low numbers after a disappointing afternoon against AZ

In NEC on Rapport, every NEC player who has played for at least half an hour receives a grade. This figure is given by a multi-member editorial team, consisting of fans of the Nijmegen club. NEC started well against AZ, but then collapsed. The result: a (flattering) defeat, which meant that the Nijmegen team did not surpass Ajax in the rankings.

Cillessen 5.5
AZ didn’t create much, but when they did it turned into a goal. Here you could Yippie didn’t do much about it, but he still had to fish three times. Was unlucky that the defense didn’t look good a few times.

Pereira 5
Since Van Rooij’s injury, the Frenchman has shown that he is made of the right stuff to justify his permanent contract. For the time being, he is doing the opposite and is a source of frustration for the supporters. He also had his hands full with Van Bommel against AZ and was very sloppy with the ball.

55′ Hansen 5.5
Became a father last weekend and may have had a short night. Tried to make something of it, but just like the rest of the NEC members, it just didn’t work out.

Ross 5.5
Had to come in after Sandler’s injury and seems to have to be there for the coming games. Compared to the widely praised Sandler, the Dane is a step down, but Ross is really there in the duels. The build-up in particular will have to be done in a different way for the remaining matches.

Nuytinck 6
Was posted at the rush hour towards the end of the match and was the first back to prevent further damage. Was one of the few who reached a certain level in De Goffert, but that turned out not to be enough.

Verdonk 5.5
Didn’t play ‘des-Verdonks’. Illustrative of his match was a ball in the second half that he handed in to the opponent.

Clean 6
Probably the best player on the NEC side on Sunday. He has been getting better at it since his injury, but of course he cannot do it on his own.

Chery 5
Almost had one of the fastest Eredivisie goals ever to his name, but was then virtually invisible. Started so well in Nijmegen, but lately he hasn’t been performing well.

Hoedemakers 5
The midfielder had no luck against his old team. With the first goal he accidentally tapped the ball into De Wit’s feet, while he did not really clear the second goal.

González 5
Played a strong match against PEC Zwolle as a substitute for Proper, but had to watch largely from the bench in the cup final. Should have shown it again against AZ, but failed to do so. The Spaniard was actually not involved at all.

Ogawa 5.5
We know that the Japanese is deadly in front of goal, but without usable balls the striker has a very difficult time. When the players around him aren’t playing well, Ogawa can’t really get any credit.

Sano 5.5
Didn’t play without merit, but didn’t stand out either. Had a hard time with compatriot Sugawara and then had to play at right back. That looked very awkward and Sano cannot be blamed for that.

Substitute Sylla Sow played too short a time to qualify for an assessment.