For any young player, going on trial at big clubs can be a scary thought. To do it in a foreign country at just 21 years old? That would be a daunting prospect for most.
But not Kelle Roos. Because after discovering he had dyslexia aged just four, the Dutch goalkeeper developed a steely, inner strength. So as a footballer, tough times were never going to derail his ambitions. Roos left Holland on his own to go on trial at Birmingham City and Bristol City, without success. Later, after impressing for English non-league outfit Nuneaton Town, he had temporary stints at Liverpool, Everton and Sunderland.
Roos suffered several knock-backs before earning a move to Derby County in 2014. But nothing fazed him. Not after having to graft as a child just to learn to read and write. The Aberdeen No.1 says being dyslexic helped shape his character. The doggedness and perseverance he had to show as a youngster have helped him become the player – and person – he is today.
