Few things captivate fans more than a team defying expectations, and Feyenoord’s triumph in the Dutch Eredivisie this season certainly proved to be a gripping story, particularly for football fans who are less familiar with the league and assume that Ajax finish every year as champions.
Under the management of Arne Slot, who received the Rinus Michels Award (an annual award given to the best coach in Dutch football) for the second year running, the Rotterdam-based side played a brand of football that earned them great plaudits and saw Slot linked to the Tottenham job.
As the dust settles on their title-winning campaign, their first since 2016-17 and only their second this century, clubs have begun to pay close attention to the talented cast of players that contributed to this momentous achievement.
Their midfield talisman, 22-year-old Orkun Kökcü, has already made a £21.5 million move to Benfica, whilst defenders Lutsharel Geertruida and David Hancko have both been linked with moves for similar fees. The star of the show, 21-year-old Mexican striker and leading goalscorer Santiago Giménez, has captured the attention of a number of clubs, including Manchester United, Tottenham, and Atlético Madrid.
This is nothing new for Feyenoord though, a club with a reputation for nurturing talent before selling them on and replacing them effortlessly. Last summer, shortly after reaching the UEFA Europa Conference League Final, they sold Tyrell Malacia, Marcos Senesi, and Luis Sinisterra for fees totaling approximately £47.5 million. This money was reinvested into the squad, with exciting young players from Argentina, Brazil, Belgium, and Czechia all contributing to their successful season.
It was one of the less extravagant signings that proved to be integral to this success, though, a 22-year-old midfielder who arrived from Excelsior for just £500k – Mats Wieffer. This article will take a look at Feyenoord’s unsung hero, analysing his stylistic profile, strengths and weaknesses, and tactical fit before considering what the future of this promising Dutch international might look like.
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