Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 162: League Table Updates 2

Chapter 162: League Table Updates 2

The co-commentator pointed at another name further down the table. [And what about ADO Den Haag? Quietly going about their business, sitting in fifth. Three wins out of five, and only four goals conceded. They’re no pushovers this season]

[Absolutely,] Mike agreed. [But then you’ve got PSV, Feyenoord, and Vitesse all bunched up in the middle of the pack. PSV, now placed sixth, will be kicking themselves after tonight, though. They had their chances, but AZ Alkmaar’s young guns just outclassed them]

The conversation shifted naturally, the commentators bouncing off each other with ease. Weaving the narrative of the season which was still in its infancy but already brimming with intrigue.

[And look at the bottom half of the table,] Mike said, his tone dropping slightly. [NAC Breda still without a point. Five losses in five games. It’s looking grim for them]

[Roda JC and PEC Zwolle aren’t faring much better,] his partner added. [One win between them, and that was Roda’s scrappy one-nil back on Matchday 2. The relegation fight is heating up already]

[It’s a tale of two leagues, isn’t it?] Mike mused. [The top six fighting for Europe, the bottom six trying to avoid the drop. But the story of the night, for me, is AZ Alkmaar and that young man, Benjamin Rijkaard. Two hat-tricks, ten goals and nine assists in all competitions, and he’s only just getting started]

The camera cut back to the highlights of the evening, focusing once more on Benjamin’s serene face as he lined up the chip. The commentators fell silent, letting the moment speak for itself.

When the clip ended, Mike’s voice came back, softer now but no less certain. [Seventeen years old, and he’s already making moments like this. If AZ Alkmaar can keep him grounded, keep him focused and off the claws of predators...who knows how far he’ll take them this season?]

[Sky’s the limit, Mike,] his partner replied, his tone carrying a smile. [And if tonight’s anything to go by, we’re all in for a treat1]

***

AZ Alkmaar carried their momentum from their recent run of form into the away match against NAC Breda a week later on Sunday, the 23rd of September.

The atmosphere at the AFAS Stadion buzzed with anticipation as the home side looked to extend their unbeaten streak in the league to five games.

From the first whistle, AZ Alkmaar took control of the game, their attacking energy and tactical discipline leaving NAC Breda chasing shadows.

Jozy Altidore opened the scoring early in the 15th minute, finishing off a perfectly weighted pass from Markus Henriksen.

The American forward’s clinical strike sent the home fans into a frenzy and set the tone for the rest of the match.

AZ Alkmaar continued to dominate, and it wasn’t long before their second goal arrived.

In the 37th minute, Benjamin Rijkaard picked up the ball near the halfway line, evaded two defenders with a clever turn, and played a precise through ball into the path of Steven Berghuis.

The winger made no mistake, slotting the ball past the goalkeeper to double the lead before the halftime break.

As the second half progressed, AZ Alkmaar showed no signs of letting up. Benjamin, who had been involved in nearly every attacking move, finally got his reward in the 68th minute.

Henriksen, once again at the heart of the action, delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, and Benjamin met it with a composed volley to make it 3-0.

The young winger’s goal was met with deafening cheers from the away crowd, his influence on the game undeniable.

NAC Breda struggled to mount any meaningful response, their few attempts easily dealt with by AZ Alkmaar’s solid defensive line.

The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive 3-0 victory for the home side, marking yet another standout performance in their promising campaign.

After the match, the numbers spoke for themselves. Benjamin Rijkaard added another goal and an assist to his growing tally, while Henriksen’s two assists further cemented his role as a key playmaker for the team.

The chemistry between the two was evident, their understanding on the pitch giving AZ Alkmaar an edge over their opponents.

The victory also saw AZ Alkmaar climb further up in points though they still trailed five points behind Ajax in second place.

Nonetheless, their attacking prowess and defensive stability made them a force to be reckoned with.

For Benjamin, it was another step in what was shaping up to be a breakout season. His performances continued to draw attention and admiration from fans and pundits alike.

As the team left the pitch, the chants of the AZ Alkmaar faithful echoed through the stadium, their excitement for the future palpable.

With young talents like Benjamin, Berghuis, Henriksen, and Adam leading the way, AZ Alkmaar looked ready to take on more challenges to come.

The players had little time to bask in their triumph over NAC Breda. After a well-earned day of rest, training resumed with intensity at the AFAS Training Complex.

The coaching staff emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum, with Gertjan Verbeek reminding the squad that there was no room for complacency.

The next two days were filled with grueling sessions. The drills focused on sharp passing, positional awareness, and defensive organization, all tailored to ensure they remained sharp for their upcoming challenge.

Gertjan Verbeek’s instructions echoed across the training pitch, his demand for precision and discipline pushing the team to their limits.

Benjamin, as always, stood out. Despite his young age, his work ethic set an example for his teammates.

Whether it was perfecting his first touch, refining his finishing, or linking up with Henriksen and Berghuis, he trained with the same focus and determination that had earned him a starting spot in the first team.

On Thursday, the 27th of September, AZ Alkmaar welcomed SC Veendam to the AFAS Stadion for the second round of the KNVB Beker.

The cup competition provided a different kind of challenge—a single-elimination format that demanded both focus and intensity from the team.

Although, SC Veendam was a team from the lower tier Eerste Divisie, Gertjan Verbeek didn’t want stories that’ll touch the heart.