The “Nieuws” (News) section on page 33 of the May 2013 programme contains a short article that, in hindsight, is a breathtaking testament to the quality of FC Groningen‘s squad at the time. Under the headline “VIER FC’ERS IN VOORSELECTIE JONG ORANJE,” the club proudly announces that four of its players were selected for the preliminary Dutch U21 national team squad for the 2013 UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Israel.
The names listed are staggering: defender Virgil van Dijk, striker Género Zeefuik, goalkeeper Marco Bizot, and midfielder Leandro Bacuna. Having four players from a sub-top Eredivisie club called up to the national youth team is a massive achievement, highlighting an incredible concentration of talent at the Euroborg. The article notes the upcoming group stage matches against Germany, Russia, and Spain, showcasing the elite level these young men were about to test themselves against. It was a golden era for the club’s scouting and development, proving that Groningen was one of the premier finishing schools in European football.
A Look into the Future
Looking at this list from the perspective of 2026 is fascinating. Virgil van Dijk evolved into one of the greatest defenders in Premier League history and the captain of the senior Dutch national team. Marco Bizot established himself as a highly reliable, top-tier goalkeeper in the Eredivisie and the French Ligue 1, also earning senior caps. Leandro Bacuna enjoyed a long, lucrative career in English football. While Género Zeefuik‘s career took a different, more nomadic path, this 2013 news clipping remains a proud historical document, capturing the exact moment these four young men stood on the precipice of international stardom.