UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

De Sanders ready to face the music

A fan of French rap and fledgling songwriter herself, Netherlands defender Kay-Lee de Sanders is relishing Monday's meeting with France as the Dutch continue their title bid.

Netherlands defender Kay-Lee de Sanders relaxes in Slovakia
Netherlands defender Kay-Lee de Sanders relaxes in Slovakia ©Sportsfile

When the Netherlands missed out on qualification for UEFA EURO 2016, Kay-Lee de Sanders knew that she and her team-mates would have to make this a summer to remember for the Dutch at the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship.

So far so good: the Netherlands sit top of Group A ahead of Monday's matchday three fixtures, and De Sanders is relishing their meeting with France and a potential semi-final berth. The defender spoke to UEFA.com about her tournament so far, her love of French rap and some key advice from a certain physiotherapist.

Are you enjoying your first Women's Under-19 EURO?
I really am. It's great being in a tournament; the quality of football is very high, the professionalism within our camp is excellent and it's really competitive. We have a good togetherness in this squad, and I'm really proud to be part of it.

The Netherlands celebrate their win against Norway
The Netherlands celebrate their win against Norway©Sportsfile

Tell us about your family ties with football ...
My uncle is the physiotherapist with the Dutch men's team. I spoke with him just a couple of days ago, and he told me to continue to enjoy the tournament experience, stay focused and do the best I can. There's added pressure, though: our team is the only hope the country have for EURO success this summer!

What about life outside football? We hear you have a musical talent ...
[Laughs] Yes! I love rap, mostly in Dutch as I am still improving my English. I write my own lyrics when I have time, and I'm working on getting someone to perform them. Life in Amsterdam is good; I'm studying marketing, which I find really interesting.

Can you give us a sample?
Not lyrics in particular, but I do have one track I'm proud of. When my aunt fell ill with cancer about three years ago, I wanted to write something for her, and I just started to hear the music in my head. It's when writing started for me as well. I write about things which matter to young people, all my lyrics are the world through my eyes. I listen to a lot of music, it's my passion.

Dutch fans are hoping for big things in Slovakia
Dutch fans are hoping for big things in Slovakia©Sportsfile

Do you have any favourite artists?
I love listening to rap in English and French as well as Dutch, and I'm a big French rap fan. Listening to rap in French is the best.

Will you warm up with a bit of 'rap français' against France on Monday?
Yeah, I probably will! I don't always listen to French rap on the way to a match, but I often do, and that would be a good occasion for it. We are looking forward to Monday; we all think we can play our own game against France.

Selected for you