Eredivisieinsights
Match Readiness Report: NEC Nijmegen vs NAC Breda
1. Main Players Comparison
NEC Nijmegen
Core: Max Balard (33 apps, 2939 mins), Leo Greiml (29 apps, 2588 mins), Boy Kemper (28 apps, 2410 mins). Reliable defensive trio anchoring the squad.
Attack: Sydney van Hooijdonk (993 mins, rotational striker), Kamal Sowah (10 apps, versatile forward), Charles-Andreas Brym (12 apps). Attack lacked a consistent scorer after departures.
Stability: Strong midfield engine in Balard but frontline weakened with exits of Omarsson, Hansen, and Hoedemakers.
NAC Breda
Core: Daniel Bielica (32 apps, GK), Jan Van den Bergh (30 apps – left), Leo Sauer (29 apps, left), Leo Greiml (29 apps, defensive stability).
Attack: Omarsson (29 apps, 2319 mins – left), limited replacement goals from Kostorz (544 mins, left) and Paula (742 mins).
Stability: Reliance on midfield workhorses like Leemans and Jensen; however, most creative attackers have departed.
Verdict: NEC retains a steadier defensive core and midfield balance, while NAC looks depleted in forward firepower due to key departures.
2. New Players Comparison
NEC Nijmegen (IN)
Tjaronn Chery (37, AM), Virgil Misidjan (31, LW), Jetro Willems (31, CB), Youssef El Kachati (25, CF), Gonzalo Crettaz (25, GK), Jasper Cillessen (36, GK).
Impact: Chery adds creativity, Misidjan injects pace and dribbling, El Kachati is a direct replacement for lost strikers. Cillessen adds elite GK presence.
Output Potential: Misidjan + Chery could combine for ~10–12 goal contributions.
NAC Breda (IN)
Moussa Soumano (19, CF), Rio Hillen (22, CB), Brahim Ghalidi (20, LW), Kamal Sowah (25, AM/FW), Juho Talvitie (20, AMR).
Impact: Young recruits with potential but lack proven Eredivisie experience. Sowah is the only player with top-flight pedigree.
Output Potential: Heavy reliance on Sowah & Talvitie to cover Omarsson’s departure.
Verdict: NEC’s signings bring proven Eredivisie and international quality, while NAC leans on youthful potential with uncertain output.
3. Substitutes Comparison
NEC Nijmegen
Sydney van Hooijdonk (rotational striker), Raul Paula (742 mins, versatile AM), Terence Kongolo (879 mins, defensive cover).
Bench Impact: Depth is functional but not prolific in attack. Van Hooijdonk adds presence but lacks consistent scoring.
NAC Breda
Dion Versluis (22, forward, 17 mins), Casper Staring (623 mins, midfield cover), Enes Mahmutovic (714 mins, CB).
Bench Impact: More defensive substitutions, very little attacking depth after key forwards left.
Verdict: NEC’s bench offers more balance across positions, NAC lacks forward substitutes to change matches late.
4. Consolidated Quality Scorecard
Category | NEC Nijmegen ⭐ | NAC Breda ⭐ |
Main Players | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Solid defensive base, midfield engine, modest attack) | ⭐⭐ (Loss of Omarsson, weak forward line) |
New Players | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Chery, Misidjan, El Kachati, Cillessen bring proven quality) | ⭐⭐ (Unproven youth, reliance on Sowah) |
Substitutes | ⭐⭐⭐ (Van Hooijdonk + Paula offer depth, limited productivity) | ⭐ (Minimal impact, defensive options only) |
Overall Depth | Balanced with stronger new signings | Weak, transitional phase |
Key Weakness | Reliance on aging signings for creativity | Lack of proven forwards, thin bench |
5. Predicted Outcome
Momentum & Depth: NEC has higher experience and depth in key areas, especially with Chery and Misidjan arriving.
Attacking Balance: NAC lost Omarsson and has not replaced his goals; NEC recruited El Kachati + Misidjan to fill offensive gaps.
Defensive Solidity: NEC reinforced with Willems + Cillessen, while NAC lost multiple defensive and midfield anchors.
Likely Result: NEC stronger in almost every category. NAC may compete defensively but lacks goal threat.
Expected Scoreline:
- NEC Nijmegen 2 – 0 NAC Breda