In the previous pages of this matchday programme against AZ Alkmaar, veteran midfielder Nick van der Velden gave a passionate interview declaring his absolute dedication to the team, famously stating he would even play as a linesman if the manager asked him to. Page 18 proves that the Euroborg faithful immediately recognized and rewarded this blue-collar mentality.
The “Essent Speler van het Jaar” section announces the SMS voting results from the previous home victory against RKC Waalwijk. Nick van der Velden claimed the Man of the Match title with 31% of the votes, beating out striker Genero Zeefuik (25%) and attacker Krisztian Adorjan (12%). The photo shows a beaming Van de Velden holding his celebratory bouquet of flowers. More importantly, the text notes that with this victory, the 31-year-old summer signing had officially taken the number one spot in the overall Player of the Year standings.
For a player who arrived on a free transfer to add depth and experience, becoming the immediate fan favorite was a remarkable achievement. It highlights exactly what the Groningen supporters value most: unselfishness, relentless work rate, and a team-first attitude.
A Look into the Future
Nick van der Velden‘s early popularity was not a fluke. He maintained this high level of respect throughout his tenure at FC Groningen, becoming a vital locker-room leader and a key contributor to the squad that would eventually lift the KNVB Cup in 2015. His ability to connect with the fans, as evidenced by this early-season SMS vote, cemented his status as a modern cult hero in the north, long before he took his talents to Indonesia to finish his career as a superstar for Bali United.