Midway through a thrilling Eredivisie season, it’s time to reflect on teh standout performers of the first half. ESPN highlights three remarkable players in each position, focusing today on right-backs.
A Stellar Start: Bart van Rooij’s Impact at FC Twente
Bart van Rooij’s season began with a twist of fate. In the opening round, he faced his current club, FC Twente, while playing for N.E.C. Even though Nijmegen lost 1-2, Van Rooij’s performance left a lasting impression on Twente. Just a week later, manager Joseph Oosting hinted at a potential transfer, stating, “Bart van Rooij is a talented right-back, and Arnold Bruggink agrees.”
Less than two weeks later, the transfer was finalized. Unlike manny players who need time to adjust, Van Rooij hit the ground running. Since joining Twente, he has missed onyl 18 minutes of league action, quickly becoming a fan favorite.His performance in the Europa League match against Manchester United was a defining moment. Facing one of the toughest challenges of his career, Van Rooij excelled. He held his own defensively against Marcus Rashford while also making impactful runs down the right flank. His fearless approach without the ball and composure with it were evident both at Old Trafford and throughout the first half of the Eredivisie season.
Recognizing excellence: ESPN’s Team of the First Half
This impressive display has earned Van Rooij a spot on ESPN’s Team of the First Half, alongside other top performers in the eredivisie.
Team of the First Half: Eredivisie Keepers
Team of the First Half: Eredivisie Right-backs
Team of the First Half: Azerion Vrouwen Eredivisie
Team of the first Half: Keuken Kampioen Divisie
Van Rooij’s story is a testament to his talent and determination, making him a key player to watch as the Eredivisie season progresses.## Eredivisie’s Defensive Stalwarts: Van Rooij and Pinto Shine
The Eredivisie is renowned for its tactical battles and robust defenses, and this season is no exception. Two standout performers, Bart van Rooij and Ivo Pinto, have been instrumental in their respective teams’ defensive solidity while also contributing significantly to the attacking play.
Van Rooij, nicknamed “the Cafu of Escharen” by VI columnist Frank Heinen [[1]], has been a revelation for his team. Leading the league in open-play crosses from defenders, Van Rooij’s offensive contributions are undeniable. With two assists and a goal already to his name, he’s on track for his most productive season yet.
Fortuna Sittard, under the guidance of Danny Buijs, is known for its well-organized defense.A key figure in their defensive success is veteran right-back Ivo Pinto. The 34-year-old Portuguese international, who joined Sittard from Dinamo Zagreb in 2021, has become a club icon, recently celebrating his 100th appearance for the Fortunezen. Pinto’s leadership and experience are invaluable to the team.
While Pinto’s assist tally may be slightly lower this season compared to previous years,his impact extends beyond statistics. he remains a crucial cog in Fortuna Sittard’s build-up play, utilizing his dribbling skills to evade pressure and progress the ball into risky areas. Creative players like Alen Halilovic and Ezequiel Bullaude benefit greatly from Pinto’s ability to unlock defenses and create scoring opportunities.
Both Van Rooij and Pinto exemplify the modern full-back, combining defensive solidity with attacking flair. Their contributions are vital to their teams’ success in the highly competitive Eredivisie.
Go Ahead Eagles’ resurgence: Mats Deijl Leads the Charge
Go Ahead Eagles are defying expectations this season. few Eredivisie clubs could have weathered the storm of losing a triumphant manager like René Hake and four key players – Willum Willumsson, jeffrey de Lange, Philippe Rommens, and Bas Kuipers. Yet, under the guidance of Paul Simonis, the Deventer-based club is thriving.
A New Captain Emerges
At the heart of this resurgence is Mats Deijl.The 27-year-old right-back has seamlessly stepped into the captain’s role vacated by Kuipers, mirroring his predecessor’s leadership qualities while making the right flank his own. Deijl arrived from FC Den bosch three seasons ago, a free transfer with no Eredivisie experience. Since then, he has become a mainstay in the Eagles’ lineup, racking up an impressive 112 appearances and missing only six matches in three and a half seasons.
While Deijl consistently delivered solid performances in previous years, this season he has truly come into his own. The captain’s armband has undoubtedly elevated his profile, making him the face of the club. However, it’s his attacking prowess that has truly set him apart.
A Force to be Reckoned With
Deijl’s partnership with Oliver Antman has proven to be a potent weapon for Go Ahead Eagles. as an overlapping full-back, he has already contributed two goals and an assist. His attacking influence is further highlighted by his frequent forays into the opposition’s penalty area,making him the Eagles’ right-back with the most touches inside the box.
