Yet what the Rotterdammers against the Turkish top club presented the first half on Wednesday evening is the best doping for the return. Feyenoord was led by the newly appointed Captain Sem Steijn in that first part energetic, fresh, offensive and therefore a feast for the eyes.
Brand newly attracted Anel Ahmedhodzic
The Legion had already received a taste of Wolfsburg on Saturday, but of course the real test came to the men of Mourinho. Many new faces, in which some have barely unpacked their suitcases in their hotel in the port city. The center defender Anel Ahmedhodzic (26) purchased from Sheffield United 24 hours earlier was able to work, but already issued his calling card in the first half when he had to compete 40 meters at speed with Fener striker Youtsef En-Nesyri.
Robin van Persie about passing Quinten Timber as Feyenoord captain: ‘That will certainly play a role’
The Australian left back Jordan Bos played football as if he has been walking around in De Kuip for as long as Timon Wellenreuther and then we are talking about the guts and technology of Leo Sauer on the left winger position yet. According to Van Persie, the Van Nac -returned wing striker went to Breda as a boy and returned as a guy. Sauer dares to handle the duels as easily as Anis Hadj Moussa on the other flank and those two make the game of Feyenoord attractive to watch.
Sem Steijn made his debut for Feyenoord with the captain’s band around his arm. © ANP / ANP
But that also had everything to do against Fenerbahçe with the trio that stood behind them in the line. The Korean In-Beom Hwang was the powerhouse who won all the duels and seems to have undergone one of those wonderful cures of Guus Hiddink in his home country. In addition to him, Timber played the Brazilian Fred at certain moments and Steijn could be found as usual in every attack in the sixteen -meter area of the Turks.
With Steijn, who saw a header from the line in the initial phase and later a free kick just over, we also immediately mention the man in whom Van Persie has a boundless confidence, given that he has given the captain’s band to him and not again to Timber. The latter starts the last year of his contract and has not yet wanted to extend. That undoubtedly plays a role.
Choice of Robin van Persie for Sem Steijn
Van Persie supports his choice. ,, Because Sem is a leader. He is doing very well. If you look at what you are looking for in a captain, then you want him to embrace the team and culture. “” It doesn’t mean Timber, who is no longer a second leader (that is Hadj Moussa) but let his feet speak on the field, now you can leave. “No, I’m going to lie for that,” Van Persie said Ziggo.
In the second half there were more attacking impulses from the Turks. Timber, injured last year, could only give gas for an hour and, like the still young Sauer, was replaced. As a result, two other purchases, Luciano Valente and Gaouissou Diarra also immediately made their European debut.
When Sofyan Amrabat produced the 1-1 in the 87th minute it looked gloomy, but then the beautiful header of Hadj Moussa came after it. De Kuip exploded.