As an update a 2-1 win for NEC over Helmond Sport keeps them right in contention for the sole automatic promotion spot.
Really tight at the top with NEC (70 points played 35 games) being 2 points behind top of the table Fortuna (72 points played 36 games) but having a game in hand. 38 game regular season.
NEC play their catch game away to Ajax II on Monday. Big game. Being a Monday higher risk that some Ajax first team squad members will released for a game & match fitness?? Fortuna have Ajax II as their last game.
Spots 2-5 go into promotion playoffs. However as Ajax II & PSV II currently occupy two of those spots - and they cannot be promoted to the top flight - these playoff spots will be given instead to the highest ‘regular’ teams that don't make the playoffs, ie likely teams 6-7.
NEC are a big club for 2nd Div - attracting home crowds 10-11K, not that far behind the crowds that Ryan Thomas & Zwolle attract in the top flight.
Heijer appears as a consistent bench warmer on Soccerway (24 times in match day squad), but still yet to play a single minute. I guess with the promotion battle so tight, coaches not in a position to blood a 21 yr midfield tyro.
So if NEC get promoted, you would think he would be better to try another weaker team in the Dutch Div 2 to get some playing time.
Still a young guy, who would have learnt alot about Dutch football this season.