- Core Players & Star Quality
NAC Breda
• Core anchored by Balard (2939 mins, midfield pivot) and GK Bielica (2880 mins) - both consistent starters.
• Sauer (2497 mins) and Omarsson (2319 mins) have departed, weakening proven attacking and creative outlets.
• Current frontline lacks an established scorer - Lauritsen/Omarsson roles left vacant.
• Reliance on new recruits like Nassoh (1616 mins, 2G+2A) and van Hooijdonk (993 mins) to replace lost firepower.
AZ Alkmaar
• Core built around Parrott (859 mins, 4G+1A), Mijnans (747 mins, 4G+1A), and Koopmeiners (945 mins, anchor).
• Young CB Wouter Goes (719 mins) and versatile Clasie (785 mins, 1G+1A) provide defensive backbone.
• Lahdo (430 mins, 2G+1A) and Poku (699 mins, 1A, since left) reflect transition in wing play.
• Talented but youthful, squad depth spread across many under-23 contributors.
- Departures Impact
NAC Breda
• Major losses: Omarsson (CF), Sauer (wing), Van den Bergh (defense) strip proven experience.
• Oldrup Jensen (1292 mins, DM) and Valerius gone → thinner midfield depth.
• Team cohesion weakened, needing rebuild across spine.
AZ Alkmaar
• Lost Wolfe (892 mins, LB), Poku (699 mins, wing), Addai (187 mins) → eroded attacking rotation.
• Mostly fringe contributors but still dents wing creativity and defensive cover.
- New Player Integration
NAC Breda
• New signings: Nassoh (wing/AM), van Hooijdonk (CF), Kongolo (879 mins, LB/CB), Sowah (multi-role AM).
• Supporting arrivals: Paula (742 mins), Talvitie (1508 mins) for midfield depth.
• Attacking rebuild but no guaranteed 10+ goal striker in current squad.
AZ Alkmaar
• Recruits include Chávez (LB), Belic (DM), Kwakman (CM), Dijkstra (RB), and Zeefuik (CF).
• Smit (216 mins, 1G+2A) emerging as attacking midfielder, still raw.
• Youth-driven recruitment fits AZ philosophy but risky against experienced sides.
- Assists & Goals Output
NAC Breda
• Omarsson’s departure removes last season’s main goal outlet.
• Sauer and Janosek (1153 mins, creativity) also left → productivity gap.
• Current output relies on untested chemistry between Nassoh, van Hooijdonk, and Sowah.
AZ Alkmaar
• Parrott (4 goals) leading scorer so far, with Mijnans and Lahdo adding sporadic contributions.
• Midfielders like Koopmeiners and Clasie add occasional goals but not consistent.
• Attacking distribution still narrow, heavy reliance on Parrott and young wingers stepping up.
- Substitutes’ Experience & Depth
NAC Breda
• Bench options like Janosek (1153 mins), Paula, Mahmutovic (714 mins, CB) offer depth but little attacking threat.
• Very limited forward substitutions - largely defensive cover and youth fillers.
AZ Alkmaar
• Bench more promising: Lahdo (430 mins, 2G), Smit (216 mins, 1G+2A), Meerdink (163 mins).
• More attacking upside than NAC, though still youthful and inconsistent.
- Forecast & Expected Dynamics
- AZ Advantage: More dynamic squad with youth-driven energy and Parrott as main scoring outlet.
- NAC Challenge: Heavy losses in attack and defense, relying on quick settling of newcomers.
- Likely Flow: AZ to dominate possession (60–65%), NAC retreating deeper and hoping for counter chances via Nassoh or van Hooijdonk.
- Predicted Strength Balance
- NAC Breda: ★★☆☆☆ (Below average) - transitional squad, missing proven scorers, limited bench power.
• AZ Alkmaar: ★★★★☆ (Strong) - still inconsistent, but stronger technical base and more attacking rotation.
Projected Result: AZ Alkmaar win, 2–0 or 2–1, with Parrott and Mijnans as likely key contributors.
