 A versatile defender, Van der Wiel usually plays as an attacking right-back or wing-back and is known for his speedy runs down the flank, as well as his defensive skills, ability on the ball and distribution.He is also capable of playing as a wide midfielder on either flank, or even as a centre-back.Born in Amsterdam, Van der Wiel has a Dutch-Antillean father from Curaçao and a Dutch mother.