Erik Bakker

Zwolle

Bakker was born in Hoogeveen, Drenthe, Netherlands, and grew up in nearby Koekange. He started his football career in the youth department of local amateur club WIJC, before joining FC Zwolle's youth academy in 2000. On 10 August 2007, he made his professional debut for their first team, replacing Anton Jongsma in the 82nd minute of a 1–1 away draw against Haarlem in the Eerste Divisie. On 7 September 2007, he scored his first professional goal in a 4–1 home win over Den Bosch. Bakker then signed a two-year contract extension with an option for an additional year on 26 September 2007. In February 2009, Zwolle extended his contract again, keeping him a Blauwvinger until 2012. Bakker would play for Zwolle until 2011, making 138 total appearances for the club, in which he scored 11 goals.

Cambuur

In June 2011, Bakker signed a two-year contract with Cambuur. On the opening day of the season on 8 August, he debuted for the club, starting and scoring his first goal from a penalty in the 77th minute during a 4–2 away victory against AGOVV. He established himself as a key figure in the first team at the club, playing a pivotal role in Cambuur's clinching of the 2012–13 Eerste Divisie title, which consequently earned them promotion to the Eredivisie. He scored in the final game of the season; a 2–0 away win over Excelsior, which secured the first-place finish. At that point, he had developed into a prolific goalscorer while playing in midfield for Cambuur. He…

Cambuur

Eerste Divisie: 2012–13