Vaessen’s high-risk distribution gives Groningen an attacking edge

Etienne Vaessen has emerged as a central figure in FC Groningen’s build-up play during the opening three rounds of the Eredivisie season. According to Voetbal International, the goalkeeper attempted 163 passes over that period, more than any other keeper in the competition.

His completion rate of 55 per cent is among the division’s lowest, with only Fortuna Sittard goalkeeper Mattijs Branderhorst recording a poorer figure. However, that percentage reflects Groningen’s tactical demands: Vaessen is encouraged to play ambitious passes, bypass lines and accept the risk that possession may sometimes be lost.

That approach has also delivered a clear attacking return. Vaessen has registered four Eredivisie assists, leaving him one short of Gábor Babos, the only goalkeeper to create more league goals during this century. On Groningen’s visit to ADO Den Haag, Vaessen contributed to three goals: he was involved early in the build-up for two and directly released Willumsson for another.

The comparison with other goalkeepers underlines how unusually involved Vaessen is. ADO’s Kilian Nikièma ranked second with 154 passes at 71 per cent accuracy, while SC Heerenveen’s Bernt Klaverboer completed 67 per cent from 153 attempts. Vaessen’s numbers therefore show both sides of Groningen’s strategy: lower security in possession, but a goalkeeper capable of turning distribution into a direct attacking weapon.