
Sandler and Ouwejan travel with NEC to Greece for a duel with
NEC to Athens with 22 players; Sandler and Ouwejan fit enough to travel. First European competition in 17 years for the Nijmegen team.
Sandler and Ouwejan travel with NEC to Greece for a match against
According to Vi.
Background
Philippe Sandler, who suffered from physical problems earlier in the preparation, is an important player for NEC in this crucial match. His experience and skills could be of great importance against a Champions League club like Olympiakos. The presence of Sandler and Ouwejan offers NEC additional options, especially on the left flank, which can help them adapt to the playing style of the Greek opponent.
Why this matters
The trip to Greece marks an important milestone for NEC, as it is the first European competition in seventeen years. This offers the club the opportunity to prove itself at the highest level, which is crucial for their development and ambitions in the Eredivisie. Moreover, a good performance against a strong opponent like Olympiacos can increase the attractiveness of NEC for future players and sponsors.
Key points
- Sandler and Ouwejan travel with NEC to Greece for a match with.
- NEC to Athens with 22 players; Sandler and Ouwejan fit enough to travel.
- Sandler and Ouwejan with NEC to Greece.
NEC traveled to Greece with 22 players on Monday for the crucial preliminary round match in the Champions League against Olympiacos. Striking: both Philippe Sandler and Thomas Ouwejan are part of the selection, despite the fact that the pair suffered from physical problems in the final phase of the preparation. For NEC it is the first European competition in seventeen years, which immediately makes the importance of the trip to Athens clear.
The run-up was anything but ideal. During the last practice match against Sevilla, Ouwejan had to watch from the stands due to a minor injury, while Sandler dropped out in that match. To make matters worse, his replacement, the talented Yassin Moslih, also left the field early with an injury. It caused trainer Dick Schreuder major headaches heading into the meeting with the Greek top club, which rarely hands out gifts at home.
Schreuder also has to make do in Athens without the previously injured Bram Nuytinck and the not yet fit Perr Schuurs. This leaves less room for variation in the rearguard than the trainer had previously hoped. In that light, the fact that Sandler is making the trip is a relief, although his resilience towards kick-off will be closely monitored. No risks are being taken with Ouwejan either, but his presence does offer NEC extra options on the left flank.

Of the 24 names that NEC has put on the UEFA list, 22 were actually taken to Greece. Newcomers such as Dusan Tadic and Emre Mor are present and can immediately be of value in a line-up where experience and ball retention are priceless. Trendsetters from last season are also traveling with us: Tjaronn Chery, Bryan Linssen, Kodai Sano and Sami Ouaissa give Schreuder enough offensive variants to hurt Olympiacos, especially in transition moments and from set pieces.
The opponent needs little introduction. Olympiacosis refined in Europe and is known for its intensity and the home crowd, factors that NEC will have to cope with. It is important for the people of Nijmegen to remain compact, use the spaces behind the last line and, above all, maintain concentration for the ninety minutes. A result in Athens would significantly improve the starting position with a view to the remainder of the preliminaries.
Kick-off is Tuesday evening in Athens. For NEC, back on the European stage after seventeen years, this is not only a test of quality, but also of resilience. The fact that Sandler and Ouwejan make the selection certainly gives Schreuder more guidance in putting together his defensive puzzle. With the necessary experience and creativity on board, NEC travels to Greece with healthy ambition, knowing that every meter counts in the hunt for a place in the main tournament.
What's happening now
NEC will prepare for a challenging match against Olympiakos, where the fitness of players such as Philippe Sandler and Thomas Ouwejan will be of great importance. The trainer, Dick Schreuder, must deal strategically with the limited options in the backline, especially given the injuries to Nuytinck and Schuurs. A good result could help NEC to progress in the Champions League preliminary round, which would give the club extra prestige.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason for the trip from NEC to Greece?
NEC travels to Greece for a crucial preliminary round match in the Champions League against Olympiacos.
Who are the notable players traveling with NEC?
Philippe Sandler and Thomas Ouwejan are part of the selection, despite previous physical problems.
Why is this match important for NEC?
It is the first European match for NEC in seventeen years, which emphasizes the significance of the trip to Athens.
What are the injuries in the NEC team?
NEC is missing Bram Nuytinck and Perr Schuurs due to injuries, and Yassin Moslih was also injured in the last practice match.
Which new players are there at NEC for this match?
Newcomers such as Dusan Tadic and Emre Mor are present and can be valuable in this important match.
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