Deroy Duarte has now literally and figuratively found his place at Fortuna Sittard. And that’s a good thing, because the midfielder is the silent strength of the team.
Since he spoke out against coach Sjors Ultee and then seized his chance in midfield, he has become one of the positive surprises for the Sittardians and he plays with great confidence. “And whether we maintain ourselves is entirely up to us. We have it in our own hands.”
polisher
Assistant coach Rob Alflen, who is temporarily responsible for Fortuna since the corona virus has struck head coach Ultee, affectionately calls Duarte the ‘cleaner’ of the team. “He cleans up on the field what others leave behind,” explains Alflen. “He is top fit and fights a lot of duels. And he is just a player with many qualities. It is good that his performance is also receiving attention.”
the row
Because usually the outside world mainly points out players such as Mats Seuntjens, Zian Flemming and Ben Rienstra as the standard bearers of Fortuna. But isn’t Duarte, who has become an indispensable link in midfield with nine basic places in a row, ‘just’ part of that? “If you think so, then that’s great,” says the down-to-earth Rotterdammer. “I try to work hard and always give everything for the team. Of course you want to be part of that list, so if people recognize that, that’s nice.”
Also read: At Fortuna Sittard they know it’s only just starting now
Rotterdam mentality
He owes the mentality characteristic of Duarte mainly to his roots. They are in Rotterdam-Kralingen and at Sparta, Friday’s opponent. “I have played at Sparta since I was five and grew up in the area,” says the midfielder. “I also try to transfer that Rotterdam mentality to my teammates. And we will need it badly tomorrow.”
‘Battle first’
With two victories in the last two matches, at home against SC Heerenveen and away at FC Groningen, Fortuna has given itself air in the fight against relegation. The number sixteen of the Eredivisie has two points more than number seventeen Sparta. Duarte is convinced of a good result. “We are good in standard situations, but also have a lot of individual quality in all lines and can play football well. But in these kinds of matches it is important that you fight first.”
Also read: Fortuna Sittard takes full loot in Groningen
Live
The match between Fortuna Sittard and Sparta Rotterdam starts on Friday at 8:00 PM. In the Kitchen Champion Division, Roda JC – De Graafschap, Helmond Sport – VVV-Venlo and MVV Maastricht – Jong AZ are on the program at the same time. Due to the broadcast of the LVK on L1 Radio, all those matches can be followed live on Friday evening from 19:45 on the Facebook pages of L1 and 1Limburg.