Theo Janssen was a Dutch midfielder with refined technique, great game vision, impressive accuracy in his passes and shots from medium distance, who made his mark on Dutch football with his class, controversy and reckless behavior, that sometimes got him and others in trouble both inside and outside the field. Discovered by Vitesse, the club from his hometown (Arnhem), he stood out at a young age for his above-average technique, ball control and tactical reading, quickly gaining prestige in the Eredivisie.

His career came to prominence at FC Twente, where he was a key player in the club's historic 2009–10 Eredivisie triumph, as well as the Supercup and KNVB Cup and was elected the best player of the season. At the Enschede club, Janssen played as a central midfielder or playmaker, setting the pace for the team with his precise passing, creative vision and physical presence – he was also an excellent free-kick taker and long-range finisher. He was one of the team's leaders and a technical reference on the pitch.

He later moved to Ajax, where he also won the Eredivisie, confirming his status as one of the best midfielders in the country at that time. Although he was not a regular starter for the Dutch national team, he was called up for Euro 2012 and was respected for his tactical intelligence and quality with the ball at his feet. He returned to Vitesse to end his career, being treated as an idol by the local fans.

Despite his sometimes "explosive" stance in the field, Theo Janssen had a slow paced playstyle and made up for his lack of mobility with great intelligence, game control and surgical passes, being remembered as one of the most technical and charismatic midfielders in Dutch football in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

Other Links:
Janssen named Netherlands' finest | Uefa.com | English
Twente midfielder Janssen hurt in car crash | FFT.com | English

Videos:
Eredivisie Helden 2000/2010: Vitesse - Theo Janssen
Theo Janssen | Vitesse Doelpunten (1998-2008) + (2012-2014)
10 JAAR GROLSCH VESTE | FC Twente - Inter Milan (14-09-2010)
THROWBACK | FC Twente - Zenit St. Petersburg (10-03-2011)
THROWBACK | Rubin Kazan - FC Twente (17-02-2011)
THROWBACK | FC Twente - PSV (02-04-2011)
Theo Janssen - Ajax 2011-12