Feyenoord’s defensive vulnerability to long-range strikes
Feyenoord is struggling to contain shots from outside the penalty area, a recurring problem that now accounts for 30 percent of the team’s total goals conceded this season. Data from an analysis by Voetbal International indicates that seven of the 23 goals the Rotterdam club has allowed across all competitions originated from distance.
This trend was highlighted during the recent 0-3 Champions League loss to Internazionale at De Kuip. The final goal of that match, scored from outside the box, pushed the club’s percentage of long-range concessions to its current level. FR12.nl confirmed the analysis, noting that Feyenoord currently holds the highest percentage of goals conceded from distance among all professional clubs in the Netherlands.
Comparison with other Dutch clubs
While Feyenoord leads the league in the percentage of distance-based goals conceded, other clubs are facing similar defensive challenges. Sparta Rotterdam follows closely with 29 percent of their goals coming from outside the box, resulting in eight goals conceded from distance out of 28 total.
Other clubs experiencing high rates of long-range goals against include:
- Go Ahead Eagles: 26 percent (seven of 27)
- Helmond Sport: 25 percent (eight of 32)
- PEC Zwolle: 24 percent (six of 25)
In absolute numbers, both Sparta Rotterdam and Helmond Sport have conceded more goals from distance than Feyenoord, despite the latter’s higher percentage relative to their total goals against.
Feyenoord heeft sinds de start van vorig seizoen liefst 22 goals tegen gekregen van buiten het strafschopgebied, minimaal vier meer dan elke andere Nederlandse profclub in alle competities.
Historical context of defensive issues
The defensive vulnerability at Feyenoord is not a new development. Although the performance of goalkeeper Tjark Ernst has drawn scrutiny in recent reports from Voetbal International, the team’s difficulty with long-range shots predates his arrival.
During the previous season, Feyenoord conceded 15 goals from outside the penalty area in all competitions. That figure represented the highest number of such goals conceded by any professional club in the Netherlands, including teams in the Eerste Divisie.
Frequently asked questions about Feyenoord’s defense
Is this trend limited to the current season?
No. According to Voetbal International, Feyenoord also recorded the highest number of goals conceded from outside the box among all Dutch professional clubs during the previous season, when they allowed 15 such goals.
How does the performance of Tjark Ernst factor into these statistics?
While the goalkeeper’s form has been a topic of discussion in recent analysis, the club’s specific vulnerability to long-range shots existed before he joined the squad.
Which other Dutch clubs are struggling with long-range defense?
Sparta Rotterdam, Go Ahead Eagles, Helmond Sport, and PEC Zwolle currently show similar statistical patterns, with each club conceding at least 24 percent of their total goals from outside the penalty area this season.
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