Zian Flemming can prepare for a Premier League adventure after finishing second with Burnley in the Championship. The Amsterdam-born player says he has learned a lot in his first season with The Clarets, who will make his move from Millwall permanent this summer. Flemming was on loan at Burnley.
Embed from Getty Images
Zian Flemming’s journey in English football has taken a major turn this season, as the Dutch attacking midfielder reflects on his development at Burnley and looks ahead to his next challenge: the Premier League.
After a standout season in the Championship where he contributed 12 goals and 4 assists Flemming has grown into a key figure for a Burnley side that finished second and secured promotion. But it’s not just his on-field numbers that define his impact. It’s the evolution of his game, shaped by a new footballing environment, and the strong connection he’s forged with the club, the manager, and the culture.
Coming through the renowned Ajax youth academy, Flemming was taught the Dutch way: technical precision, positional play, and a strong commitment to maintaining possession. Later, he honed his skills at NEC, PEC Zwolle, and Fortuna Sittard clubs where those values were echoed. However, none of them fully prepared him for the demands of English football.
“Burnley is not the same club it used to be under Sean Dyche,” Flemming explains. “People still think of the old-school, physical style long balls, tough tackles, defending deep but that’s not what we do anymore. We’re encouraged to dominate games, to build from the back, to play with control. But we’re not naïve about it either. If the situation calls for a more direct approach, we’re ready to adapt. There’s no shame in going long when needed.”
That sense of pragmatism of knowing when to shift gears was something Flemming admits he didn’t truly understand during his time in Dutch football. “Game management is a huge thing here,” he says. “Honestly, it wasn’t something I ever learned in the Netherlands. Not at Ajax, not anywhere. In Millwall, I started to notice a change, but here at Burnley, it’s on another level. We talk about it all the time. We train for it. We analyze it through video. When do you slow the game down? When do you kill the tempo? When do you let the keeper go long instead of playing short? It’s all deliberate.”
He believes this tactical flexibility is something many Dutch clubs still underestimate. “In the Netherlands, there’s a strong belief in sticking to your style, your philosophy. And that’s great until you face a team that figures you out and you can’t adjust. That’s where I’ve grown the most. I’ve learned that being flexible isn’t a weakness. It’s a strength.”
Much of that growth, Flemming credits to Burnley manager Scott Parker, who took over the club at a crucial time and led them to promotion with a clear vision and demanding approach. “Scott Parker is by far the best coach I’ve ever worked with,” Flemming says without hesitation. “He came into a new dressing room and immediately created a high-performance culture. It’s serious. You work incredibly hard every day. Every session is intense, every drill is competitive. There are no off-days. And I love that.”
At previous clubs, Flemming says he sometimes questioned the tactical clarity. “You’d think, okay, plan A isn’t working now what? And there wasn’t always an answer. But here, I never feel that doubt. I know we have a plan, and I know it will adapt if necessary. That gives you so much confidence as a player.”
What makes Parker stand out, according to Flemming, isn’t just his tactical mind but also his character. “You might assume he’s a bit of an oddball, given how intense he is with his preparation and analysis. But he’s actually just a great guy. Down-to-earth. Easy to talk to. He’s a bit of a freak in a good way about how much time and energy he puts into everything. But that’s what makes him so good.”
Flemming flashes a grin when he talks about their working relationship. “It’s a perfect match. The mentality he’s built in this group matches mine completely. We don’t cut corners. We train to win. And we think about every detail. That’s the kind of environment I’ve always wanted.”
As Burnley prepares to return to the Premier League, Flemming’s personal growth is just as notable as the club’s success. The experiences of this past season learning new tactical nuances, adjusting to the English game, and thriving under a demanding coach have all sharpened his game. And now, with a permanent move to Burnley secured, the Dutch midfielder is ready to take the next step.
“I’m not the same player I was a year ago,” he says. “I’ve matured. I’ve adapted. And I’ve embraced a new way of thinking about football. Now I’m just excited to test myself at the highest level.”
