Four Feyenoord players make an impression: “As if Bijlow had not had an injury”

Feyenoord secured second place on Thursday by beating Go Ahead Eagles 1-3. Arnold Mühren saw no fewer than four players stand out. In the Team of the Week, which he presented on behalf of The Telegraph was allowed to put together, there was room for Justin Bijlow, Thomas Beelen, Dávid Hancko and Luka Ivanusec.

“It seems as if he has not had an injury,” Mühren began about Bijlow’s return. “He radiates a lot of calm. He only really had to save once, but with the ball at his feet he always made the right choices in the build-up and it was all tailor-made. Very sad for Wellenreuther, who did a fantastic job. But if Bijlow gets into his rhythm, it’s all about reaching the European Championship.”

Although Gernot Trauner also returned from injury, his replacement Beelen could remain in place for the time being. “That boy comes from PEC Zwolle, but from the moment it was necessary, he has shown that he can simply be there at Feyenoord. Without any problems. He radiates calmness on the ball, plays the balls between the lines, is head strong and also quite fast. If a ball falls behind the defense, he can correct it. He can only show more courage with the ball.”

“Hancko does have the courage that Beelen needs to develop a little more in possession of the ball. He plays in, moves on and also scores goals. I have not seen that boy drop below the lower limit once and always plays at least a 7. I hope that Feyenoord can keep him, because I hope I can find another type like him.”

Finally, Mühren also praised goalscorer Ivanusec. “He had to get used to the fact that Feyenoord requires something other than being good in possession of the ball. Now I also see him sprinting back, so he has turned the switch. Then Feyenoord can enjoy it quite a lot. He has an individual action, a through ball, sees deep people, drops to play the one-two and moves through. His second goal was a class goal.”

Team of the Week:
Justin BijlowJordan Teze (PSV), Thomas BeelenOlivier Boscagli (PSV), David Hanko; Paxten Aaronson (Vitesse), Malik Tillman (PSV), Joey Veerman (PSV); Johan Bakayoko (PSV), Luuk de Jong (PSV), Luka Ivanusec