Gonzalo Crettaz, goalkeeper for NEC Nijmegen, shared insights with a news outlet ahead of the KNVB Beker final against AZ Alkmaar. Notably, his playing style is remarkably offensive; only a handful of elite clubs such as Bayern Munich, Barcelona, PSV Eindhoven, Sporting CP, and Inter Milan surpass his team’s goal-scoring numbers.
For the second consecutive season, the traditional Dutch powerhouses have failed to reach the cup final, creating an unusual but thrilling dynamic. Despite the absence of these giants, anticipation surrounding the final remains extraordinarily high, largely due to the compelling narratives woven by the two finalists: AZ Alkmaar, led by Kees Smit, and the intriguingly unconventional NEC Nijmegen.
A Bold Vision Under Schreuder’s Leadership
Crettaz, originally from Buenos Aires but having developed his footballing skills across Spain — through clubs such as Valencia, Levante, San Félix, Málaga, Badajoz, Logroñés, and Castellón — made a pivotal move last summer, exchanging the familiar grounds of Castalia for the Dutch city of Nijmegen. His arrival coincides with the tenure of head coach Dick Schreuder, whose tactical philosophy Crettaz characterizes as somewhat “kamikaze.” This daring, risk-embracing approach underpins NEC’s playing identity and has captured considerable attention.
Within this framework, NEC employs a highly offensive strategy rarely seen at this level, contributing to their impressive goal tally and dynamic presence on the pitch. This audacious method distinguishes them markedly from other contenders, intensifying anticipation for the upcoming showdown.