While attackers usually steal the headlines, the 2014/2015 season for FC Groningen was fundamentally built on an impenetrable defense. Page 18 of the November matchday programme perfectly illustrates this dynamic, highlighting the sheer dominance of Brazilian center-back Eric Botteghin in the “Essent Speler van het Jaar” (Player of the Year) fan vote.
Following a home draw against Excelsior, Botteghin was overwhelmingly voted Man of the Match, securing 39% of the SMS votes. What makes this specific award notable is that Botteghin wasn’t just defending; he was the one who scored the crucial 1-1 equalizer. The text confirms that this performance cemented his position at the very top of the overall season standings, comfortably ahead of attacking stars like Michael de Leeuw and Tjaronn Chery.
The image of a smiling Botteghin holding his bouquet of flowers captures a player at the absolute peak of his powers. He was the undisputed leader of the backline, combining South American flair on the ball with ruthless, uncompromising defending. For the fans at the Euroborg, texting “SMS GRO 3” to vote for their Brazilian rock had become a bi-weekly ritual.
A Look into the Future
By 2026, Eric Botteghin‘s legacy in Dutch football is monumental. His dominant performances during this 2014/2015 season were the bedrock upon which FC Groningen built their historic KNVB Cup victory. His brilliance did not go unnoticed; shortly after lifting the cup, he earned a marquee transfer to Feyenoord. In Rotterdam, he became a club icon, eventually winning the Eredivisie title and cementing his status as one of the best foreign defenders to ever grace the Dutch league. But looking at this 2014 programme, it’s clear that his journey to greatness was forged in the fierce, demanding atmosphere of the North.