NAC Breda vs AZ Alkmaar

1. 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. 

2. 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. 

3. 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. 

4. 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. 

5. 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. 

6. Forecast & Expected Dynamics

1. AZ Advantage: More dynamic squad with youth-driven energy and Parrott as main scoring outlet. 

1. NAC Challenge: Heavy losses in attack and defense, relying on quick settling of newcomers. 

1. Likely Flow: AZ to dominate possession (60–65%), NAC retreating deeper and hoping for counter chances via Nassoh or van Hooijdonk. 

7. 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.