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 Utrecht.
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Its set to be a big season for FC Utrecht, who are celebrating their 50th year anniversary, and the campaign is set to be filmed for a potential Netflix series.
On the pitch, Utrecht are aiming to improve on their sixth place from last season and they are hoping to break into the top four. Exciting signings have been made and John van den Brom is confident that Utrecht are heading into a great season.
Transfers
Utrecht have strengthened their defence with the signing of Django Warmerdam and Justin Hoogma, who again signs on loan from Hoffenheim.
Exciting Australian talent Daniel Arzani is loaned from Manchester City, but the biggest two signings are in the attack. Eljero Elia joins from Istanbul Basaksehir and Mimoun Mahi returns to the Eredivisie from FC Zurich.
Outgoings have been limited with Jean-Christophe Bahebeck released, while Rico Streider and Patrick Joosten have both been allowed to leave.
The biggest question marks are around star forward Gyrano Kerk, who is still at the club despite being linked with several sides outside the Netherlands.
Head Coach
John van den Brom is heading into his second season in charge of Utrecht and will be looking to improve on the sixth-place finish of last season.
The Belgian is a good tactical coach who will have Utrecht playing attacking football this season.
Key Players
Eljero Elia comes back to the Eredivisie after winning the Turkish Super-lig with Istanbul Basaksehir. Utrecht beat off competition from several other sides to sign the winger, who is still capable of shining in the Eredivisie at 33.
Simon Gustafson is the heart of the Utrecht midfield, while if he stays Gyrano Kerk is one of the best attackers outside the top four with his pace a big threat to any side.
Young players to watch
Daniel Arzani (21) made a big impression for Australia at the 2018 World Cup but has struggled with injuries since. The attacking midfielder now gets a chance to get his career back on track in Utrecht.
Tommy st Jago (20) is a very talented defender and is set to get his chance in the first-team this season, while goalkeeper Maarten Paes (22) has all the capabilities to be Oranje’s number one in the future. The biggest breakthrough could be midfielder Davy van den Berg (20), who has made a big impression in pre-season and is expected to be a key player for Van den Brom.
Pre-season
It has been a mostly positive pre-season for Utrecht despite a 5-1 loss to Ajax.
They drew 3-3 with Genk, and 0-0 with Antwerp before recording victories over Excelsior (5-1), Heerenveen (4-1), and PEC Zwolle (2-0)
Strongest line-up
Paes, Klaiber, Warmerdam, Hoogma, Janssen, Van den Berg, Gustafson, Maher, Elia, Kerk, Dalmau
Predicted finish
This is possibly the best squad Utrecht have had in years and its one that is definitely capable of finishing fifth. However, the club have higher ambitions.
With a fully fit Dalmau up front, flanked by Elia and Kerk, Utrecht have one of the best frontlines outside the top four, if not the best and their midfield and defence is also strong.
Fifth would be the predicted spot but can’t be ruled out that Utrecht breaks into the top four this season.