GK: Gonzalo Crettaz (NEC) - 8.1
In their first match after losing Robin Roefs to Sunderland and Stijn van Gassel to Excelsior, free-agent signing Gonzalo Crettaz demonstrated his capabilities as the Argentine goalkeeper made six saves. All six, which thwarted an xG of 1.69, came from shots within the penalty area. A fantastic start to his Eredivisie journey for the former Castellon keeper.
DEF: Youri Regeer (Ajax) - 7.9
A surprising inclusion in Ajax's starting lineup and our Team of the Week, Youri Regeer had a solid season opener against Telstar, which Ajax won 2-0.
Regeer, who unexpectedly earned the starting spot over Lucas Rosa and last season's regular Anton Gaaei, hardly made a mistake with a pass completion rate of 97%, winning seven out of nine duels, making two tackles, and executing a clearance.
DEF: Anselmo Garcia-MacNulty (PEC Zwolle) - 7.9
The Spanish-Irish Garcia-MacNulty was one of PEC Zwolle's standout players in the closing weeks of the 2024/25 Eredivisie season, and he maintained that excellent form in the new season.
PEC triumphed over FC Twente 1-0 in a surprising season opener. Garcia-MacNulty cleared the ball 11 times, successfully completed seven of his 11 long passes, won three of his four duels, and intercepted the ball three times.
DEF: Mike van der Hoorn (FC Utrecht) - 8.0
FC Utrecht has kicked off the season in impressive form, and Mike van der Hoorn's reliability is a key component of the team's achievements both in the Eredivisie and beyond Dutch borders.
During Utrecht's 4-0 victory over Heracles Almelo, Van der Hoorn won seven of his 11 duels, cleared the ball five times, created one significant chance, and completed 84% of his passes (38/45).
DEF: Denzo Kasius (AZ) - 8.4
AZ right-back Denzo Kasius has had a fantastic start to the 2025/26 season. After a disappointing performance in AZ's first game against Ilves, Kasius has contributed to three goals in his last three matches with a goal against Ilves, an assist against Vaduz, and now, a goal against FC Groningen.
His opener on Sunday - a low-driven shot that was redirected in by Groningen goalkeeper Hidde Jurjus - was one of two attempts against the Pride of the North. The attacking full-back recorded 79 touches, won all six of his duels, and cleared the ball four times in a commanding 4-1 season-opening victory.
MID: Joey Veerman (PSV) - 9.4 (Player of the Week)
Our Player of the Week hails from PSV’s dominant 6-1 victory over Sparta Rotterdam. Midfield maestro Joey Veerman, who is being linked with Brentford, scored from distance and provided two assists in the reigning champions’ flawless season opener.
The Volendam native registered 105 touches in 90 minutes, completed 73 of 84 passes (87%), achieved a pass completion percentage of 84% (42/50) in the final third, and created one significant chance against Sparta.
His outstanding rating of 9.4 has secured Joey Veerman his first Player of the Week accolade, and it seems unlikely to be his last.
MID: Levi Smans (Heerenveen) - 8.2
Heerenveen had a disappointing start to their season as promoted side FC Volendam left Frisia with a point, but Levi Smans provided plenty of excitement for the home fans during the 1-1 draw.
Smans, who was forced to exit the pitch after 53 minutes due to what appeared to be a serious knee injury, recorded one assist, 30 touches, 10 successful passes in the final third, and six duels won against Volendam. Let’s hope his injury won't sideline him for long.
MID: Steven Berghuis (Ajax) - 8.3
A struggling Ajax team faced difficulties against promoted side Telstar, who were defeated 2-0, largely due to the creative influence of Steven Berghuis.
The veteran started in midfield and set up the opener with a perfectly timed deep ball to Wout Weghorst, who broke free from Guus Offerhaus's tight marking and slotted the ball home. The two also combined for the 2-0, which Berghuis created from a corner.
In addition to the assists, Berghuis took five shots, completed 56 of his 68 passes, was successful on 7/10 long passes and crosses, and recorded 82 touches.
FW: Ivan Perisic (PSV) - 8.8
The player that FC Barcelona coveted brought his form from last season into this one – Ivan Perisic scored one goal and assisted two more in PSV’s 6-1 triumph, earning an 8.8 rating.
The Croatian veteran posed a threat throughout the match as he took three shots at Joel Drommel’s goal, completed 87% of his passes, and led the PSV offense in a decisive victory.
FW: Koki Ogawa (NEC) - 8.5
Japanese forward Koki Ogawa got NEC off to a flying start against promoted team Excelsior, who returned to the Eredivisie with a 5-0 loss.
Ogawa scored twice against the Rotterdam side – once with a stunning overhead kick, and once with a perfectly timed header. The Japanese striker scored with two of his three touches inside the opponent’s box, demonstrating a level of efficiency that propelled NEC to a commanding home victory.
FW: Wout Weghorst (Ajax) - 8.5
While Berghuis provided the assists, Wout Weghorst delivered the crucial finishing touches as Ajax secured a victory.
Weghorst opened the scoring in the first half with a composed finish before sealing the game in the 83rd minute, when the former Manchester United striker headed the ball home from a corner. Weghorst also created a significant chance, won seven of his 11 duels, and recorded 47 touches in 90 minutes (the second-most in a league match since the start of last season).
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