Ted Lasso Season 3 has been a rollercoaster of emotions so far for each of AFC Richmond’s biggest stars. But the arrival of Matteo van der Grijn’s character has shaken things up, particularly for Ted and Rebecca. Was Episode 6 the last we see of the Dutch actor or will he return to play a bigger role ahead of the season finale?
The third season of Apple TV’s hit show, Ted Lasso, has cleverly demonstrated all of the troubles that major athletes, coaches, and owners go through, despite having what many would describe as a dream job or lifestyle. The writing shows us that at all levels of success, we must still face conflict and hurdles in our relationships and professional life.
There has been an emphasis on many characters’ relationship struggles this season, from Roy and Keeley splitting up to Rebecca and Ted each struggling to find anything meaningful after their marriages ended. Because of this shared experience, some fans have even begun theorizing, and even hoping, that Ted and Rebecca will couple up in Season 3.
However, Episode 6 came with many revelations and clues for what might come this season. One of these surprises was the introduction of a mysterious Dutchman who managed to sweep Rebecca off her feet and impress her, during the club’s trip abroad for a friendly game against Ajax.
Who is Matteo van der Grijn in Ted Lasso?
Matteo van der Grijn plays a random Dutch citizen in the latest episode of Ted Lasso, during the club’s trip to Amsterdam. His character’s name was not actually revealed over the course of the episode, leaving us guessing as to his identity in the show.
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Shortly after AFC Richmond’s embarrassing defeat to Ajax in the friendly match, he came across Rebecca in the streets of Amsterdam and catcalled her. This distraction, along with an over-eager cyclist caused her to lose balance on a bridge and fall over the railings into one of the city’s many canals. His accommodation, in the form of a houseboat, was only a short distance from the bridge and Van Der Grijn’s character offered her a place to shower and recover before setting off again.
Over the course of the evening, while waiting for Rebecca’s clothes to dry, the Dutchman was the ultimate gentleman and used his charm to convince her in staying for a little while longer. This ultimately led to a romantic evening between the two and Rebecca was the happiest we’ve seen her all season. However, with business to attend to back in Richmond, the pair had to say goodbye to one another the next morning, with no suggestion that he would appear again.
Will his character return in Season 3?
Van Der Grijn’s character does put a wrinkle in how many thought Ted Lasso Season 3 would play out. During the same episode, we see Ted reaching out to Rebecca, via text, during their time in Amsterdam. But, as her phone was destroyed from the fall in the canal before she could read the messages, she was oblivious to any potential advances.
Rebecca’s psychic’s prediction still looms over the season and her latest escapade checked off another one of the visions she was expected to have: “You’re upside down and you’re drenched. But you’re safe.” Knowing this, perhaps she will view this encounter as a sign and consider following up down the line, bringing Van Der Grijn’s character back into the mix.
Despite going to the doctor and seemingly receiving confirmation about her infertility in an earlier episode, the Dutch boat owner told Rebecca of his daughter and, if she was to become a mother, it could end up being for that young girl instead.
On one hand, it is heartbreaking for Ted, who can’t seem to catch a break this season. With issues piling up from his son Henry bullying others in school, getting over his marriage, the betrayal of Nate, and the team’s struggles to win after Zava’s retirement. But on the other, the mysterious Dutchman may be better suited for the Richmond owner. We’ll have to see how it all pans out as we move toward the season finale.