Feyenoord secured an emphatic victory in the Eredivisie for the second weekend, according to recent league reports, drawing praise from Willem van Hanegem over the team’s rising physical stamina. Van Hanegem highlighted standout performances from Anis Hadj-Moussa and Oussama Targhalline, while raising ongoing questions about the club’s current options under the crossbar.
Van Hanegem Praises Hadj-Moussa and Targhalline After Routine Victory
Feyenoord won their latest fixture with ease, according to Willem van Hanegem’s column in De Telegraaf. Van Hanegem pointed to Anis Hadj-Moussa as the best player on the pitch. At the same time, Van Hanegem noted that Oussama Targhalline finally delivered the tempo-setting performance the club has expected from him.
Luciano Valente also turned in another strong display, prompting Van Hanegem to question his absence from the Netherlands national team. According to Van Hanegem, an invitation from Xavi would not have been unexpected given Valente’s current run of form. The midfielder’s ability to showcase his talent stands out alongside teammates who are proving their worth.
Improving Stamina Versus Early Season Fatigue
A notable shift in Feyenoord’s physical condition has materialized over recent weeks, based on Van Hanegem’s observations in De Telegraaf. Unlike their opening matches of the campaign—when the squad appeared to tire quickly—the players now possess significantly more athletic endurance.
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The Goalkeeper Debate: Questions Over Tjark Ernst
Despite the recent wins and rising squad fitness, the goalkeeper position remains a persistent concern for Van Hanegem. According to his column in De Telegraaf, current choice Tjark Ernst has not yet fully convinced the club veteran.
“Stel je dit Feyenoord eens voor met Justin Bijlow onder de lat,” Van Hanegem wrote, questioning how the team would look with a fully established presence in goal. He added that Stijn van Gassel of Excelsior and Etienne Vaessen of FC Groningen would also fit well within Feyenoord’s current squad configuration.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Willem van Hanegem praise in his latest De Telegraaf column?
According to De Telegraaf, Van Hanegem praised Anis Hadj-Moussa as the match’s best player, commended Oussama Targhalline for bringing necessary tempo, and highlighted Luciano Valente’s strong performances.
What concerns does Van Hanegem have about Feyenoord’s squad?
Van Hanegem expressed doubts regarding current goalkeeper Tjark Ernst, stating that he has not yet proven himself entirely, and suggested that established options like Justin Bijlow, Stijn van Gassel, or Etienne Vaessen would suit the side well.
How has Feyenoord’s physical condition changed?
According to Van Hanegem’s analysis, the squad now displays significantly more endurance and physical staying power during matches compared to their early-season fixtures, when they appeared to fatigue quickly.
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