Eredivisie Team of the Week: Feyenoord and Heerenveen shine, resilient Koeman stars

Here are the eleven top performers from round 7 of the Eredivisie, according to Flashscore's new-and-improved in-house player rating system.

Catch up on all Eredivisie results and statistics on Flashscore

Goalkeeper

Ronald Koeman Jr. (Telstar) - 8.6

It was a testing week for Ronald Koeman Jr., more than anything. The devastating news of the passing of his mother, Bartina Koeman, was announced on Tuesday. At just 65 years old and after a cruel fight with cancer.

The Telstar stopper responded in the only way we know from the Koeman family: with his feet and hands on the football pitch. Telstar might've lost 1-0 to league leaders AZ, but Koeman played a fantastic game, recording 7 saves and preventing a total xG of 1.23.

But perhaps the highlight of the game was the wonderful tribute to Bartina and Ronald, who was moved to tears as the entire AFAS Stadion erupted in applause and support.

Defenders

Givairo Read (Feyenoord) - 8.9

Feyenoord are on an unbelievable roll, and young right-back Givairo Read is at the very heart of this resurgence. After a three-assist performance last week, Read added another assist to his season tally in a game where he also recorded 3 won tackles, won 7/9 ground duels, and created two big chances in his side's 5-0 win over FC Utrecht.

Oliver Braude (Heerenveen) - 8.3

Heerenveen made up for a barren run of five winless games since Round 1 with a resounding 4-0 victory over Sparta Rotterdam, and, of course, Oliver Braude played a big part in the win. The trusted Norwegian full-back was a rock in defence for the Frisians, leading everyone in interceptions (3), recoveries (7), blocks (2), and touches (88).

Thijmen Blokzijl (FC Groningen) - 8.2

Thijmen Blokzijl is slowly becoming a great defender and was instrumental in FC Groningen's 3-0 win over PEC Zwolle on Friday. The Dutch youth international had 4 clearances and 3 recoveries against an offensively putrid PEC, while winning 4 of 6 duels, completing 65 passes and recording 9 progressive carries on a game-high 85 touches.

Midfielders

Oscar Gloukh (Ajax) - 9.2

It wasn't to be for Ajax, who won 5-1 twice in a row but failed to beat Excelsior again, with their last win over the Rotterdam side dating back to 2023. It wasn't for a lack of chances, however, and that was also thanks to Oscar Gloukh, who followed his excellent game against Willem II up with a fine display against Sparta.

In Ajax's 2-2 draw, Gloukh attempted a game-high 7 shots and assisted Tolu's 2-2, while also completing 5 dribbles, recording 25 progressive carries, 15 progressive passes, and 6 completed passes into the box on 94 touches. Gloukh is earning Michel Sanchez's trust and providing a spark.

Levi Smans (Heerenveen) - 8.6

It was a big loss for Heerenveen when Levi Smans was ruled out for a year with a devastating knee injury last year. It makes the creative midfielder's return even sweeter, and it's a joy to watch him play and get back to his best again.

Against Sparta, Smans delivered 5 key passes, 1 of which created a big chance, while assisting 2 goals and recording 6 recoveries. He was a true handful for the Sparta defence, who fouled him three times.

Luciano Valente (Feyenoord) - 8.6

It was a rather disappointing week for Feyenoord captain Luciano Valente, who was snubbed by Netherlands manager Xavi after a strong start to his season. The midfielder was posted on the left wing again, but shone again as well, scoring from the spot, creating one big chance, and completing 24 of 27 passes in the final third on a game-leading 87 touches.

Oussama Targhalline (Feyenoord) - 8.4

It's always Oussama Targhalline who replaces Valente when the latter plays on the left wing again, and the Moroccan does so admirably. He, too, created a big chance and completed 10 passes into the final third, while also leading his team with 3 interceptions and winning two tackles. Good way to celebrate your first Morocco selection since before the FIFA World Cup.

Forwards

Maxence Rivera (Heerenveen) - 9.1

Frenchman Maxence Rivera has been a bright spot for Heerenveen ever since arriving from Dunkerque last year. A frivolous and exciting winger, Rivera showcased his talents against Sparta again, scoring once with 7 total attempts, assisting another, and leading the game with 11 progressive carries. Rivera was a massive problem for Sparta defenders.

Wout Weghorst (FC Twente) - 8.5

He's a polarising figure, but Wout Weghorst showed why he was a long and trusted member of Ronald Koeman's Netherlands squads. In FC Twente's spectacular 3-2 win over reigning champions PSV, Weghorst crucially scored the equaliser and was a handful for PSV defenders with 18 duels (11 won) behind his name, while leading everyone with 8 touches in the box and being fouled 5 times.

Anis Hadj Moussa (Feyenoord) - 9.5 (PotW)

Do you think Feyenoord fans are happy that Anis Hadj Moussa stayed at Feyenoord over the summer?

The Algerian winger stole the show against FC Utrecht, who didn't particularly try to stop him with all they had. Hadj Moussa was allowed to dribble deep into Utrecht's box completely untouched for both goals, and he also completed another dribble, created a big chance, completed 19 passes in the final third, and led the game with 9 progressive carries.

Helluva performance for our Player of the Week.

Paul Winters is Flashscore's Netherlands country manager, having previously worked for Flashscore's Netherlands desk. Paul is an expert on the Eredivisie and also specialises in the NFL, as well as a plethora of other sports. Residing in 'sunny' Katwijk, you can follow all of the news from the Netherlands here. 

You can find Paul on X and LinkedIn.