The 20/21 Eredivisie season begins this Friday and we will preview the expectations of each Eredivisie club. In this article, we look at FC Twente.

Back in the Eredivisie last season after a year in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie, FC Twente got off to a decent start but then struggled under Gonzalo Manuel García García. Twente were in 14th when the season was stopped, but only a point above the bottom three.

Now, Garcia is gone and Ron Jans is in charge, while the squad has been overhauled as Twente looks to move back towards the top half of the Eredivisie.

Transfers

It has been a very busy summer in Enschede in terms of transfers, with a number of loan players leaving. Peet Bijen and Aitor were key last season but have now left too, along with Haris Vuckic, who was top scorer for the club. Keito Nakamura, Paul Verhaegh, Jorn Brondeel, and Javier Espinosa are also all gone.

Incoming have been a load of loan signings including Ajax duo Kik Pierie and Danilo. Vaclav Cerny comes in from Utrecht, Tyronne Ebuehi from Benfica, Alexander Jeremejeff from Dynamo Dresden, and Nathan Markelo from Everton. Left-back Gijs Smal has joined from Volendam permanently along with centre-back Dario Dumic from Utrecht.

Twente are not done yet and are looking for more new recruits over the next month. They are also trying hard to keep hold of star goalkeeper Joel Drommel.

Head Coach

Ron Jans is back in the Eredivisie after being sacked by FC Cincinnati earlier in the year.

The experienced head coach worked wonders with PEC Zwolle before leaving in 2017 and will now look to turn around FC Twente and guide them back to the top half of the Eredivisie.

Jans attacking style was a hit at PEC Zwolle, and Twente fans could fall in love with their new boss if he has a good campaign.

Key Players

Goalkeeper Joel Drommel was the star-man of FC Twente last season and will once again be key for the club.

Drommel is an excellent shot-stopper and was a big reason why the club weren’t in the drop zone when the season was ended. He has been linked with a departure but he is still in Enschede for now.

Twente will need goals this season and Alexander Jeremejeff is the man who will start up front for the club. Can the 26-year-old Swede take the Eredivisie by storm?

Young players to watch

FC Twente has a number of youngsters in their squad that could make a big impact.

Ajax centre-back Kik Pierie (20) and attacker Danilo (21) are keen to prove they can make an impact in the Eredivisie, while right-back Nathan Markelo (21) who is on loan from Everton is very highly rated.

Defensive midfielder Godfried Roemeratoe (21) was a key player for the club last season and will be looking to build on his impressive first year in the Eredivisie. Full-back Jayden Oosterwolde (19) has also made a good impression in pre-season and could be given a starting role.

Pre-season

FC Twente has had an excellent pre-season, winning five out of seven of their matches, while the others were a 0-0 draw in Rotterdam against Feyenoord and a 1-1 draw against Emmen.

The wins were against Excelsior’ 31 (3-1), Fortuna Sittard (2-1), Go Ahead Eagles (2-0), Team VVCS (2-1), and Holsten Kiel (3-2)

Strongest line-up

Drommel, Ebuehi, Oosterwalde, Pleguezuelo, Dumic, Brama, Roemeratoe, Selahi, Cerny, Danilo, Jeremejeff

Predicted finish

FC Twente are an intriguing side to watch this season with a number of young talents now on show in Enschede, while Ron Jans is back coaching in the Eredivisie.

Twente was flirting with the drop zone last season but could be in for a more comfortable year. A finish closer to the top half should be the aim for Jans this season.




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