Highlighted: N.E.C. makes an early statement
The arrival of Dick Schreuder marks the start of a new chapter at N.E.C. After five seasons under Rogier Meijer, the demand for more attacking football had grown. In matchweek 1, fans got exactly what they were hoping for as N.E.C., under Schreuder’s lead, swept past Excelsior with a dominant 5-0 win.
Schreuder wastes no time making his mark
N.E.C. was one of the few sides that didn’t line up with a back four in matchweek 1. Dick Schreuder’s 3-4-2-1 made his intentions clear: attacking football. Instead of full-backs, wide spots were filled by forwards Önal and Ouaissa. Önal delivered two assists before being replaced by Misidjan, another winger. Even in defence, Schreuder opts for movement over rigidity.
Head coach Dick Schreuder during N.E.C. – Excelsior, 9 August 2025
Record-setting start from attack-minded N.E.C.
N.E.C.’s attacking intent paid off immediately against Excelsior. With 2.5 Expected Goals, they led the league in round one. Only PSV registered more shots on target. Their 61.5 percent possession showed control, and the 5-0 win was the club’s biggest ever opening-day victory at the top level. Below is an overview of the number of goals N.E.C. scored in the first two Eredivisie matches of each season.
| Seaon | Goals |
|---|---|
|
1976/77 |
7 |
|
2000/01 |
7 |
|
2010/11 |
6 |
|
1977/78 |
5 |
|
2025/26 |
? |
Ogawa eyes Vleminckx milestone
Four N.E.C. players were directly involved in two goals against Excelsior. Ogawa found the net twice, Chery and Linssen each had a goal and an assist, and Önal provided two assists. Ogawa now has the chance to become the first N.E.C. player since Bjorn Vleminckx to score three times in the opening two matches of a season. He already has four goals in three appearances against Heracles.
Koki Ogawa celebrates the 2-0 during N.E.C. – Excelsior, 9 August 2025
Chery picks up right where he left off
Tjaronn Chery made an instant impact on his return to N.E.C. The 37-year-old midfielder scored and assisted, just as he did in his final match before leaving the club. Over the past decade, only Dusan Tadic has managed a goal and assist in three straight Eredivisie matches. Heracles may want to take note — no team has seen Chery involved in more goals against them.
Tjaronn Chery scores the 5-0 during N.E.C. – Excelsior, 9 August 2025.
A new test after N.E.C.’s flying start
N.E.C. opened the season in style, but the trip to Heracles on Saturday at 16:30 brings a different kind of challenge. The home side will be eager to recover after a tough first round. Will N.E.C. keep their rhythm, or is a shift in momentum on the cards?
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