EXCLUSIVE Van Aanholt for Mozzart Sport Kenya: Everything is possible against Chelsea today

The true journeyman in terms of English football, Patrick van Aanholt has played for as many as seven Premier League sides during the last 12 years. The 30-year-old Dutch full-back made an impressive impact in Chelsea reserve team before starting his senior career for the Blues in 2009.

However, he never got a real chance to show the entirety of his skills at Stamford Bridge. Instead of becoming a household name at Roman Abramovich's club, Van Aanholt enjoyed a several very successful years as a loany at Coventry, Newcastle, Leicester, Wigan and Vitesse, before signing a long-term deal with Sunderland. His career-path led all the way to Crystal Palace where he flourished under Roy Hodgson's guidance.

So today he has an opportunity to shine against his maiden club once the two slots meet at Selhurst Park (19.30) in the Premier League matchday 31 fixture. Exclusively for Mozzart Sport Kenya Van Aanholt talks about the upcoming match and much more...

"Well, Chelsea... it's going to be a hard game. We've beaten them in past both, at home and away. We have to play good and keep our mentality, and then everything is possible.

"As a team, we are doing really well at the moment. We drew against Everton and before that we won against WBA. So I think that we are doing well as a group. As an individual, I started the season with an injury, so I had to pick up some fitness. I recovered well, have been working hard in the gym and then I came back to the team. The last couple of weeks I am feeling great, my body feels good so I'm ready to finish the season on a high.

"We are looking up at the moment, not down. We need a couple more clean sheets. Game by game, and hopefully we will end the season in the top 10 clubs in the table."

Asked about his virtues and possible improvements, Crystal Palace's defender is as straightforward as it gets.

"I'm a full-back and my virtue is also that attacking part. I like to bring assists and goals to my game, and I've shown to everyone I can do that thorough the years. They are all familiar with my strength and I will keep doing that for my team. I need to provide more assists, and to try to score more goals as well. I can improve every day.

"It's up to you to maintain the necessary level and high intensity. It depends on how you recover from the previous and prepare for the next match. You've got a look after your body, so I'm ready to go," adds Van Aanholt.

Having played in Netherlands and England, he gained lots of experience. Two different football philosophies, but the same passion for the beautiful game. Could you compare those two?

"In the Dutch football is all about technique. I'm starting up from the back, one or two touches, quick things... Though I must say I never played in youth setups here in England, because I came to Chelsea's reserves and then straight to the first squad. So it's hard to compare, but back in Netherlands it's all about playing in the right direction. Whenever you pass the ball, you send a message as a player, and that's how we grew up."

Although not as popular as their city rivals from London - Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea or West Ham - the Eagles have fans all over the world, even in Africa. Van Aanholt has a powerful message for them.

"Keep supporting us, I love your support and hopefully I can do something for you, guys," concludes he.

By: NEVEN CVIJANOVIĆ, Sport Klub TV reporter