Everton announced the season-long loan signing of Arnaut Danjuma on Sunday, after the Dutchman joined from Spanish side Villarreal.
The Blues’ latest acquisition has enjoyed a strong career across several leagues, including the Premier League, La Liga, the Championship, as well as international football with the Netherlands.
Due to his presence across European football, Danjuma is likely to be a familiar face to most, but here are 10 facts you may not know about the Toffees’ new number 10...
- Born In Lagos
Danjuma was born in Nigeria to a Dutch father and Nigerian mother.
He was eligible for either national team but chose to play for the Netherlands and has since made six appearances, scoring two goals.
- Snake Celebration
When he scores, Danjuma mimics a snake with his hands. This celebration is a nod to a lifelong friend who used to do the celebration when they played football while growing up together.
They’ve remained close since childhood and the celebration acts as a sign of respect to the friend who’s helped Danjuma in difficult times and throughout his career.
- Prolific Forward
Danjuma has reached double figures for league goals in three separate seasons, which include in La Liga with Villareal and with Bournemouth in the Championship. During his second season with the Cherries, he registered 15 goals and seven assists in 29 league starts, earning the club’s Player of the Year award.
Since leaving Jong PSV in 2015, Danjuma has averaged more than 0.5 goal contributions per 90 minutes at every club he has been at.
- Man Of Faith
He is a Muslim, and although he’s previously admitted he never really practised the religion when he was younger, his faith now plays an important role in his life.
References to Islam can often be seen across his social media, and Danjuma frequently mentions its significance during interviews.
He says the Tahmid when he scores, putting his hands together, before saying “Alhamdulillah” which is Arabic for “thank God”.
- His Full Name
Danjuma’s full name is Arnaut Danjuma Adam Groeneveld. Arnaut is his first name, and so too is Danjuma, but Danjuma is his Nigerian name.
Adam is his Muslim name, while Groeneveld is his surname.
- UCL Goalscorer
Only six players scored more UEFA Champions League goals during the 2021/22 campaign that Danjuma, who netted six times in the competition.
Beating Juventus and Bayern Munich along the way, his goals, which included a brace against Atalanta, helped Unai Emery’s Villarreal to reach the semi-finals.
- Jordan Inspired
He’s previously revealed to have been influenced by basketball legend, Michael Jordan. While at Bournemouth in 2021, Danjuma discussed the NBA great.
“Jordan is definitely a big influence on me,” he said. “He’s just different in one word. And people who are different in the right way make the top. He had a vision and everything else should go out of the way for him to achieve his goal, he was always on a mission.
“He was one of those who could turn it on and off – and he never turned it off.”
- Overcoming Adversity
At the age of four, the divorce of his parents led to a period of homelessness, with his mother having trouble in finding a place to live and to make a living.
The family often stayed with friends when they could, and some days, would end up sleeping in the car.
- Dutch Debut
He was first called up for the Dutch national team by former Everton manager Ronald Koeman in October 2018. Danjuma made his debut in a 3-0 UEFA Nations League win over Germany, as a 68th-minute substitute for former Jong PSV teammate Steven Bergwijn.
Just three days later, he scored his first international goal to equalise in a 1–1 draw away to neighbours Belgium.
- Versatility
Danjuma can play across the front line, having previously featured as a striker, second striker, attacking midfielder, left-winger, and right-winger.
According to transfermarkt.com, he’s featured most as a left-winger, where he’s recorded 32 goals and 25 assists in 92 appearances.
