week 1 FC Utrecht match preview

By: j | August 29th, 2008

With the opening match of the Eredivisie I’d like to briefly step outside the “match preview” theme and for a moment mention to you to get out and support FC Utrecht.

From those who read my blogs here or outside of here, it is no secret my true motivation of talking of this beautiful game. The simple brilliance of how it brings people together from across the world is staggering and equally why someone my age loves to share its message to another generation. As a coach for three decades, I can tell you how not only how this game brings us together, speaking the game slightly different around the world with our own personal “dialect” but equally connecting generations. Sometimes my old eyes, far too blurry to admit, look out on the pitch and I can swear it was a time long ago.

For those of you who are able to get to this match or watch it online, I can’t help but recall the brilliance of Wim van Hanegem so many years ago and look forward how he can impart his wisdom of Totaalvoetbal on another generation as manager of FC Utrecht. A extraordinary player in the days of Johan Cruijff, since taking over at the club last summer I have looked forward to see his influence on the style, tempo and flow of the club. This past spring, with improved financial conditions of the club, they have announced increased commitment to junior development and I look forward to watching Wim pass on his craft to a new generation of Footballers.

Returning to the match, Erik Pieters formerly of FC Utrecht, commented:

“Utrecht field creative players and they have a sold midfield as well as defence. I expect both teams will have a go at each other and play a game of attacking football.”

Hubb Stevens has a completely healthy club excluding Bas Roorda, Jan Kromkamp along with Edison Méndez who will have a pre-match fitness test. PSV will need to be at their best as Utrect are on a considerable upswing and cannot be underestimated as evidenced by last seasons 3-1 loss. Without question the new back-line will be tested and the leadership of Carlos Salcido will be paramount to controlling their attacks. In the attack we can expect a Ibrahim Afellay, Nordin Amrabat and Danny Koevermans to lead the charge and from all accounts look to be one-hundred per-cent healthy and ready.

I will report on the match as it concludes.