AZ Alkmaar are the leaders of the Eredivisie after a strong start to the season. The team managed by coach Leeroy Echteld has collected sixteen points from the first six league matches and holds a three-point lead over PSV Eindhoven.
The most recent match, last Friday against Willem II at the AFAS Stadion, ended in a 1-1 draw. Jordy Clasie put AZ ahead in the thirty-second minute, but Devin Haen equalised ten minutes from time. Despite dropping points, the Alkmaar side remains firmly at the top of the standings.
Recent results
Prior to the Willem II game, AZ secured an important away win at sc Heerenveen. In a thrilling encounter, the North Hollanders won 3-2. Ruben Daal opened the scoring early, but Heerenveen turned the game around before halftime. In the second half, Mexx Meerdink and Ayoub Oufkir scored the decisive goals. That victory was part of a run of four consecutive wins, including a 5-2 home victory over Go Ahead Eagles and a 0-2 away win at Fortuna Sittard.
Leeroy Echteld was pleased after the win against Go Ahead Eagles. “AZ Alkmaar won v Go Ahead Eagles 5 2 Eredivisie,” the manager said. Regarding the away win in Sittard, he stated: “AZ Alkmaar won v Fortuna Sittard 0 2 Eredivisie.”
Statistics and position
With seventeen goals scored and six conceded, AZ has a goal difference of plus eleven, the best in the league. The team is currently unbeaten in its last five matches. The next assignment is a home game against Telstar, who sit fourteenth, on Sunday 20 September. Fans can view the full fixtures. The squad page shows that Stije Resink is currently injured and unavailable.
The strong start to the season places AZ in an excellent position for European football. The club occupies a direct Champions League qualification spot. The match against Telstar offers a chance to maintain the lead at the summit.
