Football fans are notoriously demanding, but they are also incredibly quick to recognize and reward hard work. In the previous matchday programme features, we explored how Michael de Leeuw fought his way back into the starting lineup following a tactical shift to a 4-4-2 system. Page 18 of the October 2014 edition provides the ultimate proof that his efforts were instantly validated by the Green-White army.
The “Essent Speler van het Jaar” column announces the voting results from the recent home victory against Willem II. De Leeuw, who scored the only goal of the match, was crowned Man of the Match with 25% of the SMS votes, narrowly beating the energetic winger Jarchinio Antonia (23%). The photograph captures a smiling De Leeuw receiving his bouquet of flowers on the pitch, a visual representation of a player who had successfully navigated a difficult career crossroads.
Crucially, the text notes that this specific Man of the Match award propelled De Leeuw to the very top of the overall Player of the Year standings. For a player who started the season on the bench, uncertain of his future at the club, taking the lead in the fan vote by October was a remarkable turnaround. It proved that the supporters at the Euroborg valued his relentless pressing and clinical finishing above all else.
A Look into the Future
By 2026, Michael de Leeuw‘s connection with the Groningen fanbase is legendary. This moment in 2014 was a turning point; he never really relinquished his status as a fan favorite after this. He would go on to finish as the club’s top scorer that season, cementing his legacy with the KNVB Cup win. The bouquet of flowers he received against Willem II was just a small precursor to the massive silverware he would lift a few months later, proving that the fans’ early-season verdict was absolutely spot on.