RKC Waalwijk Squad 2024/25: A Comprehensive Overview

RKC Waalwijk, a club with a rich history in Dutch football, continues to build a competitive squad for the 2024/25 season. Known for their resilience and tactical discipline, the team has made strategic signings and retained key players to ensure a strong campaign in the Eredivisie. This post delves into the squad, breaking it down into goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, with detailed descriptions of each player, including their backgrounds, career trajectories, and contributions to the team.

RKC Waalwijk team photo

Goalkeepers

1. Etienne Vaessen

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: RKC Waalwijk (youth), FC Den Bosch (loan)
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy graduate)

Etienne Vaessen has been a cornerstone of RKC Waalwijk’s defense since breaking into the first team. A product of the club’s youth academy, Vaessen has developed into a reliable shot-stopper with exceptional reflexes and command of his penalty area. Standing at 1.88 meters, he excels in one-on-one situations and has a knack for making crucial saves in high-pressure moments. His leadership qualities and consistency have made him a fan favorite and a vital presence in the squad.

2. Jeroen Houwen

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: NEC Nijmegen, Helmond Sport
  • Transfer Fee: €200,000 (2022)

Jeroen Houwen provides strong competition for the starting goalkeeper spot. Known for his calm demeanor and excellent distribution, Houwen has proven to be a dependable backup. His ability to read the game and initiate quick counterattacks with precise long balls adds an extra dimension to RKC’s playstyle. Having gained experience at NEC Nijmegen and Helmond Sport, Houwen brings a wealth of knowledge and versatility to the squad.

3. Joey Kesting

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: RKC Waalwijk (youth)
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy graduate)

A promising young talent, Joey Kesting is the third-choice goalkeeper for RKC Waalwijk. At just 20 years old, Kesting has shown great potential during his time in the youth setup. While he is yet to make his first-team debut, his agility and shot-stopping abilities have earned him a place in the senior squad. Kesting is seen as a long-term project, with the club keen on nurturing his development.

Defenders

1. Dario Van den Buijs

  • Nationality: Belgian
  • Former Clubs: MVV Maastricht, NEC Nijmegen.
  • Transfer Fee: €500,000 (2023)

Dario Van den Buijs is a commanding center-back who has become a key figure in RKC’s defense. Known for his aerial prowess and tactical intelligence, the Belgian defender is adept at intercepting crosses and breaking up opposition attacks. His experience in the Eredivisie with NEC Nijmegen has made him a reliable presence at the back. Van den Buijs also contributes offensively, often scoring from set-pieces due to his height and heading accuracy.

2. Thierry Lutonda

  • Nationality: Belgian
  • Former Clubs: KV Mechelen, FC Eindhoven.
  • Transfer Fee: €300,000 (2021)

Thierry Lutonda is a versatile left-back who combines defensive solidity with attacking flair. His pace and dribbling skills make him a constant threat down the flank, while his defensive awareness ensures he rarely gets caught out of position. Lutonda’s ability to deliver pinpoint crosses and link up with midfielders has been instrumental in RKC’s build-up play. Having previously played for KV Mechelen, he brings a wealth of experience to the squad.

3. Jurien Gaari

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: FC Dordrecht, FC Volendam
  • Transfer Fee: €150,000 (2022)

Jurien Gaari is a robust right-back known for his tenacity and work rate. A former FC Volendam player, Gaari has established himself as a reliable defender who excels in one-on-one duels. His stamina allows him to contribute both defensively and offensively, often overlapping with wingers to create scoring opportunities. Gaari’s consistency and determination have made him a valuable asset to the team.

4. Ahmed Touba

  • Nationality: Algerian
  • Former Clubs: Club Brugge, Lech Poznań
  • Transfer Fee: €1 million (2023)

Ahmed Touba is a dynamic center-back who joined RKC Waalwijk in 2023. The Algerian international brings a wealth of experience from his time at Club Brugge and Lech Poznań. Known for his composure on the ball and ability to play out from the back, Touba has added a new dimension to RKC’s defense. His physicality and reading of the game make him a formidable opponent for any striker.

5. Vurnon Anita

Vurnon Anita is a seasoned veteran who provides versatility and leadership to the squad. Capable of playing as a right-back, left-back, or defensive midfielder, Anita’s experience at top clubs like Ajax and Newcastle United has been invaluable. His tactical intelligence and ability to read the game make him a key player in both defense and midfield. Anita’s presence has also been crucial in mentoring younger players.

Midfielders

1. Yassin Oukili

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: FC Utrecht (youth)
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy graduate)

Yassin Oukili is a talented central midfielder who has risen through the ranks at RKC Waalwijk. Known for his vision and passing range, Oukili is often the orchestrator of the team’s attacks. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game and break lines with incisive passes has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s best playmakers. At just 22 years old, Oukili has a bright future ahead of him.

2. David Min

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: FC Groningen, FC Emmen.
  • Transfer Fee: €400,000 (2023)

David Min is a hardworking box-to-box midfielder who joined RKC in 2023. His energy and ability to cover ground quickly make him a vital cog in the team’s midfield. Min’s knack for arriving late in the box and scoring crucial goals has added an extra dimension to RKC’s attack. Having previously played for FC Groningen, he brings Eredivisie experience and a winning mentality to the squad.

3. Patrick Vroegh

Patrick Vroegh is a versatile midfielder capable of playing in multiple roles. Whether deployed as a central midfielder, defensive midfielder, or even on the wing, Vroegh’s technical skills and work ethic shine through. His experience at FC Utrecht and SC Heerenveen has made him a well-rounded player who contributes both defensively and offensively. Vroegh’s leadership qualities have also seen him wear the captain’s armband on several occasions.

4. Ilias Takidine

  • Nationality: Dutch-Moroccan
  • Former Clubs: AZ Alkmaar (youth), FC Den Bosch (loan)
  • Transfer Fee: €250,000 (2023)

Ilias Takidine is a promising young midfielder who joined RKC in 2023. Known for his dribbling skills and creativity, Takidine has quickly become a fan favorite. His ability to take on defenders and create chances out of nothing has added a new dynamic to RKC’s midfield. At just 21 years old, Takidine is seen as a future star for both club and country.

Forwards

1. Michaël Tirpan

  • Nationality: Belgian
  • Former Clubs: KV Kortrijk, Royal Excel Mouscron
  • Transfer Fee: €800,000 (2023)

Michaël Tirpan is a versatile forward who can play as a winger or center-forward. Known for his pace and clinical finishing, Tirpan has been a revelation since joining RKC in 2023. His ability to stretch defenses and score from tight angles has made him a key player in the team’s attack. Tirpan’s experience in the Belgian Pro League has also added a new dimension to RKC’s offensive play.

2. Richonell Margaret

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: FC Utrecht (youth), FC Dordrecht (loan)
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy graduate)

Richonell Margaret is a young striker with immense potential. A product of FC Utrecht’s youth academy, Margaret joined RKC in search of regular first-team football. His physicality and ability to hold up the ball make him a valuable asset in the final third. Margaret’s eye for goal and willingness to learn have earned him a place in the squad, with many tipping him for a breakout season.

3. Finn Stokkers

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: Go Ahead Eagles, VVV-Venlo
  • Transfer Fee: €1.2 million (2023)

Finn Stokkers is RKC’s marquee signing for the 2024/25 season. The Dutch striker joined from Go Ahead Eagles, where he established himself as one of the league’s most prolific scorers. Stokkers’ movement, finishing, and ability to link up play make him a complete forward. His arrival has significantly bolstered RKC’s attacking options, and he is expected to be the team’s main goal threat.

4. Julian Lelieveld

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: Vitesse, FC Groningen.
  • Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)

Julian Lelieveld is a versatile forward who can play on either wing or as a second striker. Known for his pace and technical skills, Lelieveld has been a consistent performer since joining RKC. His ability to create chances and score goals has made him a valuable member of the squad. Lelieveld’s experience at Vitesse and FC Groningen has also added depth to RKC’s attack.

Conclusion

The 2024/25 RKC Waalwijk Squad is a blend of experienced veterans and exciting young talents. With a strong core of players in every position, the team is well-equipped to compete in the Eredivisie. The strategic signings and retention of key players reflect the club’s ambition to achieve success both domestically and in cup competitions. As the season unfolds, fans can look forward to an exciting brand of football and a team that fights for every point.