Hans Kraay backs Valente and Zechiël to drive Feyenoord midfield

Hans Kraay Jr has praised Luciano Valente and Gjivai Zechiël after the Feyenoord midfielders impressed in the 1-0 away win over Sparta Rotterdam. Writing in his Voetbal International column, as relayed by FCUpdate, Kraay said he expects both players to make an important contribution this season.

Valente has recently received the captain’s armband from coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst, a decision Kraay considers fresh and logical. He believes the midfielder has the communication skills and self-awareness required for the role, while suggesting the added responsibility could also improve his scoring output. Valente managed three goals in 43 official appearances last season, having scored twice in 33 matches during his final campaign with FC Groningen. Kraay hopes the captaincy can help lift that return to seven or eight goals.

Zechiël’s development during his spell with FC Utrecht also earned particular praise. Kraay credited Ron Jans and his staff with turning the midfielder from a player focused on collecting possession into a more complete box-to-box presence. Zechiël recorded eight goals and seven assists in the Eredivisie last season, showing the greater attacking threat that Kraay believes Feyenoord can now exploit.

Kraay compared that transformation with Orkun Kökçü’s development under Arne Slot, when the former Feyenoord midfielder became more influential in both penalty areas. He argued that Feyenoord will need goals from midfield to compete for the championship, adding that a revival from Sem Steijn would further strengthen their prospects.