming three matches for AZ Alkmaar, Vlaar then began. However, his return was short lived after he sustained a muscle injury that kept him out for a month before the season was postponed, with the club finishing fourth in the league due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Vlaar made 20 appearances and scoring twice in all competitions at the end of the 2019-20-20 season. His deal was officially ended early in the game, but AZ Alkmaar continued to discuss with him over a new one. He signed a one-year deal with the club on June 12, 2020, after being refused out of retirement once more.

Vlaar started to recover from his muscle injury ahead of the 2020-21 season. But he recovered and appeared in a friendly match against SC Telstar on August 21, 2020, where he was a 66th-minute replacement in a 1–1 draw. Vlaar made two more appearances in the UEFA Europa League, two of which came from the UEFA Europa League. However, he sustained a muscle injury once more and was unable to function for the next five months. Vlaar announced his retirement from professional football on February 10, 2021, citing physical reasons. He had been a footballer for seventeen years.

International career

Vlaar had been named in the Netherlands U19 team for the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, taking place in the Netherlands between 10 June and July 2005. Vlaar, Hedwiges Maduro's reserve captain, was a key player for the Dutch team and was present in every match of the tournament. The Netherlands U20 had a fruitful run through the group stage, winning their three matches against Japan U20 (2–0), Australia U20 (3–0), and Benin U20 (1–0). The Netherlands U20 reached the quarterfinals against later finalist Nigeria U20, who lost 10–9 on penalty shootout following a 1–1 draw at Extra time after beating Chile U20 (3–0) in the next round. Despite Vlaar's equalizing goal and a fruitful penalty kick, the Netherlands U20 did not progress to the next stage.

For the first time in May 2006, Vlaar was called up to the Netherlands U21 for the first time. In a 2–2 draw on 17 May 6, he made his national team debut against Germany U21, beginning a match and playing 45 minutes before being called off. Vlaar was a member of the Netherlands U21 Championship in 2006, where the Dutch team claimed the trophy for the first time in history. Besides being an unemployed substitute in a 1–1 draw against Denmark U21 in the group match, he appeared in every match on the tournament. After losing their first game to the Ukrainian team, Jong Oranje started and concluded their campaign against Ukraine U21, losing by a 3–0 win in the final.

Following the tournament, Vlaar was not picked up to the Netherlands U21 squad until February 2nd, 2007. In a 3–0 victory over Russia U21 on February 6, 2007, he captained the U21 national team for the first team and helped them keep a clean sheet. In the upcoming two matches against the Czech Republic U21 and the Republic of Ireland U21, Vlaar captained Netherlands U21. He was called up to the Netherlands U21 squad for the tournament, twelve months after winning the European Under-21 Championship for the first time. Vlaar appeared in every match in the group stage and was the captain of the U21 national team. Following a 1–1 draw at extra time, he had to leave the field injured in the semi-final match against England U21. Vlaar had to watch the final from the sidelines as the Netherlands U21 retained the trophy in style with a 4–1 win over Serbia U21 in the final, and he and reserve captain Hedwiges Maduro were able to lift the trophy together.

Vlaar and Edith Bosch were appointed as the ambassador for both the Dutch Olympic and the Netherlands Paralympic teams in Beijing, China, in the months leading up to the 2008 Olympic Games. However, he was recalled by Kees Luijckx due to his injury. On Feyenoord's column, Vlaar said that he is determined to make it to the Netherlands squad for the Olympics. Vlaar was selected in the 36 man preliminary squad pick on June 6, 2008. However, he did not make the cut a month later after struggling to make it to the 23 man squad. Vlaar answered with a remark about being ruled out of the team: "Yes, I know." It's been a lifetime for those who participate in the Olympics. After tearing my cruciate ligament, I was not able to travel to Beijing. I may have made it based on a time schedule. I'm physically fit, but I don't have a rhythm. In all fairness, you'll have to make a decision about whether or not you want to remain at home in the interests of the team and yourself. Foppe de Haan would not be of much use to me, and the long run at Feyenoord is clearly more important than the short one."

Vlaar made enough of an appearance in the few matches that the promising defender appeared in for Marco van Basten, the Netherlands national team's coach. In June 2005, he was selected for the qualifier against Romania but did not participate. In a 2–0 victory on October 8, 2005, Vlaar's first international match against the Czech Republic was a match against the Czech Republic, and the 57th-minute replacement was brought on as a 57th-minute replacement. In a 3–1 loss to Italy a month later, he made another appearance for the senior national team, starting a match and playing 60 minutes before being dismissed. Vlaar did not receive a call call from the Netherlands squad after this.

Since his return to Feyenoord, he was a first-choice regular in the team team, and his appearances for Feyenoord were spotted by national team coach Bert van Marwijk, who has explicitly stated his support for him in the run-up to the IFA World Cup in South Africa. However, Vlaar has yet to be called to the national team due to his previous injuries, allowing him to return to full fitness and avoiding muscle overuse since Vlaar first played in the summer of 2009. Van Marwijk also stated that he would seriously consider calling Vlaar up in the second half of the season. Van Marwijk was voted player for the first time in nearly five years in February 2010. In a 2–1 victory over the United States on March 3, 2010, he made his first appearance in five years as a second half replacement. Vlaar was named in the preliminary squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa two months later. However, he sustained a leg injury while training. Vlaar said he remains hopeful to make it to the team just a few months later. However, Vlaar will not be a member of the final squad of 23 players on the competition's on May 27th, 2010 Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk announced on May 27 that they would not participate.

Following the conclusion of the World Cup tournament, Vlaar was called up to the national team squad once more on August 9, 2010. On August 11, 2010 he captained his first match for Netherlands against Ukraine, and started the whole game to help the national team draw 1-1. He spent the next eighteen months on the replacement bench but did not play for the Netherlands as a result. In a 3–2 victory over England on February 29, 2012, Vlaar made an appearance in an 82nd minute substitute. Van Marwijk ranked him in the provisional list of 36 players for the UEFA Euro 2012 tournament on May 7th. Vlaar was eventually selected for the 23-man squad after he announced his commitment to being in the squad ahead of the tournament. He scored his first international goal with a header kick from Ibrahim Afellay's corner kick on June 2, 2012, the last goal in a 6–0 friendly victory over Northern Ireland. In a 1–0 loss to Denmark on September 9, Vlaar made his first appearance of the UEFA Euro tournament, establishing a center-back partnership with John Heitinga. He returned to the starting line after being dropped to the bench in the next game against Germany, as the national team lost 2–1 on June 17th, placing them last in the standings. Following the conclusion of the tournament, Vlaar reflected on the experience, saying: "I had the feeling that I was right next to it." I've had a fruitful week here. However, I can't be happy with that right now. I'm dissatisfied because you're a sportsman and you want to do well. Later this week, I may be able to look back on this European Championship in a more positive light for me personally."

Vlaar was Louis van Gaal's first-choice center, back for the Netherlands for FIFA World Cup qualification Group D matches for the remainder of 2012. He switched in and out of the national team's starting lineup from January to September 2013 due to competitions in the center-backs. After defeating Andorra 2–0 on September 10, Vlaar recovered his place for Netherlands and helped the national team qualify for the FIFA World Cup. He has remained the Netherlands' first choice center-back in the months leading up to the tournament. Vlaar, who was angry to not be included in the squad for the tournament eight years ago, was later included in the squad for the World Cup 2014 in Brazil. He made the cut to be included in the 23 man squad on May 31. On Matchday 1 of the Group Stage against Spain on June 13, 2014, Vlaar made his tournament debut on Matchday 1 of the Group Stage against Spain and helped the national team win 5–1. He then became the first choice centre-backs for Feyenoord, de Vrij and Bruno Martins Indi and Daley Blind, as well as former Feyenoord teammates. With the Vlaar-headed defence conceding just four goals, the defence leader and his contributions led to the Netherlands not losing any games in the normal time. He made the first penalty kick against Argentina in the semi-finals, becoming one of the best players on the field at any time in recent history. Vlaar, on the other hand, was unable to play Brazil in the third place play-off, just like Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder, who caused the Dutch to lose and face Brazil. The Netherlands won the bronze medal after beating Brazil 3–0; Vlaar's first appearance for his national team. He appeared in all seven games during the FIFA World Cup tournament. Vlaar was ranked tenth in the FIFA top players in the ranking system.

Following the conclusion of the tournament, Vlaar missed international service with the Netherlands due to a calf injury while playing for Aston Villa. He was called up to the national team on November 7, 2014, after recovering from an injury. Vlaar made his first appearance for Netherlands in four months on November 11, 2014, starting a match and playing 24 minutes before being suspended due to another calf injury in a 3–2 loss to Mexico, what was then his last appearance for the national team. His international prospects have been sporadic for the remainder of his career, with him appearing in a number of matches as an inactive substitute. In his nine years with the Netherlands national team and scoring once, he earned 32 caps and scored once.

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