Feyenoord defeated Telstar 4–3 in a hard-fought Eredivisie match at the BUKO Stadion in Velsen-Zuid, where midfielder Sem Steijn secured his first league start of the season and scored twice, according to reports from Voetbal International. The fixture featured a tense on-field disagreement between teammates over a decisive, late penalty kick that ultimately sealed the three points for the Rotterdam club.
Feyenoord’s fourth goal arrived via a disputed penalty in the second half, sparking an immediate conversation on the pitch between goalscorer Sem Steijn and teammate Anis Hadj Moussa. Voetbal International and VoetbalPrimeur reported that Hadj Moussa approached Steijn to discuss who would take the spot-kick.
Speaking to ESPN after the final whistle, Steijn clarified that his authority over set-pieces remains absolute when he is on the pitch. “Als ik in het veld sta, ben ik de eerste optie en neem ik de penalty’s en vrije trappen. Ja, dat is gewoon heel simpel en duidelijk,” Steijn stated to ESPN, as noted by FCUpdate.nl. The midfielder added that Hadj Moussa asked for the ball, but Steijn insisted on taking it himself. Steijn converted the penalty flawlessly, sending Telstar goalkeeper Ronald Koeman Jr. the wrong way.
First League Start Yields Two Goals But Sparks Criticism Over Team Performance
Feyenoord manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst handed Steijn his first starting appearance of the Eredivisie campaign following five substitute appearances. Steijn rewarded that tactical decision by netting the visiting side’s third and fourth goals, breaking a personal scoring drought that stretched back ten months in Feyenoord colors. Despite the offensive output, Steijn offered a blunt assessment of his team’s overall display in Velsen-Zuid.
“Het was niet onze beste wedstrijd, maar we hebben wel gewonnen. Daarvoor zijn we hier gekomen,” Steijn told Voetbal International. “Ik vond het leuk omdat ik twee keer scoorde, maar wij als Feyenoord houden niet zo van dit soort potjes. We maken het onszelf liever wat makkelijker met grotere uitslagen en meer goals.” He stressed that Feyenoord must improve their intensity and retain possession more effectively to avoid chaotic finishes.
Supporters and Pundits Debate Steijn’s All-Round Contribution
While Steijn’s brace proved vital on the scoreboard, his general play during the 4–3 victory drew heavy scrutiny across Dutch media channels and supporter forums. Soccernews.nl highlighted tactical analysis from Algemeen Dagblad journalist Maarten Wijffels, who pointed out a missed opportunity in the 23rd minute when Hadj Moussa opted against passing to an unmarked Steijn in a promising attacking position.
Social media commentary cited by Soccernews.nl reflected deep divisions among Feyenoord supporters regarding Steijn’s defensive work rate and positioning in Van Bronckhorst’s midfield. Critics argued that the £10 million-rated midfielder struggled to track runners and cover ground defensively, while others defended his goalscoring impact in a rotated lineup missing several regular starters from their recent UEFA Champions League victory against Como.
Steijn Aims to Translate Goals Into Regular Playing Time
Having proven his scoring efficiency from the penalty spot—claiming he would convert nineteen out of twenty attempts—Steijn turned his focus toward securing a more permanent role in Van Bronckhorst’s starting eleven. VoetbalPrimeur reported that the midfielder remains unsatisfied with his limited minutes prior to the Telstar fixture.
“Ik ben nog altijd blij dat ik voor Feyenoord mag spelen,” Steijn told Voetbal International. “Ja, ik zou liever meer spelen dan dat ik nu doe, maar ik blijf keihard werken. Ik wil mezelf verbeteren en mezelf laten zien. Het enige wat ik kan doen, is mijn voeten laten spreken. Dat is nu wel gelukt, denk ik.”
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