Sami Ouaissa: Why he's NEC's danger man against FC Volendam
What a few weeks can do. Not so long ago, I heard from a few lads behind the scenes at NEC that the team was struggling for consistency. But in recent weeks, one man has ignited the Nijmegen attack: Sami Ouaissa. The midfielder, affectionately dubbed 'Sami Roda' by fans in the stands for his tireless work rate and technical class, has become indispensable in the starting eleven. According to club insiders, he proved his worth again last weekend by firing NEC to third place in the Eredivisie.
The game that changed everything
Anyone who was at the Goffertstadion won't soon forget that one piece of skill from Ouaissa. Against last week's opponents – the name might fade, but the goal won't – he received the ball on the edge of the box. One feint, two defenders left for dead, and with his left foot he curled it into the far corner. Those who witnessed it up close say that goal sealed the game and, combined with Lebreton Oenal's strike, catapulted NEC to the coveted third spot. The stadium erupted, and the name "Sami Roda" echoed around the ground.
More than a flash in the pan: the numbers don't lie
But Ouaissa is no one-hit wonder. Anyone following his season sees a player improving week by week. He combines the grit of a born Nijmegen local with the finesse of a top-class footballer. A quick moment for the stat-lovers among us:
- 8 goals in the Eredivisie this season, including 3 in his last 5 appearances.
- 5 assists, meaning he's directly involved in nearly a third of all NEC's goals.
- An average of 2.3 dribbles per game, often right through the heart of the defence – exactly where it hurts.
- An 84% pass accuracy in the attacking half, showing he doesn't just shine individually but also makes the team tick.
It's precisely that form that makes him the most dangerous player on the pitch this Sunday against FC Volendam.
Volendam come calling: ready for another masterclass?
Volendam travel to Nijmegen with the courage of desperation. They know that if you give Ouaissa space, you'll be punished. I hear from pundits that the visitors will try to double-mark him, but that just opens up gaps for his teammates. Don't forget, Ouaissa not only scores but also has an eye for the free man. If he has another night like he did against last week's opponents, NEC could well consolidate third place and start chasing down the top two.
The tension is building in Nijmegen. Tickets for NEC vs Volendam are flying out the door, and everyone wants to see one thing: Sami Ouaissa finding the back of the net again. Whether you call him Ouaissa or Roda, if he keeps playing like this, we'll be talking about a true club legend in a few months. We'll know more on Sunday.