Feyenoord in luxurious position ahead of Roda JC game

Ronald Koeman has the luxury of being able to choose from a full squad for Sunday’s away game at Roda JC Kerkrade. It means that the coach should be able to name his preferred starting eleven without having to tinker. Bearing in mind the good vibe in the group and recent results, it all means that Feyenoord can travel to Kerkrade with a lot of confidence. ‘In football it’s always uncertain whether you can repeat what we did against N.E.C. for instance last week, but I have a positive feeling,’ said Koeman on Friday afternoon.

Bruno Martins Indi has recovered from a thigh strain and will be available for selection again if required. Koeman will wait till Saturday to decide whether he hands the defender a start or gives Miquel Nelom another chance after two good performances against PSV and N.E.C.

Koeman has so many players to choose from that some have not had enough pitch-time in recent weeks, something he says he spoke to the squad about in the week. ‘It’s naturally tough for the players who are getting few opportunities, but they have to expect it,’ said Koeman. ‘I’m not an advocate of making lots of changes and we don’t have any midweek fixtures so there’s not a lot of reason to do that either. That said, there will be times when we badly need the other lads, for one because four of our players are a card away from a suspension. At the end of the day what you win depends on the entire squad not on the starting eleven. We tried to get that across this week.’

Koeman named precisely Miquel Nelom as a good example of a player who is dealing brilliantly with his role in the squad. ‘During recent games Miquel has shown why we would like to keep him. We’re happy that he extended his contract this week. He’s a lad with a future.’

Nelom penned a new deal in the week in which there was more good news for Feyenoord. No fewer than seven of the club\s players were called up to the provisional Dutch squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Romania. They include Tonny Vilhena and Jean-Paul Boëtius, who celebrated their first ever call-ups to the provisional squad. Koeman feels that says much about the progress his squad has made. ‘There is a lot of talent at this club and fortunately we have a national coach who sees that. It would be great if they were given the chance.’