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Ruben Roosken: The Journey of a Dutch Defender Breaking New Grounds in England
Ruben Eduardo Roosken (born 2 March 2000) is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a left-back for English club Huddersfield Town in the EFL League One. From his humble beginnings in Klazienaveen, a small town in the Dutch province of Drenthe, to making a name for himself in the Netherlands before moving to England, Roosken’s career reflects resilience, adaptability, and steady growth.
This biography explores his early life, family background, football journey across the Netherlands, and his eventual move to English football, where he continues to shape his career.
Early Life and Background
Ruben Eduardo Roosken was born on 2 March 2000 in Klazienaveen, a town in Drenthe, Netherlands. He was raised in a multicultural household; his father is Dutch, while his mother is of Luso-Angolan descent, giving him both European and African heritage. This diverse background played an important role in shaping his identity and outlook on life.
Growing up in Klazienaveen, Ruben was naturally drawn to football, a sport deeply embedded in Dutch culture. Like many children in the Netherlands, he spent countless hours playing in the streets, parks, and local pitches, developing the technical ability and discipline that would later define his career.
Early Footballing Steps – VV Klazienaveen
Ruben began his footballing journey with VV Klazienaveen, a small local club that played a significant role in nurturing his raw talent. Here, he learned the basics of the game, built his confidence, and began showing signs of the strong left-back he would later become.
Coaches at VV Klazienaveen quickly noticed his speed, tactical awareness, and ability to read the game from the backline. His defensive discipline, combined with his eagerness to push forward in attack, made him a versatile full-back — a style consistent with Dutch football’s philosophy of total football, where players are encouraged to be technically complete and multifunctional.
Joining FC Emmen’s Youth Academy (2012–2019)
In 2012, Ruben’s potential earned him a move to the youth academy of FC Emmen, a professional club in the Netherlands. The transition from a local amateur club to a professional setup was challenging but necessary for his development.
At Emmen, he spent seven years (2012–2019) refining his skills. The academy exposed him to structured training, tactical education, and a higher level of competition. Coaches emphasized his positioning, stamina, and crossing ability — key qualities for a modern full-back.
By the time he neared the end of his academy years, Roosken was already regarded as one of the promising young defenders in the setup. His determination to break into the first team became stronger with every season.
Breakthrough at FC Emmen (2019–2020)
Ruben’s patience and perseverance were rewarded in 2019, when he was promoted to the senior squad of FC Emmen, then competing in the Eredivisie, the top tier of Dutch football.
On 14 September 2019, he made his professional debut in a match against FC Utrecht. For a young player who had spent years working through the ranks, stepping onto the Eredivisie pitch was a proud moment for both him and his family.
Although opportunities were limited during his time at Emmen, making just 3 league appearances, the experience was invaluable. Competing at the highest level of Dutch football provided exposure to faster gameplay, physical battles, and tactical challenges. It was a brief chapter, but one that laid the foundation for his future.
A New Challenge with TOP Oss (2020–2021)
Seeking regular playing time and further development, Roosken signed a two-year contract with TOP Oss in the Eerste Divisie (Dutch second tier) on 10 August 2020.
He made his debut for the club on 29 August 2020, coming on as a substitute in a 1–2 home defeat to Helmond Sport. In the following fixture against Roda JC Kerkrade, he earned his first start. From then on, he quickly established himself as a regular starter.
During the 2020–2021 season, Roosken made 29 league appearances and became an important part of TOP Oss’s defensive setup. His consistency, work rate, and growing maturity helped the team finish in a respectable mid-table position.
This period was crucial for his confidence. At TOP Oss, he transitioned from being a young prospect to a dependable first-team player. He learned how to handle pressure, lead from the backline, and sharpen his defensive instincts.
Growth at Heracles Almelo (2021–2025)
Roosken’s performances at TOP Oss caught the attention of Heracles Almelo, a well-established Dutch club. On 18 June 2021, it was officially announced that he had signed a three-year contract with Heracles.
This move marked a major step forward in his career. At Heracles, he was tested against higher-level opposition in both the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie (as the club fluctuated between divisions). His time at the club would span four seasons (2021–2025), during which he made 83 appearances and scored 2 goals.
One of his most notable achievements came in the 2022–23 season, when Heracles Almelo were crowned Eerste Divisie champions, securing promotion back to the Eredivisie. For Roosken, winning a league title was a career-defining milestone that validated his growth and contributions.
At Heracles, Ruben matured as both a defender and a professional. His defensive versatility, composure under pressure, and ability to contribute offensively from the left flank earned him recognition and respect.
Huddersfield Town Move (2025–Present)
By the end of 2024, Ruben was ready for a new challenge outside the Netherlands. On 28 December 2024, it was announced that he had agreed to join Huddersfield Town, an English EFL League One side, on a two-and-a-half year deal. The transfer became official with the opening of the January 2025 window.
Moving to England represented both a bold and ambitious step in his career. English football is renowned for its intensity, physicality, and passionate fanbase, and Roosken embraced the opportunity to test himself in a new environment.
He made his debut for Huddersfield on 4 January 2025, coming on as a second-half substitute in a goalless draw against Rotherham United. Unfortunately, his debut took an unexpected turn, as he was shown a straight red card just nine minutes after entering the pitch. While the incident was a setback, it also highlighted the learning curve that comes with adapting to English football’s demands.
Since then, he has settled into the squad, wearing the number 11 shirt, and contributing to Huddersfield’s push for promotion. Within a short time, he has already scored 3 goals in 15 appearances, showcasing not just his defensive strengths but also his ability to contribute in attack.
Playing Style and Strengths
Ruben Roosken is primarily a left-back, but his versatility allows him to adapt to various tactical systems. His style of play blends defensive responsibility with attacking intent.
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Defensively, he is strong in one-on-one duels, disciplined in positioning, and reliable in tracking opposition wingers.
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Offensively, he supports forward play with overlapping runs, accurate crosses, and an eye for goal when given space.
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He is also known for his stamina, which allows him to cover large areas of the pitch, and his calmness under pressure, which makes him effective in build-up play.
These qualities align well with modern football’s demands on full-backs, who are expected to contribute at both ends of the pitch.
Personal Life
Away from football, Ruben maintains a grounded personality shaped by his upbringing in Klazienaveen. Family remains an important part of his life, particularly with his multicultural background that connects him to both Dutch and Angolan roots.
He is described by teammates as hardworking, humble, and approachable. Despite the challenges of professional football, Ruben continues to carry himself with professionalism and discipline, traits that have contributed to his steady career progression.
Career Statistics (as of February 2025)
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FC Emmen (2019–2020): 3 appearances, 0 goals
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TOP Oss (2020–2021): 29 appearances, 0 goals
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Heracles Almelo (2021–2025): 83 appearances, 2 goals
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Huddersfield Town (2025–present): 15 appearances, 3 goals
Honours
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Heracles Almelo
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Eerste Divisie Champion: 2022–23
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Legacy and Future Outlook
At just 25 years old, Ruben Roosken’s career is still unfolding. From his early days in Drenthe to professional football in the Netherlands and now England, his journey reflects resilience and determination.
His move to Huddersfield Town marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. If he continues to adapt and grow in English football, he has the potential to play at higher levels within the English football pyramid, and perhaps even attract attention from clubs in the Championship or Premier League.
For now, Ruben remains focused on giving his best for Huddersfield Town, earning the trust of supporters, and contributing to the club’s ambitions. His career trajectory suggests that his best years are still ahead of him.
Conclusion
Ruben Eduardo Roosken’s biography is a story of persistence, adaptability, and ambition. From the pitches of Klazienaveen to the Eredivisie, from the Eerste Divisie title with Heracles Almelo to his current role at Huddersfield Town, he has continually taken bold steps to push his career forward.
A modern left-back with both defensive solidity and attacking flair, Ruben represents the new generation of Dutch footballers making their mark beyond the Netherlands. His journey serves as an inspiration to young players who dream of climbing the football ladder with hard work, patience, and resilience.