Feyenoord has conceded seven of its 23 goals this season from outside the penalty area across all competitions, giving the Rotterdam club the highest percentage of long-range goals allowed among all Dutch professional clubs, according to a statistical analysis by Voetbal International reported by FR12.nl.
The vulnerability was on display again in Feyenoord’s 0-3 Champions League defeat to Inter Milan at De Kuip, when the visitors’ third goal came from outside the sixteen-yard box, pushing the share of Feyenoord’s conceded goals from distance to 30 percent.
How Feyenoord Compares to Other Dutch Clubs
Sparta Rotterdam sits directly behind Feyenoord on the list, having conceded eight of its 28 goals from long range, or 29 percent. Go Ahead Eagles follow with seven of 27 (26 percent), Helmond Sport with eight of 32 (25 percent) and PEC Zwolle with six of 25 (24 percent). Notably, Sparta and Helmond Sport have conceded more long-range goals than Feyenoord in absolute terms, but Feyenoord’s percentage is the highest because it has conceded fewer total goals.
The Problem Predates Goalkeeper Tjark Ernst
The Voetbal International analysis also flags goalkeeper Tjark Ernst, who has not always been convincing in goal, but FR12.nl notes the vulnerability to long-range shots existed before his arrival. Last season, Feyenoord conceded 15 goals from outside the penalty area in all competitions, the highest total of any Dutch professional club, including teams in the Eerste Divisie.
Why It Matters for Feyenoord’s Season
Conceding nearly a third of all goals from distance is a recurring issue that cuts across goalkeepers and seasons, and it resurfaced at the worst possible moment in European competition against Inter Milan. With Feyenoord chasing results in both domestic and continental fixtures, shutting down strikes from outside the box has become a measurable defensive priority.
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