Advocaat lauds ‘wonderful performance’

His delight was fuelled by three precious points that left his side fifth in the league just one more win behind third-place PSV. The victory was also highly prized because FC Utrecht are also vying for a place near the top of the Eredivisie. ‘They are a good team with a lot of new lads. They are all good players and they put a good side out.’

Feyenoord experienced that first-hand with the hosts making it hard for their visitors before the break. ‘I felt FC Utrecht were more dominant than us in the first half,’ said Advocaat. ‘We broke out well at times, but we put too little together up front. We held back too much as a team. The equaliser was a matter of time.’

‘In the second half we started playing on the front foot and that was better. We immediately created three nailed-on chances. After the 1-2 it was up and down at times, it became a real dogfight and it was a great watch. Us winning made it even nicer.’

Wins generate confident, of course, as Advocaat is only too aware. ‘These results give the paying group a boost. How the central duo play, but the young players too, Luis Sinisterra... that’s fantastic to see. It’s also a confidence thing. And every win makes you even more confident.’