Tobias Storm feels at home as NEC defender amid European push

Tobias Storm, the 22‑year‑old defender who played last season in Denmark’s second tier, is already a regular at NEC, completing 120 minutes across two fixtures, including a 1‑4 victory over Willem II.

Rapid adaptation under Dick Schreuder

Since joining the club, Storm has adjusted to a new style of play under head coach Dick Schreuder, showing he can step in for Philippe Sandler when called upon.

His Danish background, combined with Japanese roots, gives him a unique profile that the Dutch side has welcomed.

Match experience and stamina

On Saturday afternoon Storm started the Willem II‑NEC clash, playing the full ninety minutes, and then featured for the entire extra‑time period against Olympiakos Piraeus.

"Naturally I am a bit tired now, but my legs are starting to get used to it," the defender said after the win over Willem II.

He added, "I am very happy with the playing time I get. I am new, so it is about adapting to the system, the team and training the legs. Getting into a flow has worked well so far."

"Two matches in a week are manageable. The extra‑time against Olympiakos was tough, but I knew it would be hard when I arrived. We play in Europe, so you play twice a week. I can only get better at it," Storm explained.

Storm also praised the atmosphere after NEC secured a Champions League play‑off spot, describing the stadium as "great" and the fans as a unified force.

"In extra time I was a little exhausted, I don’t play 120 minutes every week, but we gave everything and felt we could win. The adrenaline and the support of the fans helped me through," he reflected.

Looking ahead, Storm says he aims to keep improving his defensive partnership and help NEC compete on both domestic and European fronts.