The two best performing clubs of 2023 will cross swords at De Dijk on Saturday evening. FC Volendam will visit AZ in the North Holland derby and will want to continue the good line. “These are competitions that live in this region,” says trainer Wim Jonk.
FC Volendam coach Wim Jonk: ‘A nice compliment’ – NH Sport / Stephan Brandhorst
The contrast in Volendam is great. Before winter break The New Orange only six meager points and after the winter break the counter stands at ten from five games. To top it all off, Ajax managed to get a point (1-1) out of the fire. AZ is the leader this calendar year with thirteen points from the first five games after the winter break.
Good to be back
It was an extra special week for Calvin Twigt. After a long injury, he was in the starting line-up in Amsterdam and even scored a goal against FC Groningen (3-2 win). The midfielder has quickly put himself in the spotlight. “Many things I didn’t see coming or dared to dream,” says the 20-year-old footballer.
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Calvin Twigt has quickly played himself into the team at FC Volendam – NH Sport / Stephan Brandhorst
With AZ, Volendam will receive the number two in the Eredivisie. The Alkmaarders have had a stable season, but played a sensational draw against FC Utrecht (5-5) last weekend. Jonk hopes that it will be a little less spectacular in Volendam. “Then you quickly turn gray as a trainer. As a football fan, that is of course wonderful to see.”
Goal fest
Jonk praises the Alkmaarders for the course they have been sailing for years. “They are a stable club and they radiate that on the field,” he says about the number two in the premier league. “They are certainly participating at the moment. Four or five teams are not inferior to each other. When everyone is fit again, they have an excellent selection there.”
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Jonk: “As a trainer you turn gray very quickly” – NH Sport / Stephan Brandhorst
Earlier this season, Volendam lost 2-1 in Alkmaar, despite being on the field with one man for a long time. Bilal Ould-Chikh returns to the match selection at FC Volendam after a disciplinary suspension. Benaissa Benamar participated in the entire training, but will probably not start. Furthermore, the team from Volendam has a fully fit selection.
The match between FC Volendam and AZ starts on Saturday at 6.45 pm at De Dijk. Tomorrow the preview will follow from the AZ camp.
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