N.E.C. Nijmegen has turned Eredivisie football on its head with its extreme attacking style. Assistant coach Ahmed Abdulla reveals in an exclusive interview how the Nijmegen-based side became one of Europe’s most exciting teams.
What drives NEC’s attacking style?
Abdulla, who previously worked at Almere City, stresses that N.E.C. Nijmegen’s philosophy revolves around taking risks and exploiting spaces. The club lines up with five attackers, a rare choice in the Eredivisie. According to Abdulla, this isn’t accidental but a deliberate strategy to keep opponents’ defenses under constant pressure.
The assistant coach points to the speed and agility of the squad. N.E.C. Nijmegen doesn’t aim for control but for creating chaos inside the opponent’s penalty area. Abdulla said: “We want the ball in the six-yard box as fast as possible. If that means losing it three times before we score, that’s fine.”
How did this approach take shape at N.E.C. Nijmegen?
Abdulla explains the roots of this style lie in the club’s youth academy. The Nijmegen side has always focused on technique and creativity, which now shows in the senior team. The current approach was refined under head coach Dennis Haar, who took charge in 2023.
Abdulla highlights the influence of foreign coaches who worked in the Netherlands before. “In countries like England or Germany, it’s all about possession and risk-averse play. Here in the Netherlands, you see more room for experiments. NEC has embraced that.” He believes the Eredivisie is the perfect league for this approach, as opponents often aren’t used to such an aggressive style.
What does this mean for N.E.C. Nijmegen’s future?
Abdulla stresses the attacking philosophy isn’t a short-term project. N.E.C. Nijmegen aims beyond the Eredivisie, targeting European football. “We want teams to look at us and think: ‘They make us uncomfortable.’ Not because we’re perfect, but because we challenge them.”
The assistant coach doesn’t rule out further experiments with the lineup. “We constantly review data and feedback. If an adjustment makes us stronger, we’ll make it.” Abdulla specifically mentions young talents from the academy, like Mathijs Dierckx, who made his first-team debut this summer.
How does the Eredivisie view NEC’s style?
Abdulla admits not everyone is sold on N.E.C. Nijmegen’s approach. Critics point to defensive vulnerabilities, especially against quick counterattacks. “Every style has its downsides. But we believe in ours. When we score, people forget the goals conceded fast.”
Still, Abdulla insists the attacking style has delivered. N.E.C. Nijmegen finished last season seventh in the Eredivisie and reached the KNVB Cup semifinals. “We’ve shown you can compete at the top with a unique approach.”
He ends with a call to the fans. “We want supporters behind us, even when it’s tough. This is who we are: an attacking team that dares to dream.”
