Eredivisie 2024/25 Preview: RKC Waalwijk | OneFootball

RKC Waalwijk just achieved survival last term, and with a 5-1 pulverising at the hands of reigning champions PSV on the opening day, this season could be another where the team’s back are up against the wall in south of the Netherlands.

Finishing on equal points with eventual relegation play-off losers Excelsior, Waalwijk only escaped due to their better goal difference. Although already starting the term in a rocky patch against the holders, Henk Fraser’s team will be hopeful that they can steady the ship and improve.

Last season, their big performers amid a pretty poor campaign were Michiel Kramer, Denilho Cleonise, and David Min. Veteran striker Kramer notched eight goals, while winger Cleonise was the best assist maker, with five. David Min grabbed ten goals, yet the team will have to regroup in his absence after moving to Utrecht.

Last season’s position: 15th

Transfers In: Oskar Zawada (Wellington Phoenix), Roshon van Eijma (TOP Oss), Liam van Gelderen (Groningen), Richard van der Venne (FC St. Gallen), Yanick van Osch (SC Cambuur), Tim van de Loo (Telstar), Daouda Weidmann (Torino), Juan Familia-Castillo (Free Agent)

Transfers Out: Etienne Vaessen (Groningen), Shawn Adewoye (Fortuna Sittard), Mats Seuntjens (Castellon), Thierry Lutonda (PEC Zwolle), David Min (FC Utrecht), Jurien Gaari (Released), Jeffrey Bruma (Released), Zakaria Bakkali (Released), Mark Spenkelink (Released)

Overview: Min’s exit isn’t the only tough one to watch, as goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen, Shawn Adewoye and Thierry Lutonda have all moved on to Eredivisie rivals. Eight signings have been made to try and prepare for this term, yet clearly after a first day drubbing, the team needs more time. Oskar Zawada from Wellington Phoenix will bear a lot of offensive pressure in Min’s place up top, while Yanick van Osch will need to build confidence between the sticks.

Van Osch arrived from SC Cambuur and is one of a number of second-tier signings. Particularly, the move for Telstar’s Tim van de Loo catches the eye. The 21-year-old central midfielder scored one goal and registered three assists in the middle of the park – yet his attitude is one the club needs. On the signing of his four-year-deal with the club, he said:

“I see a lot of room for my personal and professional development, and I have a lot of confidence that I can realise my potential at RKC Waalwijk.”

Furthermore, releasing several components from last season in Bruma, Gaari, Bakkali, and Spekkelink hints at separating the wheat from the chaff as Waalwijk look to survive more comfortably this term than the last. They’ve not made it easy for themselves with this start against PSV, yet manager Henk Fraser previously spoke with great optimism when he took the job last May. Can his squad find some consistency and realise their potential after a drab last season and a poor opener?

“I am very pleased to be appointed as a trainer at RKC. I see a lot of potential within the club and I am determined to get the most out of our possibilities together with the players, staff, management and supporters. I look forward to getting started and continuing the line we have taken in recent years.”

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield