Decisive figure steers Heerenveen in Rotterdam | OneFootball

Joris Overeem settled the game in the 67th minute, stabbing in from close range as Heerenveen beat Excelsior 2-1.

Early on he set the tone without the ball, reading play and snapping into midfield duels. He made five first half interceptions that broke up Excelsior's rhythm and helped Heerenveen progress up the pitch.

After the restart he first drew a save with a firm effort (67.). Moments later, he arrived in the six-yard box to turn home from very close range (67.).

His handball then conceded a penalty (73.). The spot kick was converted (74.), but he stayed calm, positioned well, and helped see out the closing stages with decisive clearances.

Overeem finished with two shots on target, six interceptions and 56 passes from 83 touches, numbers that underline how he combined screening work with authority in possession.

Heerenveen rise from ninth to eighth in the Eredivisie and host Telstar next. Excelsior remain 15th and visit Feyenoord next.