Silvester van der Water was a revelation for Almere City last season and now gets his first chance at Eredivisie football with Heracles Almelo.
- By Michael Bell
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Van der Water was picked up by the Almere City academy at a young age and made an impression with the club’s U21 side during the 2015/16 season, scoring 10 goals in 16 matches before being handed his first team debut in February 2016 as a late substitute against FC Eindhoven. He made two more sub appearances before the end of the campaign and netted a double in a 7-0 thrashing of Jong PSV on the last day of the season.
The following season, van der Water started as a regular in the first team, starting the opening five games of the season, scoring once and contributing two assists. However, Almere City’s form was poor with only one of those games resulting in a win and van der Water was then dropped in the U21’s and for the rest of the campaign was mainly a substitute. For Jong Almere City, van der Water showed his class, though, netting nine goals in the newly formed Derde Divisie.
Last season, the winger once again started with the U21’s but his form was electric and after eight goals in nine games he could no longer be ignored by first-team coach Jack de Gier. From October, van der Water was one of the first names on the teamsheet and he scored 12 goals and added five assists as Almere City booked their place in the end of season play-offs.
He was instrumental in the wins over MVV and Roda JC with two goals and two assists over the four games. In the final first leg, van der Water netted in the 1-1 draw with De Graafschap and although he provided an assist in the second, Almere City lost out 3-2 on aggregate.
As one of the standout young players of the season, interest in van der Water was high and Heracles Almelo swooped to take the winger into the Eredivisie.
Style of Play
Van der Water is an explosive right winger with plenty of pace and trickery. He can also play on the left side but he is at his best when cutting inside from the right and unleashing crosses or shots with his powerful left-foot.
In his early days with the Almere City first team, van der Water struggled to make much of an impact but last season it was clear that the 21-year-old had worked on his finishing and crossing, which resulted in the number of goals and assists he contributed.
With Brandley Kuwas still at Heracles, van der Water may have to switch to the left side for the time being, but the clubs fans will be excited to see the duo in action together.
What to expect from van der Water this season
Van der Water was sensational for Almere City last season and Heracles Almelo offers the youngster a big chance to prove himself in the top flight. Heracles had a disappointing campaign last year and they will be hoping the presence of the winger will help them in their bid to finish in the top ten.
Pre-season has been good for the winger who netted five goals, and he will be looking to take that form into the new campaign. Impressing in Almelo will enhance the youngster’s reputation even further and he could earn himself a move to a bigger club.
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