Darius Xavier: The Conqueror

What on earth is Ajax doing

Jens Toonstra was approached on the streets of Rotterdam and asked a few questions about various things such as the opinion of the manager, opinion of the squad's confidence and most importantly if he believes Feyenoord can hold onto this fantastic season they are having.

Jens Toonstra is captain of Feyenoord and answered quite cautiously to the questions. Jens Toonstra plays in the holding midfielder position and has scored 6 in 23 appearances in the league so far.

Another creative month however less rewarding then previous months. We defeated Groningen in a class battle in the league 4-2. NEC was our toughest game on statistics as we only drew 2-2, Ajax is our biggest game this month and we were the victors 3-2. Relegation favourites Zwolle were smashed 3-0 at De Kuip. Going against our affiliate club Excelsior, proving again why we are superior kicking them to the curb 4-0. We scored a total of 16 goals and only conceded 6 goals in 6 games.


8' - Boetius gathers the ball in the midfield, holding up the ball for the wingers to get into open space. Boetius plays a one-two with Hasbran. Boetius finds himself into some space in the penalty area. Boetius strikes the ball with power, the net rattles! GOAL! Ajax 0-1 Feyenoord

15' - Corner for Ajax after a foul by Hasbran. Schone looks to take this, a shot at goal looks promising. He hits it, deflects off the wall... The keeper swipes it away but it continues to roll in the penalty area. Elkeson gets a touch on it! Ajax 1-1 Feyenoord

25' - Elkeson holds up the ball and passes to Fischer. Fischer curled it into the near post. Zivkovic attempts to out jump wing-back Dennis de Lange, Zivokic headed the ball towards the goal... It beats the keeper! That header has put the home team in-front. Ajax 2-1 Feyenoord

26' - Pass by Jao Rodriquez. Oscar Hiljemark tried to find Boetius with a pass to feet, Boetius played a ball into the area to Geraldo. Geraldo tried his luck with left-footed strike. GERALDO HAS SCORED FOR FEYENOORD! Ajax 2-2 Feyenoord

37' - Geraldo played the ball right to Rodriquez's feet. Rodriquez played a perfect pass to Habran. Romain Habran was in a dangerous position. Romain Habran tried to find Toonstra with a pass to feet, Toonstra passes it back. Romain Habran buries it! Ajax 2-3 Feyenoord




"Another great month, just a matter of time before we capture the league title. It has been a dominant season so far, and it will be a dominant finish. We don't have the top goal scorers, we don't have the top assists. What we do have is a team that will take the league by the scruff of its neck for the upcoming years."

Looking at the fixtures, it looks a success, but there is many underlying problems which I will be addressing in the manager's message. Starting the month of with a very entertaining match against Vitesse who has already signed our star striker - Geraldo on a free, defeating them 4-3. Feyenoord drew against Willem II and Twente 2-2 which was quite key as were lacking that clinical finishing in them games. AZ was our best win and our most important win so far. PSV just sacked their manager while capturing the manager of Vitesse, defeating them 3-2. A huge victory (goal wise) by defeating De Graafschap 7-1.


22' - Diallo got across well to perfectly tackle the ball. Hoedt played the ball forward. Kauffmann hit the ball back 20 yards towards Oscar Hiljemark. Hiljemark looked for Toonstra. Jens Toonstra flicks up for Geraldo in the penalty area! Geraldo with a header... GOAL! Feyenoord 1-0 AZ

43' - The ball was well intercepted by Gouweleeuw, he then clears the ball wide. The ball deflects off Guus Hupperts and falls to Kauffmann. Kauffmann to apply the finish and it beats the keeper! Feyenoord 2-0 AZ




"Looking at the results and league position. It looks good, gruelling with confidence and squad harmony. However, looking at these underlying problems, we could be in trouble of losing that lead and losing that league position. We conceded a huge 10 goals in 6 fixtures. That's a lot, while only keeping 1 clean sheet. We are suffering from huge defensive problems and they will be addressed in the upcoming month, when we wrap up this season."

Super month, you're set to win the league! Brilliant stuff

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A solid finale, playing some tough games and playing the Dutch Cup final. We faced Heerenveen, honestly I thought my undefeated streak would be over, but, we were able to take it back and draw 2-2. PSV was our toughest game and for me personally, the biggest game of the season, this decided if we were to win the league, we triumphed 2-0. Go Ahead drew with us in an average bout of 1-1. The Dutch Cup final was a classic smasher of SC Telstar losing a huge 7-0. VVV-Venlo was the final game of the season, finishing strong 3-1.


33' - Zoet played a super long ball, Hiljemark got to the ball first. Hiljemark found Geraldo with a low-forward pass. Geraldo held up the ball, Geraldo laid it forward to Jao Rodriquez. Rodriquez tried to find Habran with a pass into the area, HABRAN SCORED FOR FEYENOORD! Feyenoord 1-0 PSV

35' - Jao Rodriquez closes down the defender and boots the ball forward, he's alone with the keeper... He slots the ball softly. Can he make it two?! YES HE CAN! A fast goal, double-fire from Feyenoord. Feyenoord 2-0 PSV




"This concludes the season, a truly exciting month with us obtaining the Dutch Cup as well with a dominating win. Defeating PSV was the icing on the cake as we defeated second place and made sure we kept our lead. The players performed better after addressing the issues of defending with them, I made them mark tighter and close down more often."

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Feyenoord are celebrating after they managed to go entire the Eredivisie season without losing, winning 25 of their 34 games and drawing nine. Feyenoord will certainly look back at their late equaliser against Twente which allowed them to maintain their unbeaten run. The season also saw some great wins on the way, perhaps most notably a 3-1 versus Utrecht, their convincing 3-0 victory over Heracles, a comfortable 3-0 humbling of NEC and a comfortable 3-0 victory against Willem II.

On the pitch, Geraldo finished as top goal scorer with 18 goals. Jao Rodriquez was arguably Feyenoord's best performer and Kenneth Vermeer kept 12 clean sheets. Oscar Hiljemark has expressed his admiration for manager Darius Xavier in guiding Feyenoord through an entire season unbeaten. The Feyenoord stalwart stated that Darius Xavier had encouraged a level of consistency and togetherness in the squad that very few teams were able to match.

The final day of the Eredivisie season saw a total of 165,996 fans turn out around the division to witness it. With nine matches played and 35 goals scored, the pick of the games was Darius Xavier guiding his Feyenoord team to an incredible unbeaten season following their 3-1 victory over VVV-Venio. Elsewhere, a brace from Neal Maupay inspired a win for the home side during PSV's 4-2 victory over Utrecht and Anatole N'Gamukol scored the pick of the goals in Vitesse's 4-2 victory over Go Ahead with a nice effort from 13 metres.

Awesome update, the way you update is fantastic i am enjoying this story!

The latest addition to football books is entitled "The Philosophy Of Football" written by Dutch legend Louis van Gaal, who retired as manager of Manchester United last season. Louis van Gaal has written about his personal experiences with managers and his infamous tactical system.

Louis van Gaal briefly mentions the uprising of young Darius Xavier and perhaps a future revolution in football management, as he describes Darius Xavier's personality as different and interesting. The extract is written below:

A new guy that not many people have heard of, is a manager as a good as I've ever seen - Darius Xavier. He's the coal that will be squeezed into the next diamond. His tactics system looks like it's chiselled out of stone. I honestly think the business is in his blood and he's got success in his genes. The man has every gift that a man can be given. Some people would think I'm crazy but his achievements speak for itself, the kid is no doubt bred for success. In about 10 years time, football management will be a very, very different place all because of Darius Xavier...

He certainly seems promising... Van Gaal knows what he's talking about Great update, yet again.

A huge influx of money was still left over from the last transfer window, therefore we reinvested in the squad in what we were struggling in last season - defence. Investing money in three quality defenders - Michael Keane, Liam Moore and Abdou Diallo. We also invested in a strong right attacking-midfielder as Romain Habran was becoming complacent in training and is becoming surplus to requirements, Will Overgard is a young quality player who can provide something more than Romain Habran ever could. Looking at the squad, noticing that our main goalkeeper was injured with no cover or squad depth. This ultimately left me to buy Odisseas Vlachodimos, a fantastic goalkeeper with spectacular reflexes.

Unfortunately, there was a few players that were given the boot because the deals were just too good to turn down. Keziah Veendrop was a fantastic centre-back as I bought him last transfer window, however, Tottenham recouped our transfer-fee and he desperately wanted to leave. Pieter Gerkens was an unpopular decision to release for the players, as he really didn't suit my tactical system, I didn't need a defensive midfielder and we would always complain about not getting first-team football, that's why I agreed the fee let him goto France. Stef Gronsveld was another player of ours to be swooped by the upcoming Vitesse, alongside Geraldo. Stef Gronsveld actually wanted to leave Feyenoord for Vitesse, even though we won the title and done it in convincing fashion. Geraldo was obviously the biggest let-down, I tried to make him sign a contract but he refused so our star-striker (second top-goal scorer in the league) has gone to our competitive rivals.

Michael Keane
Michael Keane started his career at Manchester United in 2009/10, breaking into the first-team in 2014 and making a total of 3 appearances. During this time, he also spent time on loan at Leicester City, Derby County, Blackburn Rovers and Burnley, making a total of 51 league appearances and scoring 5 goals. In June 2015 he joined Crystal Palace, for £475,000 and made 115 league appearances. Keane joined his current club Feyenoord for £7.75 million in July 2018.


Will Overgard
Will Overgard started his career at D.C. United in February 2011, breaking into the first-team in 2015 and making a total of 18 league appearances and scoring 3 goals for the club. Overgard joined AS Roma but failed to make a league appearance for the club. During this time he also spent time on loan at VVV-Venlo and Williem II, making a combined a total of 73 league appearances and scoring 15 goals. Overgard's U.S.A Under 20's team lifted the French Youth Invitational in 2016. Overgard joined his current club Feyenoord for £6.75 million in July 2018.


Odisseas Vlachodimos
Odisseas Vlachodimos started his career at Stuttgart in 2008/09, breaking into the first time in 2014 making a total of 54 league appearances. Vlachodimos joined his current club Feyenoord for £5 million in July 2018. In terms of personal accolades, Vlachodimos has a third place in the German U17 Players Of The Year award to his name.


Liam Moore
Liam Moore started his career at Leicester City in 2008/09, breaking into the first-team in 2011 and making a total of 162 league appearances and scoring 2 goals for the club for the club. During this time he also spent time on loan at Bradford City and Brentford, making a combined total of 24 league appearances. Moore's Foxes team lifted the Sky Bet Championship in 2014. Moore joined current club Feyenoord for £4.5 million in June 2018 and was currently made 3 league appearances for the club.


Abdou Diallo
Abdou Diallo started his career at AS Monaco in July 2011, breaking into the first-team in 2014 and making a total of 16 league appearances. During this time he also spent time on loan at AC Aries Avignon and AZ, making a combined total of 48 league appearances and scoring one goal. During this time with Les Monégasques, Diallo's team lifted the French Cup in 2015, the French Under-19 League in 2013, won the French Champions Trophy in 2015 and the Ligue 1 in 2016. Diallo joined current club Feyenoord for £3.9 million in June 2018.

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Overview

League champions Feyenoord go into this game with every chance of walking away with someone against slight favourites, league runners up PSV, according to Sky Bet. Both Feyenoord and PSV will hoping to lift the Dutch Super Cup trophy. PSV's game against Feyenoord in the Dutch Super Cup is set to be a sell-out of supporters clamouring to see their team at Amsterdam ArenA. Over 62,000 tickets are expected to be sold for the Dutch Super Cup clash on Saturday.

Predictions

"Feyenoord were incredible last season but history speaks for itself. Most teams that have the level of success, traditionally fall and get complacent to their rivals. Feyenoord last won the super cup, 19 years ago while PSV won it 2 years ago. Feyenoord has won the Dutch Super Cup only 2 times, while PSV has won it 11 times! Statistically PSV will take this away, statistically will destroy Feyenoord. My prediction is PSV will take the game to Feyenoord and Feyenoord don't have the composure to combat it. PSV will claim there 12th Super Cup trophy." ]-Jos Luhukay (Manager from Vitesse)

"PSV were great last season, but Feyenoord were incredible last season. It's understandable that PSV have the quality in the squad, therefore they should win, right? No. Feyenoord have a great squad too, but there manager Darius Xavier is far superior then the manager of PSV Peter Bosz. Feyenoord hasn't lost a match in 40 games! Feyenoord has defeated PSV 3 times in a row, I'm absolutely sure that Feyenoord can see PSV off today." -Mario Been (Manager from Ajax)

"I'm willing to bet my house that Feyenoord take this away and take it hard! They are going to take the game to PSV, they will score 3 goals or more. PSV has not been up to scratch last season, finishing 9 points behind Feyenoord! Feyenoord were 3 games better then PSV, PSV are meant to be the powerhouse of the Dutch league, winning it 3 times in a row. Feyenoord scored more goals then PSV, Feyenoord conceded less goals then PSV and ultimately remained unbeaten all last season. Feyenoord to take this game." -Jan Vreman (Manager from AZ)

Match Statistics

Possession was very even with Feyenoord gaining a total of 54% of possession while PSV had 46% of the remaining possession. This wasn't particular key in the result of the match however, it could play a minor factor to the final result. Feyenoord were fantastic with possession of the ball, attempting to make attacking moves and PSV were mainly working on the counter attack or stretch the Feyenoord's defence.

Shots was very one-sided as Feyenoord with a total of 28 shots (with 16 on target), meanwhile PSV had 11 shots in total (with 6 on target). This was a massive factor in the end result with PSV not taking there chances with a clinical factor. Feyenoord were taking there chances and were showing why they're a class above PSV. They were much more creative in there attacking movements, fluid passing and forward passing really pushed PSV to their limit today.

Pass Completion was very even, with both teams being quite poor with there passing completion percentages. The main reason is both teams pushing towards getting goals and attempting to out-score the opponent. Feyenoord had a total of 69% of pass completion rate and PSV had 66% of pass completion. Looking at the statistics for the pass completion, it doesn't matter how much one team got better of the other because they were both even. Therefore, it comes down to them 66% or 66% of passing were quality passes in attacking movements.

Result

On a mild summer's evening at Amsterdam ArenA, Feyenoord's Jens Toonstra lived the dream of many a supporter as he lifted the Super Cup after Feyenoord's 4-2 Dutch Super Cup victory over PSV. Things did not get off to a great start for PSV as Central Defender Michael Keane seized on an error by Joel Campbell to score a tidy finish from 14 metres. Box-to-box midfielder Philip Billing then summed up his team's performance by nearly gifting Feyenoord another goal in the 11th minute. Poacher Salah Benkada then equalised for PSV in the 17th minute with a simple finish from close in. An error from PSV's Darlan allowed poacher Elvis Manu to score a close range header. Winger Joel Campbell compounded the misery for PSV on 61 minutes with an own goal. False nine Jao Rodriquez then added to the lead with a simple finish from close in on 83 minutes. Advanced forward Douglas Coutinho pulled one back for PSV after 86 minutes with a well timed finish from close range.


Manager's Comments

"Obviously, I am a little disappointed with my team because of the result. I personally don't believe my team are mentally ready for the new season unfortunately. There is a few holes to fill in before it starts, there is a few tweaks to my tactics that I need to address. Me personally, I felt that the early goal in the second minute, made us mentally weak and we lost confidence. We made Feyenoord look better then they actually were because we weren't ready, and it's my fault I take full responsibility." -Peter Bosz (Manager of PSV)

"This match is somewhat the opening to the new season and shows where the top teams are at. Looking at PSV from a neutral standpoint, they are in serious, serious trouble. They lack depth and they lack confidence, but that's not my problem. I focus on my team and my team only. Looking at us from a neutral standpoint, we look fantastic and played some excellent football. Our passing wasn't the best in the world, but it's not meant to be, I am here to get trophies and I will do it in the most efficient way." -Darius Xavier (Manager of Feyenoord)

In this article, we will be analysing the top five contenders for the Eredivisie championship in the season 2018/19. The top five contenders are PSV, Feyenoord, Ajax, Vitesse and AZ. All teams have used there transfer budget to the maximum leading to the teams having a whole new squads and possibly tactical systems. £76.6 million has been spent in total this transfer window with all teams striving to capture the Eredivisie title. This season looks to be the most competitive, most challenging, most unpredictable season to date.



PSV have a quality squad with a new manager Peter Bosz, who was appointed half-way during the last season due to Philip Cocu leaving to join Manchester City. There is a lot of pressure under Peter Bosz's shoulders, however he looks to be the manager that thrives on that pressure. Peter Bosz actually left Vitesse during last season to join PSV, and he was very successful with them. A particular highlight was winning the Dutch Cup in 2017. PSV have a balanced squad with plenty of squad depth and the betting sites are putting PSV to regain there title in the next season.



Ajax are a side that has fallen greatly in the last two years, they were dominant in 2010-2014 however they have got complacent. They lost that winning edge, that bite that they normally have. They finished 10th last season due to the manager retiring half way through the season. Mario Been, the new manager who joined the club in December looked promising however his squad depth let him down. During the transfer market, he has brought in some quality first-team players in order to ensure they finish in the top 4. The signings include, Gokhan Inter, Almedia, Agostino Floridia, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Musa Nhleko, Phillip Foose, Anthony Berenstein and Renato Ibarra. Spending a total of £31 million in the transfer window, they are taking the upcoming season very, very seriously. Pundits suggest they won't get first, but they will be in the top three.



Feyenoord were phenomenal last season, no question about it. But how long can they keep it up? They must lose and they must get complacent at some point, pundits believe it's going to be this season, they will lose there clinical way and movement about them, just coast this season, leading them into a secure third-place position. Reasons for this suggest is the inexperience of the manager Darius Xavier, he hasn't really been in such a competitive league before twice in a row, he must collapse under the pressure due to how young he is. The transfers were not promising, letting there best player Geraldo , the second top goal scorer of the league slip away to Vitesse who now has 2 clinical strikers. There intake consists of some average defenders while letting there main commander go - Keziah Veendorp to Tottenham. Many believe this is the season that Darius Xavier will be tested.



Vitesse were great last season, they scored the most amount of goals at a huge 102 goals! They were 8 goals ahead of champions Feyenoord. The thing that let them down ultimately was there defensive record, conceding a massive 67 goals, the next highest was 16th place VVV-Venlo (at 67 goals conceded) who was relegated. That is a massive problem for this squad, they need to sort it out however they haven't. They have purchased more attacking players and it's not looking promising. The manager is new which he has to become familiar to the squad. Pundits are suggesting that it isn't Vitesse's year, they could have won the league last year if they hadn't have conceded so many goals.



AZ had a great season last time, finishing 4th place. Which is the highest they've achieved in the last 3 years, this should be taken with respect. AZ are quite a financially deprived club and finishing in the top four against the best clubs in Holland is a spectacular achievement. However, all the other clubs are only going to get better. Ajax has money being pumped into the club, Vitesse going to be scoring more goals and PSV looking for vengeance. Many are suggesting AZ don't have anything to better themselves with. They didn't have the money to buy new first-team players, they didn't have money to hire new coaches or new scouts, they are left with vanilla players. The main reasons why people are suggesting they will finish one below there previous accomplishment is because of the deprived financial issues.

Manager's Comments

"PSV will be in the top three for sure, but I'm not quite sure if we will be first and it adds much more pressure onto my shoulders as a manager. This is what's predicted of me, I am expected to get first place, and it's daunting. I've looked at the other teams and I wouldn't say we were the favourites, unfortunately." -Peter Bosz (Manager of PSV)

"Everything in this article is correct, I have been blessed with a lot of financial control regarding the spending in the summer. I have bought the players I thought we needed, we needed squad depth and much more first-time players. I feel we will reach second place by the end of the season. I believe we have the quality, the backroom staff is incredible and I have faith in my self that I can live up to the requirements." -Mario Been (Manager of Ajax)

"Last season, I was predicted to guide my team to 6th place by this article. Wanna know what I did? I finished first place and remained undefeated throughout the entire season. These pundits suggest that I don't have what it takes to do it again, I say they are wrong and I will prove them wrong this season. I will raise the bar next season." -Darius Xavier (Manager of Feyenoord)

"Being a new manager at club that focuses on scoring goals is exceptional and I believe we can finish higher then what is expected here. I mean we have a 40 goal striker, alongside the new 30 goal striker is 70 goals in total. With the other squad contributing from set-pieces or any type of play got a total of 50-60 goals last season. Add the new striker and we have 130 goals, that is by far, superior to fourth place." -Jos Luhukay (Manager of Vitesse)

"Last season was magical, we had this particular flair to us, we played as a team instead of individuals, it was entertaining to watch. I have no intentions of going higher than fifth unless the board requests that I do so. I would be very happy with fifth place." -Jan Vreman (Manager of AZ)

Overview

League champions Feyenoord take on AZ this afternoon, with a lot on the line for the beginning of the season. AZ is predicted to come fifth this season while Feyenoord is expected to title challenge with a promising third finish this season. With over 17,000 fans in attendance at AFAS Stadion it looks to be a very intense game between the two sides. AZ lost there last league game against Twente while defeating Utrecht previously 3-0. Feyenoord has remained undefeated into the new season with snatching victories against Twente and Roda JC.

Predictions

"Looking at the two sides and who wants it more. AZ is a very passionate club with a lot of passionate fans, they will be a huge factor this game in my view. AZ need this win to boost up confidence by beating the league champions. Feyenoord are on impeccable form with being undefeated in 36 league games and it's likely they will continue that. I would say that it's going to end in a draw, but I think AZ will end this streak today." -John van den Brom (Manager of Go Ahead)

"These sides are no doubt going to be in the top 6 this season. Feyenoord, I don't think anything is going to stop them from being unbeaten, fantastic manager, fantastic squad and fantastic form. The best AZ could do is to seal a draw this game, this way it stops Feyenoord from getting that huge advantage early on in the season. However, I feel Feyenoord have the tactical knowledge and player quality to break that barrier to seal the win. Feyenoord to win this game but only slightly." -Henk de Jong (Manager of Groningen

"As much as I hate to admit it, because I really dislike the Feyenoord manager. I respect Xavier as a manager and how far he's come. You know, youngest ever team manager to win a divisional title and domestic cup. I honestly think that Feyenoord are going to take the game to AZ, AZ will defend well but Feyenoord will be breaking down that defence, eventually they will play the ball to one of there many attacking players and he will bury it. I think Feyenoord will keep a clean sheet and get a few goals." -Gert Aandewiel (Manager of Heerenveen)

Match Statistics

Shots were a major, major part in this match and also the quality of the shots actually taken. Feyenoord were actually able to get 29 shots with only 14 on target, meanwhile AZ were able to secure 10 shots with 7 on target. Feyenoord pressurised the keeper with shooting and took there chances. AZ soaked up most of the pressure from Feyenoord's side and hurt them on the counter-attack which proved to be quite effective.

Possession was quite important statically, however actually watching the game we didn't see much of it being used effectively. Feyenoord secured a solid 64% of the possession, while AZ had 36% of the possession. Feyenoord played a very attacking style while AZ played a very counter attacking, therefore the possession looks to be dubious due to their playing styles. Both teams played to their playing styles effectively and possession is a not a major factor in the result.

Pass Completion was not very important to the outcome of the match. This is because both teams played very well this game via pass completion, with Feyenoord sealing 77% of there pass completion rates. While AZ, secured a solid 70% passing completion. This wasn't a defining factor in this game, but it was entertaining to watch both teams complete majority of there passes as it lead to frequent attacking movements.

Result

In what was billed to be a close encounter, AZ were trounced 4-0 by Feyenoord at AFAS Stadion. A brace from Elvis Manu helped Feyenoord to secure victory. Things did not get off to a fantastic start for AZ as poacher Elvis Manu seized on an error by Stijn Spierings to score a tap in. Manu added his second goal of the game with a very well placed shot to the bottom right corner on 66 minutes. An error from AZ's Prince allowed fast-paced left-back Dennis de Lange to score a tap in. False nine Jao Rodriquez completed this rout with a shot from distance on 87 minutes, adding insult to injury.

Manager's Comments

"I'm very disappointed with my team today, there was no passion in the squad and I feel that's really let us down today. We didn't put our chances in the goal, it was a real shame. I'll be having a word with the boys tonight and see what we can do to turn this rut around" -Jan Vreman (Manager of AZ)

"A decent victory over what seemed to a be a 'close encounter'. No match-up in this league can be billed as a close encounter against Feyenoord, I have one intention and that is to remain undefeated, and I dare a manager to say I won't." -Darius Xavier (Manager of Feyenoord)