Jakarta –
Indonesian National Team star Calvin Verdonk made a meaningful impact by scoring in the thrilling encounter between NEC Nijmegen and Fortuna Sittard. The match, which began with high intensity, saw Verdonk face off against Alen Halilovic, frequently enough referred to as the “Croatian Messi.”
Held at the Goffertstadion in Nijmegen on Sunday, January 19, 2025, the Eredivisie clash ended in a dominant 4-1 victory for the home team, NEC.
Leading up to the game, local outlet Forza NEC highlighted the challenge Verdonk would face as a left-back, tasked with containing Alen Halilovic, Fortuna Sittard’s star player.
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Halilovic, once hailed as a prodigy, joined Barcelona in 2014 and earned the nickname “messi from Croatia” due to his exceptional skills. Though, Verdonk managed to neutralize his threat effectively during the match.
“The left-back was assigned to handle a former top-tier player, alen Halilovic, but it proved less challenging then anticipated. Verdonk not only defended solidly but also contributed with a goal,” reported Go NEC.
In this fixture, Calvin Verdonk operated as NEC’s left-back, while Halilovic took his position as Fortuna’s right winger in their 4-2-3-1 formation. The duel between the two was a key highlight of the game.
According to Whoscored,Verdonk showcased his defensive prowess with 4 tackles and 3 clearances,demonstrating his ability to read the game effectively.
beyond his defensive duties, Calvin Verdonk excelled in his offensive contributions.He completed 69 passes with an remarkable 88.4% accuracy, including one key pass, and delivered four accurate crosses out of six attempts.
Verdonk’s goal, a standout moment in the match, was partly attributed to the gaps left behind Alen Halilovic. The Croatian’s lack of defensive tracking allowed Verdonk to advance and capitalize on the opportunity.
“I didn’t overthink it—just took the shot,” Verdonk remarked in an interview with Go NEC.
“Modern full-backs are expected to contribute more to the attack. Compared to Brayann Pereira on the right, my role involves a deeper build-up. during the game, we noticed Halilovic wasn’t tracking back, and with Kodai Sano occupying Pinto, I had the freedom to push forward,” he explained.
(krs/raw)
Calvin Verdonk Shines in thrilling Encounter between NEC Nijmegen and Fortuna Sittard
Jakarta – In a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Indonesian National Team star Calvin Verdonk delivered a standout performance for NEC Nijmegen in their intense clash against Fortuna Sittard. The game, marked by high intensity and dramatic moments, saw verdonk score a crucial goal, further cementing his status as a key player for both his club and his national team.
The encounter began with both teams demonstrating their attacking intent, but it was Verdonk who stole the spotlight. The Dutch-born defender, who has embraced his role with the Indonesian National Team, showcased his versatility by not only excelling defensively but also contributing significantly to the attack. His goal was a testament to his composure and technical ability under pressure.
Adding to the drama of the match was Verdonk’s frequent duels with fortuna Sittard’s Alen Halilovic, the Croatian midfield maestro known for his creativity and flair. The battle between the two players added an extra layer of intrigue to the game, as Halilovic attempted to unlock Nijmegen’s defense while Verdonk worked tirelessly to neutralize the threat.
Verdonk’s performance in this match highlights his growing influence in European football and his importance to the Indonesian National Team. As Indonesia continues to build towards future international competitions, Verdonk’s experience and skill will undoubtedly be pivotal.
The match ended with both teams giving their all, but it was Verdonk’s contribution that left a lasting impression. His goal not only secured valuable points for NEC Nijmegen but also served as a reminder of his ability to rise to the occasion on the big stage.
As the football world takes notice of Calvin Verdonk’s talents, Indonesian fans have every reason to be excited about what the future holds for their national team. With players like Verdonk leading the charge, the dream of making a important impact on the international stage seems closer than ever.
Stay tuned for more updates on Calvin Verdonk and the Indonesian National Team as they continue their journey in the world of football.
