Sem Steijn is surprisingly the new captain of Feyenoord. Coach Robin van Persie has taken the armband from Quinten Timber, who is not even a second or third choice anymore.
The 23-year-old Steijn will wear the captain’s armband for the first time on Wednesday evening in the Champions League qualifying match against Fenerbahçe. This match is currently being played.
With this choice, Van Persie shows confidence in Steijn, who was the top scorer of the Eredivisie last season at FC Twente. “Sem is a leader and is doing very well,” said the Feyenoord coach to Ziggo Sport before the start of the match.
“He embraces the team culture, gets along well with his colleagues and understands the playing style well. From that point of view, it is a logical choice.”
Winger Anis Hadj Moussa is now the second captain at Feyenoord. Right back Givairo Read is the third choice.
Van Persie is silent about Timber
Van Persie’s decision is remarkable, as Timber was the first captain of Feyenoord last season. The 24-year-old midfielder is ‘simply’ in the starting lineup against Fenerbahçe.
“I will explain that at another time,” Van Persie said about this decision. “We have a large group of leaders. Quinten is one of them. I am very happy with that.”
Timber has not yet extended his contract with Feyenoord, which expires next year. According to Van Persie, taking away the captain’s armband does not mean that the midfielder will leave soon. “No, I will stand in the way of that.”