Sparta youngsters earn praise after first league win at Telstar

Sparta Rotterdam secured their first league victory of the season with a 3-1 win away to Telstar in Velsen-Zuid. The visitors allowed the contest to become tense before Robin van Cruijsen settled it by finding the empty net from long range.

Captain Bas Kuipers praised Sparta’s young players after the game and highlighted the potential within Rogier Meijer’s squad. Ayoni Santos was again deployed on the left wing, a position the versatile player said suited him as long as he was operating in midfield or attack. Santos also suggested he could handle a role similar to Denzel Dumfries, having previously enjoyed it with Jong Sparta.

Meijer was more cautious about that comparison, noting that Santos still has work to do defensively. The Sparta coach prefers using him on the left wing, where his ability to retain possession and carry the ball can benefit the team. Meijer added that goals and assists are the next elements Santos must bring to his game.

Marvin Young did make a scoring contribution against Telstar, registering his first goal for Sparta after 61 official appearances. The defender was pleased to have finally made that kind of impact for the team. Young, who had played in midfield against Feyenoord, also confirmed that he had told the club he would rather operate in central defence and was happy to be back in his preferred position.