Twente’s Van den Belt Eyes Statement Win Against Former Club Feyenoord
Thomas van den Belt, currently thriving at FC Twente, is looking forward to Sunday’s match against his former club, Feyenoord. Despite a less-than-successful stint in Rotterdam, the 24-year-old midfielder feels settled and confident in his current role, particularly following a recent managerial change at Twente.
A Familiar Rivalry Rekindled
Van den Belt acknowledges the added motivation that comes with facing a former employer. “A duel with an old club makes it a bit more enjoyable,” he stated in an interview with ESPN. “You still know guys from that time. You want to show something extra. That’s me, and This represents what I can do.” He highlighted the team’s strong performance against Feyenoord in De Kuip and aims to replicate that success at the Grolsch Veste.
Maintaining Connections
Despite leaving Feyenoord, Van den Belt remains in contact with several former teammates. He maintains a daily dialogue with Thomas Beelen and occasionally speaks with Bart Nieuwkoop. While he acknowledges past connections with Mats Wieffer and Quilindschy Hartman, they have since moved on. Yet, he emphasizes that the upcoming match isn’t about personal reunions. “Everyone is in their own preparation. It’s not that I miss it, or have daily contact with the rest. It’s just a match.”
Shared Motivation with Zerrouki
Van den Belt isn’t alone in facing his former club. Ramiz Zerrouki, currently on loan from Feyenoord, shares similar feelings. Both players enjoyed positive experiences at Feyenoord, particularly during their initial years. “Ramiz feels that too. We both had a good time there, especially the first year. Afterwards, I left, and Ramiz stayed. I had a good time there and am grateful for it. Together with Ramiz, we both want to show what we can do – that we can win against Feyenoord and play well against them. I would like to win in the Twente shirt against Feyenoord.”
Reflecting on His Time at Feyenoord
Van den Belt’s time at Feyenoord was limited to eleven appearances. He acknowledges his boyhood affection for the club but recognizes that his time there didn’t unfold as he’d hoped. “Feyenoord is a beautiful club that I used to be a fan of. It didn’t work out as I wanted. Then you move on. I don’t dwell on it. I had a good year in Spain and performed well. Twente gave me the opportunity to play here, which I really wanted, because it’s a great club. I’m happy to be playing here now.”
Twente’s Home Advantage and Ambitions
Looking ahead to the match, Van den Belt recognizes Feyenoord’s strength, particularly if they are in second place in the Eredivisie standings. However, he emphasizes Twente’s strong home record and their ability to be a difficult opponent to overcome. “If Feyenoord is second, I think Feyenoord is the favorite. They have a lot of good players. We have been unbeaten at home for a long time. It will be a good match, in which we are difficult to beat. Then it is up to Feyenoord to strive. They want to reach the Champions League, we want European football. But I think Feyenoord is the bigger club in everything. They can show it. We are determined to beat Feyenoord here.”
Did you know?
Thomas van den Belt still regularly speaks with Thomas Beelen, a current player at Feyenoord.
Pro Tip
Understanding the emotional dynamics of a match involving former players can provide valuable insight into player motivation and potential performance levels.
FAQ
- What is Van den Belt’s current role at FC Twente?
Van den Belt is a key midfielder and a regular starter for FC Twente. - Does Van den Belt have any regrets about leaving Feyenoord?
He acknowledges his time at Feyenoord didn’t go as planned but doesn’t dwell on it, focusing on his positive experiences elsewhere. - What are Twente’s ambitions for the season?
Twente aims to secure European football qualification.
Enjoyed this article? Explore more Eredivisie news and analysis on our site. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates!
Worth a look