Tears and emotions at Gijvai Zechiël after his official debut in the main force of Feyenoord. Trainer Arne Slot gave the nineteen-year-old midfielder fifteen minutes of playing time on Sunday in the 6-1 home match against Almere City FC. The still young and inexperienced Zechiel was clearly emotional afterwards and Lutsharel Geertruida was there like the chickens to calm down his teammate.
Midweek, Zechiel showed his business card with a goal and an assist in a private practice match between Feyenoord against Willem II (3-0 victory). Slot then decided to also give him playing time in the one-sided meeting with Almere City. Zechiel made an uninhibited impression during his substitution and he even had some good actions in house. After the final whistle from referee Bas Nijhuis, the youngster’s emotions were released, who was taken care of by Geertruida and Ramiz Zerrouki, who also came in as substitute.
Tears at Gjivai Zechiël after his debut in De Kuip ??
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A grateful Zekiel appeared on camera a short time later ESPN. “You dream of this, your official debut. It’s just great. I’ve been through a lot of things. It was good that Lucha (Geertruida, ed.) came to me. We only have nice boys in the group, but he does help me extra, yes. The fact that it is now official does something extra to me,” said Zechiël, who briefly described his qualities as a player. “I am energetic, comfortable and also creative on the ball. Physically I can still take steps to win my duels a little easier. It will take time, but we are working on it.”
Slot then explained why he threw Zechiel to the lions in the final phase of the home game against Almere City. “He is brutal in a nice and good way”, the Feyenoord boss analyzed his midfielder. “He is someone who gives a lot of enthusiasm to the team. He coaches a lot during training sessions, which is special for a young player. He can play football well and then you get opportunities at this club.”