FC Twente's Eredivisie Renaissance: The Smal and Steijn Combination

In the unpredictable scene of the Eredivisie, FC Twente has quietly but decisively cemented its position as a genuine contender for European qualification. While much attention rightly falls on the traditional giants, the Enschede club's resurgence is a proof of astute management, tactical flexibility, and the blossoming of key individual talents. At the heart of this revival, particularly in the 2025/2026 season, lies the compelling chemistry between left-back Gijs Smal and attacking midfielder Sem Steijn.

Gijs Smal: From Wing-Back to Tactical Linchpin

Gijs Smal's journey at FC Twente has been one of continuous tactical evolution. Under former coach Ron Jans, Smal was primarily a marauding wing-back, tasked with providing width and delivering crosses. While effective, his defensive responsibilities were often mitigated by a strong midfield. This season, under Joseph Oosting, and particularly in the latter half of the campaign, Smal has demonstrated a remarkable adaptation. His positioning has become more detailed, often tucking in to form a back three when the team is in possession, allowing the right-back to push higher. This tactical wrinkle, observed in matches against Feyenoord and AZ Alkmaar, provides a major structural balance, preventing counter-attacks down the flanks while still enabling his offensive forays.

Smal's passing accuracy, consistently above 85% in the final third, and his ability to initiate attacks from deep have transformed him into a genuine tactical linchpin. His 7 assists from open play this season, a career-high for him at this point, are not merely a result of speculative crosses but often stem from intelligent link-up play and incisive through balls, frequently finding the feet of Steijn in advanced positions.

Sem Steijn: The Goal-Scoring Midfielder Emerges

While Smal provides the complex build-up, Sem Steijn has been the primary beneficiary and, crucially, the clinical finisher. Often deployed as a number 10 or an advanced central midfielder, Steijn's late runs into the box and his exceptional off-ball movement have become a hallmark of Twente's attacking play. His 12 Eredivisie goals this season, placing him among the league's top-scoring midfielders, are a proof of his growing maturity and predatory instincts.

What truly distinguishes Steijn is his ability to operate in the half-spaces, exploiting the channels created by the wider attackers and the overlapping runs of Smal. Against RKC Waalwijk in February, a match Twente won 3-1, Steijn's second goal was a prime example: a perfectly timed run into the box to meet a low cross from Smal, demonstrating an almost telepathic understanding between the two. His shot conversion rate, hovering around 25%, speaks volumes about his composure and precision in front of goal.

The Tactical Interplay

The connection between Smal and Steijn is not accidental; it is a carefully cultivated aspect of Oosting's tactical framework. When Smal pushes forward, Steijn often drifts towards the left half-space, creating an overload that disorients opposition full-backs and central defenders. Conversely, when Smal holds his position, Steijn is given the license to roam more centrally, looking for opportunities to break the lines with direct runs or quick one-two passes.

This dynamic interplay has added a new dimension to FC Twente's attack, making them less predictable and more potent. As the Eredivisie season enters its major final phase, the continued flourishing of this partnership will be vital for Twente's aspirations of securing a coveted European spot, proving that detailed planning and individual brilliance can indeed challenge the established order.