Ruud Gullit critiques Feyenoord striker Nacho Ferri

Feyenoord Defeats Como 1907 As Ruud Gullit Urges Caution

Feyenoord secured a 3-2 victory over Como 1907 in the UEFA Champions League, sparking enthusiasm among supporters while former player Ruud Gullit warned that expectations must remain grounded. Speaking to Ziggo Sport, Gullit praised the squad’s attacking output and visible enjoyment on the pitch following the narrow European win at De Kuip. The result moves the Rotterdam club forward in continental competition, though analysts point out distinct tactical flaws alongside the praise. The match showcased standout individual moments from Anis Hadj Moussa and Givairo Read on the right flank, contrasting with a subdued performance from striker Nacho Ferri. Gullit emphasized that the club remains at the early stage of the campaign and should avoid overconfidence.

Tactical Praise and Defensive Worries for Anis Hadj Moussa

Anis Hadj Moussa drew heavy praise for his match-winning contribution against Como 1907, with analysts highlighting his ability to unlock defenses. VoetbalPrimeur reported that Gullit felt the Algerian winger’s impact coming, noting that individual brilliance ultimately decided the fixture. Kees van Wonderen added that Hadj Moussa benefited heavily from the overlapping runs of Givairo Read, which created space for the winger to cut inside and use his left foot.

However, analysts also noted persistent defensive frailties. Van Wonderen pointed out that Hadj Moussa frequently gambles on counter-attacks by remaining high up the pitch, leaving defensive duties behind. Gullit echoed this sentiment, stating that while supporters have spent seasons criticizing the winger’s defensive tracking, his offensive output outweighs the tactical risk.

Nacho Ferri Faces Scrutiny After Quiet European Display

While the wide players earned accolades, striker Nacho Ferri faced direct criticism for his lack of involvement during the 3-2 win. FCUpdate.nl reported that Gullit singled out the Spanish forward during post-match coverage, arguing that Ferri failed to offer himself as a passing option when Feyenoord needed to build out from the back.

Gullit noted that Ferri struggled to shake off markers, suffered unnecessary ball losses during turnarounds, and reacted too slowly when Como applied high pressure. Van Wonderen supported this tactical reading, observing that when Como pressed forward, open space lay directly in front of the striker, but Ferri repeatedly arrived too late to exploit the vacancy. Feyenoord acquired Ferri over the summer from KVC Westerlo for nine million euros, a fee that can rise to eleven million euros with bonuses.

Team Ambitions and Dressing Room Atmosphere

Despite individual critiques, the broader mood around Feyenoord under Giovanni van Bronckhorst remains positive. Gullit noted that the squad displays genuine joy and intensity that resonates with the stadium crowd. Maintaining perspective remains a priority for the former midfielder, who joked about sending images of “dancing cockroaches” to a WhatsApp group chat with Ajax supporters after the weekend fixtures.

Both Gullit and Van Wonderen agree that the right side of the pitch functions at a high level due to the synergy between Hadj Moussa and Read. Yet, as the club balances European commitments with domestic duties, analysts maintain that consistency from central attackers like Ferri will dictate whether the Rotterdam side can sustain its current trajectory.

More on Feyenoord: Feyenoord Summer Signings Vanhoutte and Ferri Impress Pundits · Feyenoord Claims Eredivisie Top Spot After 2-0 Win Against AZ · Van Bronckhorst Praises Feyenoord After 3-2 Win Against Como