subject: Eredivisie – FC Twente begins title defense [print this page] Since its foundation in 1965, FC Twente had never won an Eredivisie title until this past season, were they confirmed that the second place obtained in season 2008-09 was not just coincidence. The Tukkers, lead to glory by coach Steve McClaren, were able to sign a record of only two defeats throughout the championship that ended wit the historic title achievement. Now this year they face two big challenges: defending the title and leaving a good impression in the UEFA Champions League.
The Dutch league has always been followed by clubs from other countries, and when a team is the number one in its competition, even more attention is placed on them. Twente has not been the exception and has seen players like Ronnie Stam depart to Wigan, Nkufo to Seattle Sounders, Stoch to Fenerbahce or Paauwe to Excelsior. But probably the biggest loss has been coach McClaren, who left to Germany for a new challenge commanding Wolfsburg. The club's policy for this season is the same as the previous one. It is bringing new young talents to the team, an approach that can prove its efficiency with Bryan Ruiz, who scored 23 goals and plays a big role in the club. This season new faces like: Bengstsson, Bajrami, Rosales, Janko, de Vogt, Buysse, or Chandli will have the chance to follow Ruiz's steps.
Twente will face tough opponents while defending its title during this season. Last year's runner up, Ajax, will try to conquer a title that has been denied since 2004. In their effort to do so, striker Mounir El Hamadaoui has arrived from AZ Alkmaar, along with Daniel de Ridder from Wigan. Uruguayan Luis Suarez is the star of the team, supported by young skilled players such as Gregory van der Wiel, Christian Eriksen, Siem de Jong, and Toby Alderwiereld. Finishing only one point behind the champion was a hard knock that they will try to overcome this season, bringing the glory days back to Amsterdam Arena.
PSV Eindhoven is one of the big names in the league, with 21 Dutch championships and a clear dominance since 2000, were they have won 7 titles, the red white army is a strong candidate to win the Erevidiese this season. New arrivals: Marcelo from Wisla Krakow, Aiba Hutchinson from Copenhagen, Jeremain Lens from AZ Alkmaar, and Marcus Berg from Hamburg open the range of variables to coach Fred Rutten.
One team that might not be able to fight for the title, but that can seriously aspire for the top spots is Feyenoord. The squad from Rotterdam will continue with its philosophy this season of putting its trust in young talented players, like Wijnaldum and Fer. Despite the economic distances, coach Mario Been uses the same system as Barcelona, 4-3-3, and promotes young players raised in the club. In a near future, if they are able to keep these players as they mature, they might have real reasons to start thinking about the title.
Finally, if no surprises arise this season, the last team that should be in the top spots is AZ Almaar. Finishing in 5th place this past tournament was a good performance for them, if you take into consideration that they were close to bankruptcy during the beginning of the season. The team has lost its stricker El Hamadaoui to Ajax, but has signed a talented midfielder from Sparta Rotterdam, Erik Falkenburg, as well as his teammate Nick Vierger. Dirk Marcellis from PSV and Charloson Benschop from Waalwijk complete the incorporations.
This season, which has already began, has one big interrogative to find out: will the big teams recuperate their hegemony, will Twente be able to step above the rest as a confirmation of their good strike, or will a surprise like in the past two seasons amaze the fans?
