Nijmegen – NEC Nijmegen’s draw against sc Heerenveen on Sunday wasn’t a classic, but it provided plenty of entertainment for neutral fans. The match finished 2-2, with both Nijmegen goals coming courtesy of attacking midfielder Tjaronn Chery, who is now receiving accolades from NEC Director Wilco van Schaik.
Chery’s second goal, in particular, was described as spectacular. “Guys, it’s incredible with that guy,” Van Schaik said on the podcast De Bestuurskamer, addressing his fellow directors. “The way he plays at his age, what he does, and how he moves. He’s a top guy, not just during the matches.”
The 36-year-old Chery is also a key figure for the Suriname national team. “He’s going back there now,” Van Schaik continued. “And he genuinely believes he can lead that country to the World Cup. He’s never played at the top level in the Netherlands, but he’s been so good in recent years. And he takes such good care of his body; he’s in top shape.”
Goalkeeper Concerns
The podcast also addressed the unusual goalkeeping situation for NEC, where Rijk Janse was forced to make his Eredivisie debut. Gonzalo Crettaz was already sidelined with an injury, and Jasper Cillessen was forced off the pitch due to injury during the match. “Cillessen will undergo further examination today (Monday),” Van Schaik said, “it seemed to be his calf. He came off in time.”
Positive news for NEC is that Crettaz is nearing a return to full fitness. The international break comes at a convenient time. “He’s on the road to recovery. I expect he’ll be fit for the match in two weeks. That could allow for some rotation, although Jasper might be recovered by then as well.” Crettaz played in a friendly match on Tuesday, though cautiously, according to ForzaNEC.
Cillessen’s focus will likely be on the KNVB Beker (Dutch Cup) final on April 19th. “He might have that in mind, yes. We’ll likely hear more about that. But You can’t lose sight of our league position. We play Feyenoord the week before, and we can’t be thinking about the final then. It’s all recent for us, but we demand to learn from it and enjoy it,” Van Schaik concluded.
Foto: Orange Pictures
Tjaronn Chery’s continued excellence is a significant boost for NEC Nijmegen as they navigate a tight Eredivisie race. The veteran midfielder’s ability to consistently deliver goals and influence matches, even at 36 years old, has made him an invaluable asset. His commitment to peak physical condition is also clearly paying dividends, allowing him to maintain a high level of performance.
Chery’s impact extends beyond the club level, as he’s also a crucial player for the Suriname national team. His ambition to lead Suriname to the FIFA World Cup demonstrates his dedication and leadership qualities. The midfielder’s experience and skill set are vital for a nation striving for international recognition in football.
The goalkeeping situation at NEC is something the club will need to monitor closely. The injuries to both Cillessen and Crettaz highlighted the importance of depth in that position. Janse’s debut, while unexpected, provided an opportunity for the young goalkeeper to gain valuable experience. The return of Crettaz will provide stability, but the club will hope Cillessen recovers in time for the crucial KNVB Beker final.
NEC’s upcoming schedule presents a significant challenge, with a match against Feyenoord preceding the cup final. Van Schaik rightly emphasized the need to remain focused on the league campaign and avoid looking too far ahead. Successfully navigating these matches will be crucial for NEC’s ambitions this season.
The praise from Wilco van Schaik underscores the high regard in which Chery is held within the club. His performances on the pitch, combined with his professionalism and dedication, have made him a respected figure both on and off the field. As NEC continues its pursuit of success, Chery’s contributions will undoubtedly be pivotal.
NEC will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next fixture. The team’s ability to overcome adversity, as demonstrated by their draw against Heerenveen despite the goalkeeping issues, will be a key factor in their continued success. Fans will be eager to see Chery continue his impressive form and lead NEC towards their goals.
