Eredivisie End of Season Review: FC Groningen
Final Position: 13th
Overview:
FC Groningen returned to the Eredivisie and remained in the league with relative ease. At times, they even looked set to challenge for a play-off position before ultimately running out of gas in the latter part of the campaign. Dick Lukkien and co have something to build on for next season and with a few additions could be challenging for a top eight finish. They also managed to achieve their goals this season with a squad that boasts a number of young talents.
Player of the season: Stije Resink
Stije Resink is one of those young talents. The 21-year-old had a stellar season in the Eredivisie for the side, with six goals and two assists in 27 games following his summer move from Almere City. The midfielder was strong in breaking up the play in central areas, finishing the season with a 67% tackle success rate and winning 60% of his duels. In the air, Resink was also strong, winning 64% of his aerial battles. Groningen have him under contract until 2028 and for just €700k, he was certainly a bargain this season.
Young Player of the Season: Luciano Valente
Antother of the sides young talents was Luciano Valente. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder/winger scored twice and grabbed a club high eight assists this season. He followed up a strong showing in the second tier last year, where he ended with eigth goals and eight assists in 39 games. The club will hope he can progress again after his successful Eredivisie campaign.
Summer needs:
Like many clubs in the Eredivisie, Groningen could do with finding a striker. Resink and Thom van Bergen and Jorg Schreuders all finished joint top scorers for the club in the league this season with just five goals. Overall the side scored 40 in 34 games. If they can find a reliable goal scorer next season that could help them push for a European play-off spot.
Grade: A
GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson
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