Eredivisie 2024/25 Preview: Almere City | OneFootball

After finishing third in the Eerste Divisie and winning a thrilling play-off against Emmen in 2022-23, Almere City debuted in the Eredivisie last season. They managed to stay up, despite the loaning out of top scorer in the second-tier, Jeredy Hilterman, with five points firmly separating them and the relegation play-off place.

This upcoming season will be all about cementing themselves further in the regular Eredivisie pack. A new boss in Hedwiges Maduro, as well as a host of notable exits, has further signalled a time of transition and adjustment for De Zwarte Schapen (The Black Sheep).

Last season’s position: 13th

Transfers In: Baptiste Guillaume (EA Guingamp), Alex Carbonell (SD Amorebieta), Vasilios Zagaritis (Parma), Alex Balboa (Deportivo Alaves), Jonas Wendlinger (SV Ried), Jay Kuiper (Groningen), Ricardo Visus (Loan, Real Betis)

Transfers Out: Jeredy Hilterman (Arminia Bielefeld), Damian van Bruggen (Vejle Boldklub), Alvaro Pena (FC Andorra), Thomas Poll (SC Cambuur), Pascu Pascu (CD Arenteiro), Milan Corryn (Spartak Trnava), Marcelencio Esajas (TOP Oss), Bradly van Hoeven (Released), Rajiv van La Parra (Released), Danny Post (Retired)

Overview: Hilterman’s absence last term, when he was on loan at Willem II, was eventually little issue for Almere. French striker Thomas Robinet stepped up and provided 11 goals that were no doubt vital for survival. Perhaps looking to continue his scoring form, the French-speaking connection has been added to, with the signing of fellow-striker Baptiste Guillaume from Guingamp while Hilterman and a number of former squad players have departed.

New boss Hedwiges Maduro seemingly looks to weed out the excess, with ten exits this summer. Alongside the incoming Guillaume, there’s an injection of Spanish flair, as Alex Carbonell, Alex Balboa, and the loan capture of Ricardo Visus bring players from storied Iberian clubs. Currently, their squad’s age sits at an average of 23.9 years, and still with business to be done, Maduro could create a very mobile, dynamic young team. A player to look out for this term? 20-year-old midfielder, Jochem Ritmeester van de Kamp. He already has 44 senior league appearances under his belt, and previously scored against both Ajax and Feyenoord last season.

On that point, while the emphatic 8-1 KNVB Cup victory over weaker opposition OJC Rosmalen was a high point from last term, the aim this term will also be to ship less goals. Last season, Almere lost to Feyenoord 1-6 at home, while Heracles Almelo put five past Almere with no reply at the Yanmar Stadion.

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield