NEC Nijmegen midfielder Darko Nejašmić scored a spectacular 20-meter volley against Feyenoord during the fifth round of the Dutch Eredivisie, sparking fresh international call-up discussions. According to regional sports coverage, the 27-year-old Croatian midfielder struck in the 55th minute at Goffertstadion, leveling the score shortly after Gjivai Zechiel put the visitors ahead in the 52nd minute. Feyenoord ultimately secured a 3:1 victory with two quick goals, but Nejašmić’s standout strike underscored his growing stature in top-flight Dutch football.
An Unlikely Start Amid Head Injury Concerns
Nejašmić’s inclusion in the starting lineup was far from certain heading into the fixture. According to sports reports, the Croatian player dealt with recovery hurdles following a head injury, prompting Dutch media outlets to question whether he possessed the fitness required for a full 90-minute contest against one of the league’s heavyweights. Manager Dick Schreuder opted to trust the midfielder from the opening whistle, a decision that paid immediate dividends when the attack opened up right after halftime.
Feyenoord broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute through Zechiel. Just three minutes later, Nejašmić answered by driving a powerful volley past goalkeeper Tjark Ernst from outside the penalty area. The goal marked his first league tally of the new Eredivisie campaign, validating the manager’s tactical gamble despite pre-match fitness doubts.
Building on a Breakout Campaign in Nijmegen
The performance continues a stellar trajectory for the former Hajduk Split and Osijek player. Last season, Nejašmić established himself as a cornerstone for NEC, making 29 league appearances, scoring four goals, and adding one assist. His efforts earned him 55 percent of the club’s fan vote for player of the year as NEC secured a remarkable third-place finish and a spot in UEFA Champions League qualifying.
Dutch outlets like Voetbal International have repeatedly highlighted his tactical importance to the squad. Following strong displays in European competition against Olympiakos, analysts such as former Netherlands international Marciano Vink noted that Nejašmić possesses the qualities to feature for traditional Dutch powerhouses like Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, or Feyenoord.
Thriving on the Eredivisie’s Biggest Stages
Scoring against elite opposition has become a trademark of Nejašmić’s time in the Netherlands. Back in February, he netted a crucial equalizer in a 1:1 draw against Ajax at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, keeping NEC in the upper tier of the standings. Now, having added another signature strike against a Feyenoord side that finished second last term, the midfielder continues to build a compelling case for senior international recognition.
Nejašmić arrived in Nijmegen during the summer of 2025 on a free transfer following a stint in the United Arab Emirates with Sharjah. Under contract with NEC until the summer of 2027, the central midfielder has firmly established his reputation as one of the most reliable box-to-box operators in the Eredivisie.
What Lies Ahead for NEC Nijmegen
NEC will look to rebound from the defeat as the Eredivisie schedule presses forward. Fans and analysts alike will monitor Nejašmić’s physical recovery following his recent head injury and whether his scoring form prompts attention from national team selectors ahead of upcoming international fixtures. Official club updates will confirm the team’s lineup ahead of their next league fixture.
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