Wrap-up: What stood out after four matches in the Eredivisie?

Four clubs are level on nine points, but Feyenoord are the only side still boasting a perfect record. Victories over NAC Breda, Excelsior and Sparta Rotterdam have put Robin van Persie’s team top of the table. It’s the first time since 2017/18 that the Rotterdammers have started a league campaign with three straight wins.

Defensively, Feyenoord have been rock-solid, conceding just one goal; the best record in the competition. The last time they conceded one or fewer across their first three league matches was also 2017/18. Centre-backs Tsuyoshi Watanabe and Anel Ahmedhodžić look formidable, with Watanabe particularly impressive: only two players (minimum 180 minutes played) have won more aerial duels per 90 minutes than the Japanese defender (6).

All eyes were on Dick Schreuder’s N.E.C. heading into the new campaign, with a promise of attacking football and entertainment. So far, the side have delivered in style. N.E.C. have scored 14 goals, more than any other team, setting a new club record for the first four games of a top-flight season.

Schreuder has not shied away from fielding extra attacking options, and as a result, no fewer than 12 different players have already contributed with either a goal or an assist. The highest tally in the division.

His high-pressing philosophy is also clear in the numbers. Opponents have been allowed just 8.1 passes on average before N.E.C. make a defensive intervention, the lowest figure in the league. Last season, that number was 13.1.

This intensity has produced eight shots following high turnovers in the final 40 metres: joint-most in the league alongside Ajax and FC Utrecht (both 8). Remarkably, two of N.E.C.’s key attacking threats are in their mid-to-late 30s. Only FC Groningen’s Brynjólfur Willumsson has had a direct hand in more goals (5) than 37-year-old Tjaronn Chery (2 goals, 2 assists) and almost-35 Bryan Linssen (3 goals, 1 assist).

Telstar capped the first block with one of the most eye-catching results of recent years, defeating reigning champions PSV 0-2 in Eindhoven and it was no fluke. It was just the third time in their history the White Lions have beaten a traditional “top three” side away from home, following wins at Ajax (1964) and PSV (1968).

Anthony Correia’s side look to play forward quickly and directly. With an average ball progression of 2.05 metres per second, Telstar are the most forward-playing team in the Eredivisie. In addition, 8.6% of their passes have been progressive. Among the highest share in the league.

A key figure in this approach is 24-year-old Guus Offerhaus. The defender frequently steps into midfield and dictates play. Against PSV, 20 of his 22 passes found a teammate; in his debut against Ajax, it was 27 of 28. A remarkable rise for a player who was still in amateur football (Quick Boys )just two years ago. Can Telstar build on their first top-flight victory since April 1978 when the league resumes?

One bright spot is the loan arrival of Walid Ould-Chikh from Eintracht Braunschweig. The midfielder thrived under Sibum at Roda JC 2023-2024 season in the First Divison (Keuken Kampioen Divisie), scoring 12 goals and providing eight assists. Only two players created more open-play chances than him (52).

His creativity could be vital, with Heracles having failed to register a single shot on target in consecutive games for just the second time in 15 years (against FC Groningen and Ajax). The only other instance came as recently as February 2024, versus PSV and FC Utrecht.