NEC Nijmegen should be wary of Go Ahead Eagles and Utrecht’s Eredivisie struggles | OneFootball

NEC Nijmegen are having an incredible season in the Eredivisie. The side are currently third and enjoying a four game winning run. They look set to challenge for a European ticket this season, an achievement that would be richly deserved. However, they only have to look down the table to see the impact this could have on them next season. Both Go Ahead Eagles and FC Utrecht had strong campaigns last year make it into European competitions, but have found that balancing domestic and continental football comes at a cost. Both can act as a blueprint for NEC on how to avoid finding themselves in a similair situation next year.

Go Ahead Eagles shocked everyone by winning the KNVB Cup and entering the Europa League. While they struggled in Europe, with just two wins out of eight games, their fans more than enjoyed a trip around the continent. Yet, the European season is over for the side and now they have to focus on the reality of the Eredivisie. Competing in Europe has seen their domestic form dip, although this certainly wasn’t helped by losing key players in the summer as well. At the moment, Go Ahead Eagles are sitting in 14th place, just seven points above the relegation zone. Their recent run of form has also been horrendous, with only one win in 17 games. That victory over Feyenoord came back in November!

Utrecht also booked a European ticket last season and have suffered a similar drop off in domestic form. Ron Jans wants to remain in charge, but his side are just one place above Go Ahead Eagles. They have only won once in their past eight games, with the victory coming in a KNVB Cup clash with second tier side Top Oss. Four players joined the side in January as they look to avoid being sucked into anything at the bottom of the table.

In truth, the poor seasons for the sides in the bottom three should mean neither the Go Ahead Eagles or Utrecht get sucked into real trouble this season. However, a return to European football is not on the cards for either side. NEC should certainly enjoy the moment, but be wary of losing key players in the summer.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson