Sem Steijn Scores Twice as Feyenoord Edges Telstar
Sem Steijn voiced frustration with his current role after scoring twice in Feyenoord’s 4-3 victory over Telstar. The 24-year-old midfielder made his first start of the Eredivisie season under head coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst on Saturday in Velsen-Zuid, stepping in while Luciano Valente rested, as reported by FCUpdate.nl. Steijn converted a penalty during the match, though teammate Anis Hadj Moussa initially approached the spot to take it, before Steijn asserted his designated penalty-taker status. Steijn converted the spot-kick because I knew it was going to be a goal, because I practice them a lot.
Steijn stated after the match that I am happy that I can play for Feyenoord, but I am not happy with the season I am having. I want to play more, so I’ll let my feet do the talking,
while also describing the team’s performance by noting It wasn’t our best match, but in the end we won, so that’s nice. We as Feyenoord don’t like this kind of games, since we prefer to win with bigger scores.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst had announced the previous week that he intended to rotate his squad due to the heavy fixture schedule, opening the door for Steijn and other players to feature.
Johan Derksen Criticizes Treatment by Robin van Persie
Vandaag Inside analyst Johan Derksen defended Steijn on television, stating that former head coach Robin van Persie mistreated the midfielder during the previous campaign. Derksen claimed that Van Persie broke Steijn down mentally and stripped him of the captaincy too quickly after arriving from FC Twente, as noted by Twente Insite. Derksen remarked I think Steijn is quite a talent,
adding that He showed it at Twente, played well, scored a lot, nothing wrong with that.
He has been scandalously treated by Van Persie.
He has been broken down to his ankles completely.
He threw him out all the time as if he were a boy who couldn’t play football and his son was allowed to come on as a substitute every time.
Valentijn Driessen added that Steijn previously finished as the Vriendenloterij Eredivisie top scorer with 24 goals during the 2024/25 season, a point echoed across reports from Voetbalzone and FR12.nl. Regarding the captaincy, Driessen pointed out that Steijn had served as team captain, prompting Derksen to respond. Ridiculous, isn’t it, to make a new player and young kid captain?
René van der Gijp chimed in by stating If a trainer asks you to become captain, you don’t say ‘no’.
Derksen further contended I think that if you give him some credit, you have a midfielder who is among the top scorers,
and described having Steijn in the squad behind Gjivai Zechiël as a luxury for the club.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst Defends Squad Rotation Strategy
Giovanni van Bronckhorst addressed player management amid a heavy fixture schedule, explaining that squad rotation remains necessary for success. “Steijn has the quality to score regularly, but everyone must seize their opportunity when it arrives,” Van Bronckhorst stated in comments published by the Algemeen Dagblad and referenced by FR12.nl. The manager noted that players frequently ask for explanations regarding playing time, which he addresses through direct communication. Van Bronckhorst explained Of course Steijn wants to play, that feeling must also be there. But if Feyenoord wants to be successful, we need everyone. Then as a player you have to grab the moment when the opportunity is there. I talk to those boys about that,
and added regarding player inquiries More of them do that. He asks why. If you communicate clearly and honestly, and I have done that throughout my career, that is not a problem.
Supporters Debate Future of Midfielder in Rotterdam
Feyenoord supporters expressed divided opinions on social media platform X regarding Steijn’s long-term fit in De Kuip, with some critics arguing his playing style disrupts the team’s defensive pressure. While some fans called for the club to sell the midfielder during the winter transfer window, others suggested a return to FC Twente might better suit his abilities. Steijn himself acknowledged his dissatisfaction with his limited minutes, telling ESPN that he intends to let his performances speak for themselves. The player has logged only 207 minutes across six appearances this season, with his campaign complicated by injuries following a strong start to his time at the club.
Why Did Sem Steijn Start Against Telstar?
Why did Sem Steijn start against Telstar?
Head coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst selected Steijn for his first start of the season to rotate the squad during a busy fixture schedule, giving midfielder Luciano Valente a rest.
How many goals did Steijn score during his prolific season at FC Twente?
Steijn scored 24 goals during the 2024/25 Eredivisie campaign, finishing the season as the league’s top goalscorer before transferring to Feyenoord.
What transfer fee did Feyenoord pay for Steijn?
Feyenoord acquired the attacking midfielder from FC Twente for a fee of approximately 10 million euros.
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