PEC Zwolle Forwards 2024/25
PEC Zwolle, a club with a rich history in Dutch football, has always been known for its ability to nurture talent and compete fiercely in the Eredivisie. As the 2024/25 season approaches, the club’s forward line is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent years. With a mix of experienced campaigners and young prospects, PEC Zwolle’s attacking options promise to deliver goals, creativity, and excitement for the fans. In this post, we’ll take an in-depth look at each of the forwards currently on the roster, exploring their backgrounds, strengths, and what they bring to the team.
1. Lennart Thy
Nationality: German
Transfer Fee: Free Transfer (2023)
Former Clubs: Werder Bremen, St. Pauli, VfL Osnabrück.
Lennart Thy is a seasoned striker who brings a wealth of experience to PEC Zwolle’s attack. The German forward, known for his intelligent movement and clinical finishing, joined the club on a free transfer in 2023 after a successful stint with St. Pauli. Thy’s ability to read the game and position himself in the right place at the right time has made him a consistent goal threat throughout his career. Standing at 6’1”, he also offers an aerial presence, making him a valuable asset during set-pieces. Thy’s leadership qualities and work ethic have endeared him to both teammates and fans, and he is expected to play a pivotal role in the upcoming season.
2. Younes Namli
Nationality: Danish
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2024)
Former Clubs: FC Copenhagen, Krasnodar, Colorado Rapids.
Younes Namli is a dynamic attacking midfielder who often operates as a second striker or winger. The Danish international, who joined PEC Zwolle in 2024 for a fee of €1.5 million, is renowned for his dribbling skills, vision, and ability to create chances out of nothing. Namli’s journey has taken him from the Danish Superliga to the Russian Premier League and Major League Soccer, giving him a diverse footballing education. His versatility allows him to adapt to various tactical setups, making him a key component of the team’s attacking strategy. With his flair and creativity, Namli is expected to be one of the standout performers in the 2024/25 campaign.
3. Ferdy Druijf
Nationality: Dutch
Transfer Fee: €750,000 (2023)
Former Clubs: AZ Alkmaar, Rapid Wien, NEC Nijmegen.
Ferdy Druijf is a towering Dutch striker who combines physicality with technical ability. Standing at 6’4”, Druijf is a nightmare for defenders in aerial duels and hold-up play. He joined PEC Zwolle in 2023 for €750,000 after a successful loan spell at NEC Nijmegen. Druijf’s time at AZ Alkmaar and Rapid Wien honed his ability to link play and bring teammates into the game, making him more than just a traditional target man. His knack for scoring crucial goals in tight matches has already made him a fan favorite, and he will be looking to build on his impressive performances in the upcoming season.
4. Davy van den Berg
Nationality: Dutch
Transfer Fee: Academy Graduate
Former Clubs: None
Davy van den Berg is one of the brightest prospects to emerge from PEC Zwolle’s youth academy. The young Dutch forward has been with the club since his early teens and has steadily risen through the ranks. Known for his pace, agility, and composure in front of goal, van den Berg represents the future of the club’s attack. Despite his relatively small stature, he possesses a fearless attitude and a willingness to take on defenders. The 2024/25 season could be a breakout year for van den Berg as he looks to establish himself as a regular in the first team.
5. Apostolos Vellios
Nationality: Greek
Transfer Fee: Free Transfer (2024)
Former Clubs: Everton, Iraklis, Waasland-Beveren.
Apostolos Vellios is a seasoned forward who joined PEC Zwolle on a free transfer in 2024. The Greek striker, who previously played for Everton in the Premier League, brings a wealth of experience to the squad. Vellios is a classic number nine, known for his physical presence and ability to finish chances inside the box. His time in various European leagues has equipped him with the tactical awareness to adapt to different styles of play. Vellios’s arrival adds depth to the squad and provides a reliable option for the manager in high-stakes matches.
6. Zian Flemming
Nationality: Dutch
Transfer Fee: €2 million (2022)
Former Clubs: Ajax, NEC Nijmegen, Millwall.
Zian Flemming is a versatile forward who can operate as a striker, attacking midfielder, or winger. The Dutchman joined PEC Zwolle in 2022 for €2 million and has since become one of the team’s most influential players. Flemming’s technical skills, combined with his physicality, make him a constant threat in the final third. His ability to score from distance and deliver pinpoint passes has earned him a reputation as one of the Eredivisie’s most exciting talents. Flemming’s experience in England with Millwall has also added a gritty edge to his game, making him a well-rounded attacker.
7. Eliano Reijnders
Nationality: Dutch
Transfer Fee: Loan (2024)
Former Clubs: AZ Alkmaar, FC Twente.
Eliano Reijnders is a young Dutch forward who joined PEC Zwolle on loan for the 2024/25 season. The son of former Dutch international Martijn Reijnders, Eliano has inherited his father’s footballing intelligence and technical ability. Primarily a winger, Reijnders is known for his quick feet, acceleration, and ability to deliver dangerous crosses. His loan move to PEC Zwolle is seen as an opportunity for him to gain regular first-team experience and continue his development. Reijnders’s potential is undeniable, and he could play a significant role in the team’s attacking plans this season.
8. Thomas Buitink
Nationality: Dutch
Transfer Fee: Academy Graduate
Former Clubs: None
Thomas Buitink is another product of PEC Zwolle’s esteemed youth academy. The Dutch forward has been with the club since childhood and has gradually worked his way into the first team. Buitink is a versatile attacker who can play as a central striker or on the wings. His quick thinking and ability to exploit defensive gaps make him a valuable asset in counter-attacking situations. Despite his young age, Buitink has already shown glimpses of his potential, and the 2024/25 season could be the year he cements his place in the starting lineup.
Conclusion
PEC Zwolle’s forward line for the 2024/25 season is a blend of experience, youth, and versatility. From the clinical finishing of Lennart Thy to the creative brilliance of Younes Namli and the raw potential of Davy van den Berg, the club boasts a diverse array of attacking options. Each player brings unique qualities to the table, ensuring that the team is well-equipped to compete on multiple fronts. As the new season unfolds, PEC Zwolle fans can look forward to an exciting brand of football, driven by a forward line capable of lighting up the Eredivisie.
