Van Bergen’s shift to number ten reshapes his Groningen future

Thom van Bergen, the 22‑year‑old FC Groningen forward, has gone from a bench‑warm‑up for Jong Oranje to a regular starter in the number‑ten role, while still entertaining thoughts of leading the line as a striker. His evolution reflects a growing confidence that he voiced in a recent interview.

Midfield role gains ground at Groningen and Jong Oranje

Van Bergen was deployed in midfield for Jong Oranje and is now increasingly used in that position at FC Groningen, the club known as the Pride of the North. The forward describes the shift as a natural progression after his coach placed him at number ten in the previous cycle. At the club he has also been given more freedom to operate between the lines, linking midfield and attack.

In his first appearance for Jong Oranje, coach Michael Reiziger kept the young attacker on the bench. Against Jong Slovenia, however, Van Bergen earned a place in the starting eleven, occupying the number‑ten spot where he now feels at home. He says the role allows him to influence the game without the pressure of being the focal point.

“Yes, actually. I am beginning to believe in it more and more,” Van Bergen told. “It started here, the coach put me at ten last season. At Groningen I now also play there more and more.” He added that initially he found it difficult to see himself in that role, but he now enjoys it and feels increasingly comfortable. “I am beginning to enjoy it more and more and am getting more at ease. In the beginning I was searching for where I should be in situations,” he continued.

Despite his comfort in midfield, Van Bergen admits the striker position still tempts him. “I like both positions, so I don’t have a favourite,” he said, noting that the coach expects him to avoid the build‑up phase and arrive in the final third – a pattern that mirrors his duties at Groningen. He noted that at Groningen the same tactical instruction applies, with the forward arriving late in the attacking third.

Euro qualifier looms as the Netherlands U21s seek points

Jong Oranje await a crucial European Championship qualifying match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday evening. The Dutch side must win and hope that Jong Israel drops points to Jong Norway; any other result would see them miss the tournament. In all other scenarios the Netherlands U21s will fail to qualify for the European Championship.