Football Season Guide

A torrid season under Darije Kalezic came to an end last year with Utrecht U21 finishing bottom of the pile in Eerste Divisie. The hope is that new head coach Ivar van Dinteren can improve the team's performances for the 2023/24 campaign. Mees Rijks will continue to develop for the U21 side this term as he looks to build on his seven league goals last term. However, Utrecht have brought in forward Emil Rohd to help supplement the attack, whilst Mohamed Mallahi has returned after an underwhelming season on loan at Roda JC last term. There have also been some defensive reinforcements in Rickson van Hees, Bjorn Hardley and Neal Viereck to make up for the losses of Dylan Timber, Reda Akmum and Julliani Eersteling. Some important players in the midfield have also departed in Yuya Ikeshita, Derensili Sanches Fernandes and Rocco Robert Shein. Without any major additions in this department as of yet, the likes of Olivier van Eldik, Lynden Edhart and Ivar Jenner will be looking to push on this season. Eliano Reijnders has also returned to parent club PEC Zwolle and will be a huge miss to the side. Utrecht U21 were poor at both ends of the pitch last term so will need to improve all round. However, there still looks to be some solid attacking options in Tobias Augustinus-Jensen, Rijks and Anthony Descotte.