Although AZ continues almost on the same footing as last season, there has been a remarkable change under the bar. Peter Vindahl is no longer the first keeper. Hobie Verhulst defended the goal in the first official game of the season and will be the first keeper to start the season.
Last season, Verhulst also started the season, but after the arrival of Vindahl, the born Amsterdammer was expelled to the bank. So in the Eredivisie it was only two games, but Verhulst kept waiting for his chance. “I showed what I can do,” says Verhulst.
He got it in preparation. Partly because Vindahl joined later, Verhulst was the first choice in the first few exhibition games. The former goalkeeper of FC Volendam did that so well that he can remain standing from the technical staff. “Vindahl has been given the space and the opportunities,” says Jansen, who sees that the difference is small between the two. “Hobie hasn’t been sitting still either.”
Next week, AZ will defend a 1-0 lead against Tuzla City. On Thursday, the team will visit Bosnia-Herzegovina for a place in the third preliminary round of the Conference League.