Den Uil credits continuity for Excelsior’s impressive start

Excelsior coach Den Uil has pointed to squad continuity as an important factor in his side’s impressive form. He is particularly pleased that the Rotterdam club managed to retain several players whom he regards as central to the team’s quality.

Speaking to ESPN, Den Uil highlighted Irakli Yegoian, Lennard Hartjes, Mads Meissen, Casper Widell and Stijn van Gassel. He believes their previous experience at Excelsior has given the side a valuable foundation because they already understand the demands of his playing style. That familiarity is also helping other members of the squad adapt, although the coach stressed that development still requires time and consistent work on the training ground.

Yegoian was singled out by VI as Excelsior’s standout performer. The attacker joked that his team-mates sometimes tell him he attempts too many stepovers in training, but said the move continues to be effective. More seriously, he described the squad as a group full of fighters who are completely committed to their shared objective.

The collective spirit has made a major impression on Yegoian. “I have never had this feeling before,” he told ESPN, as relayed by VI. His comments echoed Den Uil’s assessment that Excelsior’s strength lies not only in individual ability, but also in players understanding the system and working together every day.