Eredivisie End of Season Review: Almere City FC
Overview:
Almere City suffered relegation this season, bringing to an end a two year stay in the Eredivisie. The side from just outside of Amsterdam had looked doomed for some time and with just four wins in 34 games they were by far the worst team in the league this season. With just 23 goals scored this season, it isn't hard to see where the problem lied for the team. Coupled with 64 goals shipped at the other end, the second worse in the Eredivisie this season, no fan of the side can be too surprised at this outcome. Alex Pastoor left the side as head coach in the summer, being replaced by Hedwiges Maduro. The former Ajax man won just one of his 16 games in charge before being replaced by Jereon Rijsdijk, who managed to double that with two wins in 17 games.
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Almere City had been unable to replace Peer Koopmeiners, who returned to AZ last summer, while last seasons top scorer Thomas Robinet only managed two goals in 33 games this campaign compared to 12 in 36 last season. Another big loss was Yoann Cathline, who spent this year on loan at Utrecht from Lorient. For Almere he had been good for six goals and four assists, numbers he has matched this year with Utrecht.
Player of the season: Thom Haye
After such a difficult season, it is hard to find one individual who stood out for the side. According to FotMob, the sides best player this season was midfielder Thom Haye. The 30-year-old joined from SC Heerenveen in the summer following a strong campaign. While he failed to score this year, he did manage two assists. With better strikers in front of him, this could have been more, as the former AZ man created more chances than 95% of players in his position. Haye is out of contract this summer so will be hoping of remaining in the Eredivisie.
Young player of the season: Junior Kadile
Like the player of the season, finding a young player of the season for Almere City was also difficult. In truth, the side have not used many players under the age of 23. Only Junior Kadile and Jochem Ritmeester van de Kamp have made any meaningful contribution to the side this season. Kadile, a summer transfer from French side Laval, just about edges it thanks to five goals and two assists in 31 games. The 22-year-old had the best season of his young career. The forward, who can play out wide or upfront, was also strong in the air, winning 94% more aerial duals than players in his position. He also attempted more shots than 98% of his counterparts, so improving on his conversion may be something to work on this summer.
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Summer needs:
If Almere City want to make a return to the top flight they will need to strengthen at both ends of the pitch. Robinet still has a contract until 2027 and could use a season in the second tier to rediscover his scoring touch. Many of the sides defenders are out of contract this summer, which could be a good thing. The club can focus on retooling at the back to put together a side that can keep them in games and give them a shot at promotion. FC Volendam and Excelsior both managed instant returns to the top flight, so Almere City should take a leaf out of both their books.
Grade: D
GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson
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