Sami Ouaissa: Why he's the most dangerous man for NEC against FC Volendam
What a difference a few weeks can make. Not too long ago, I was hearing from a few insiders behind the scenes at NEC that the team was struggling for consistency. But in recent weeks, one man has been igniting the Nijmegen attack: Sami Ouaissa. The midfielder, affectionately nicknamed 'Sami Roda' by fans in the stands for his relentless work rate and technical class, is now indispensable in the starting eleven. According to club insiders, he proved his worth again last weekend by firing NEC into third place in the Eredivisie.
The game that changed everything
Everyone who was at the Goffertstadion won't quickly forget that one piece of skill from Ouaissa. Against last week's opponent – the name fades now, but the goal doesn't – he received the ball on the edge of the box. One feint, two defenders left for dead, and he smashed it with his left foot into the far corner. Those who witnessed it up close say that goal sealed the match and catapulted NEC, aided by Lebreton Oenal's strike, to that 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 getting better with each week. He combines the grit of a born Nijmegen local with the finesse of a top-class footballer. Here's 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.
- Averages 2.3 dribbles per match, often right through the heart of the defence – exactly where it hurts the opposition.
- A passing accuracy of 84% in the attacking half, showing he doesn't just shine individually but also makes the team tick.
It's precisely this 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 hope of the desperate. They know that if you give Ouaissa space, you'll be punished. I hear from pundits that the visitors will likely try to double-mark him, but that just opens up gaps for his teammates. Don't forget, Ouaissa doesn't just score; he also has the vision to pick out the free man. If he has another night like he did against the last opponent, NEC could well consolidate third place and start putting pressure on the top two.
The excitement 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' time. We'll know more on Sunday.