In this past weekend’s match, FC Twente drew 1-1 against Telstar. Currently, Twente is positioned seventh in the Eredivisie. They still harbor hopes for European football next season. However, club analyst Tijmen van Wissing pointed out that Twente has squandered crucial points against smaller teams.
Missed Opportunities for FC Twente
Van Wissing highlighted specific matches where Twente lost valuable points. “They let five points slip against PEC Zwolle, five against Excelsior, and four against Telstar,” he noted. This trend raises concerns about their potential for direct qualification for European competitions.
Challenges Against Smaller Clubs
Jan van Staa, a guest commentator, defended Twente’s performance, emphasizing the difficulty of playing away at Telstar. “Very few teams win when visiting Telstar,” he remarked. Van Wissing interjected with a statistical nuance, pointing out, “Only one team has lost there, which is the Go Ahead Eagles.”
Van Staa added that while it’s tough to secure a win, many teams have ended their matches against Telstar in draws. This leads to a general perception of Telstar as a challenging opponent.
Analyzing Telstar’s Strategy
Panelist Anco Jansen discussed Telstar’s unique playing style. “Their approach can be difficult to combat,” he stated. He explained that Telstar plays with a fluid formation, taking significant risks during their build-up phases.
- Telstar’s goalkeeper plays a pivotal role in their play style.
- The team’s tactical structure makes it hard for opponents to apply pressure.
- Matches at Telstar’s stadium are often influenced by external conditions, such as weather and size of the venue.
Van Wissing concluded the discussion by indicating a need for individual players to enhance their on-field contributions. Specifically, he pointed out that Van Rooij’s timing in advancing was often too late, and mentioned that Stav Lemkin’s performance could improve.
Looking Ahead
As FC Twente continues their season, the emphasis on reducing points lost against smaller sides will be crucial. With aspirations for European football, every match presents an opportunity to capitalize on potential victories.
