Ahmetcan Kaplan started at centre-back in NEC Nijmegen’s 3-4-2-1 formation and played 69 minutes in the 1–1 draw against Feyenoord. Feyenoord took the lead through Ayase Ueda in the 18th minute, while NEC equalised through Danilo deep into stoppage time at 90+7′. Kaplan contributed to NEC’s build-up with 26/33 successful passes (79%), while recording 10 duels, winning 3, and receiving a yellow card in the 56th minute.
Key Takeaways
Defensive Presence: Started as the central defender in NEC's back three and was involved in the defensive battle against Feyenoord's attacking trio.
Passing: Completed 26 of 33 passes (79%), showing reliable distribution from the defensive line.
Aerial Ability: Won 3 of 5 aerial duels, providing useful presence against Feyenoord's forwards.
Physical Duels: Entered 10 total duels and won 3, with 5 ground and 5 aerial duels.
Discipline: Received a yellow card at 56', which added pressure to his defensive involvement for the remainder of his appearance.
Development & Trend
Recent Match Impact: 69-minute starting appearance in a competitive 1–1 Eredivisie draw.
Trajectory: Continues to be used as a starting centre-back in NEC's defensive structure.
Distribution: 79% passing accuracy indicates a solid contribution to NEC's possession and build-up play.
Projection: His combination of left-footed distribution and aerial ability makes him suitable for a back-three system where centre-backs are expected to contribute during build-up.
Highlight
Tactical Role Fit
Kaplan operated as one of the three centre-backs in NEC's 3-4-2-1 formation. His role was primarily defensive, while also helping NEC progress possession from the back.
He showed value in:
Back-three defensive structure
Aerial challenges
Short-to-medium passing
Maintaining central defensive positioning
Supporting build-up from defence
Human Scout Notes
Kaplan showed a composed passing profile during his 69-minute appearance, completing 79% of his passes. His aerial work was one of the stronger elements of his performance, winning three of five aerial duels. However, his overall duel numbers were less convincing, with only three wins from ten total duels.
The yellow card at 56' and subsequent injury concern affected his involvement, with NEC replacing him at 69'.
Suggested Action
Build-up Distribution: Continue developing Kaplan's ability to progress the ball from the centre of a back three.
Aerial Dominance: Build on his 3/5 aerial-duel performance and make him more consistent in defensive aerial situations.
Duel Efficiency: Improve success rate in ground and overall defensive duels.
Discipline: Improve timing of challenges to reduce the impact of early yellow cards on his defensive aggression.
Tactical Fit & Suitability
Kaplan excels for teams that:
Play with a back three
Can operate as a central or left-sided centre-back.
