Excelsior vs Twente

1. Core Players & Star Quality

Excelsior Rotterdam 

• Squad rebuild in progress: Henderikx, Yegoian, Carlén, Włodarczyk, Schouten, van Gassel (GK) are the new backbone. 

• Offensive reliance on Szymon Włodarczyk (CF, 22) as the primary scorer and Do-young Yoon (RW, 18) as a youthful creative option. 

• Experienced defensive midfield addition Adam Carlén (25) provides stability. 

• Current main XI lacks Eredivisie-proven high output; star quality is untested at this level. 

FC Twente 

• Anchored by Unnerstall (GK, 761 mins), van Rooij (RB, 840 mins), Salah-Eddine (LB/DM, 710 mins), Steijn (735 mins, 2G). 

• Attacking experience from van Wolfswinkel (831 mins, 2G) and Sam Lammers (444 mins, 2G), though consistency is a concern. 

• Defensive reliability from Hilgers (CB, 595 mins) and new signing Lagerbielke (543 mins, 1G). 

• Star quality spread but not overwhelming → Twente’s attack is efficient but not prolific. 

2. Departures Impact

Excelsior Rotterdam 

• Outgoings: Donkor (LW), Seymor & Mattheij (CBs), Uddenäs (RW), Duijvestijn (AM), Omorowa (CF). 

• This removes much of the previous defensive leadership (Mattheij, Seymor) and wing creativity (Uddenäs, Donkor). 

• Losses put significant pressure on new signings to adapt quickly. 

FC Twente 

• Exits of Vlap (770 mins, 1G/1A), Steijn (core AM, 735 mins), Lagerbielke (543 mins), Gustafsson-type experience weaken midfield creativity. 

• Attack still has Lammers, van Wolfswinkel, and Steijn, but creative supply reduced. 

3. New Player Integration

Excelsior Rotterdam 

• Major intake: Henderikx & Meissen (CBs), Carlén (DM), Włodarczyk (CF, 22), Tielemans (CM), van Gassel (GK). 

• Włodarczyk is key: strong target forward expected to replace Omorowa’s scoring burden. 

• Defensive core reshaped with multiple CB arrivals → but chemistry will take time. 

FC Twente 

• New inclusions: Hlynsson (1G in 188 mins), Zerrouki (1G, 2A in 1089 mins), van Bergen (3G, 2A), Lammers (2G), Sadílek (457 mins). 

• Defensive refresh with Pröpper (CB), Kuipers (LB), Lemkin (CB). 

• Integration is smoother given Twente’s Eredivisie experience. 

4. Assists & Goals Output

Excelsior Rotterdam 

• Attack lacks proven Eredivisie scorers. 

• Włodarczyk projected to be main threat, while Yoon adds creative unpredictability. 

• Midfield productivity uncertain → Carlén & Tielemans more defensive-minded. 

FC Twente 

• Main output: Steijn (2G), van Wolfswinkel (2G), Lammers (2G), van Bergen (3G+2A). 

• Creativity limited: most attackers have 2–3 contributions across 700–1100 minutes. 

• Lacks a clear double-digit scorer, meaning reliance on spread scoring. 

5. Substitutes’ Experience & Depth

Excelsior Rotterdam 

• Subs largely youth or unproven: Holla (GK, 18), Schouten (CB, 21), Yoon (RW, 18), Gyan de Regt (LW, 21). 

• Very limited Eredivisie experience. 

• Depth is a major issue compared to Twente. 

FC Twente 

• Bench includes van Bergen (3G+2A), Lammers (2G), Rots (1G) - reliable contributors with minutes. 

• Defensive rotation solid with Kuipers, Pröpper, Lemkin. 

• Experienced options like Tyton (GK) and Sadílek add stability. 

6. Forecast & Expected Dynamics

1. Excelsior’s Challenge: New squad with inexperienced Eredivisie-level forwards → creativity and finishing questionable. Defensive rebuild may take time to settle. 

1. Twente’s Advantage: More balanced, deeper bench, and proven Eredivisie experience across defense and midfield. 

1. Likely Flow: Twente to control midfield possession; Excelsior will defend deep and attempt direct counters via Włodarczyk and Yoon. 

7. Predicted Strength Balance

• Excelsior Rotterdam: ★★☆☆☆ (Rebuilding) - promising young signings but lacking proven star power. Weakness in attack and depth. 

• FC Twente: ★★★★☆ (Solid) - strong defensive structure, decent creativity, and superior substitutes. 

Projected Result: Twente win by 1–2 goals. Excelsior may struggle to generate consistent scoring chances, while Twente’s experience and bench quality should prevail.