Eredivisie End of Season Review: Heracles Almelo | OneFootball

Finish position: 14th

Overview:

Heracles matched their 2023/2024 season with another 14th place finish in the Eredivisie. The side had been pushing for play-off positions prior to their relegation in 2022, and perhaps they are now setting themselves up as a side that could do the same next season. This year they finished with more points than last year and were closer to a top nine placing. However, with the likes of RKC Waalwijk and Almere City going down, two of the weaker sides in the league are now gone, so they will have to be careful that they do not succumb to another relegation battle next season. Head coach Erwin van de Looi has kept them up twice but is leaving the club this summer.

Player of the season: Brian de Keersmaecker

25-year-old Belgian midfielder Brian de Keersmaecker was a standout performer for the side and was their official player of the season. In 31 games he scored fie goals and provided three assists. At the other end, his ability to protect the defence and win the ball back for the side was evident, as he was involved in more successful defensive actions than 82% of players in his position across the league (according to FotMob data).

Young player of the season: Mimeirhel Benita

On loan from Feyenoord, Benita had a more enjoyable season than last year when relegated with Excelsior. The full-back played 32 games for the side and provided one assist. However, he was decent defensively, with the 21-year-old completing more defensive actions than 94% of his fellow Eredivisie right-backs, while also winning more aerial duals than 77% of his league compatriots.

Summer needs:

The side have already made one signing, with Tristan van Gilst coming in on a free from De Graafschap. They will have to be active again this summer with a number of loanees returning to their parent clubs. Strengthening at the back could also be a viable option, with Heracles having conceded 63 goals in 34 games, only one less than bottom of the table Almere City. It gave them the third worst defensive record in the league.

Grade: B

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson