How Are Utrecht 3rd?

The Eredivisie season has seen a return to normality with Ajax dominating at the front, but one team have defied expectations, as sitting in a Champions League qualification place are FC Utrecht. But how are they doing it?

The Paxten Aaronson Effect

Forget Brenden, this is the Aaronson brother everyone needs to be talking about. Paxten Aaronson has had a fantastic season, controlling the diamond-shaped Utrecht midfield, showing real sparks of creative genius and his numbers back this up. The 21-year-old American has six goals and two assists in his 22 league starts this season, and always impresses even if he goes a game without a goal contribution. Aaronson is only on loan however, so Utrecht will need to look at his contract situation over the summer.

Ron Jans working his magic

Since arriving last season, manager Ron Jans has steadily improved his Utrecht side. The 66-year-old boasts a 56% win percentage, higher than any manager in the last ten years, including Erik ten Hag, who was well-regarded for his time at Utrecht. Jans allows each player to shine, and the fluid diamond system his team plays allows for a lot of movement and inclusivity within the entire outfield.

Souffian El Karouani - The Postman

Utrecht have an assist machine at left-back, and his name is Souffian El Karouani. The 24-year-old Moroccan signed for Utrecht on a free in 2023 from NEC Nijmegen and this season has seven assists in 25 league matches, as well as a goal. El Karouani is also in the 97% percentile for chances created in the Eredivisie, so a lot of what Utrecht do going forward comes from their wizard on the left.

Success on the road

Most teams try to make their home ground a fortress, but not Utrecht. Their away form is quite something, as out of their 14 wins this season, eight have come on the road, and what is more impressive than that is the fact they are unbeaten on their travels in league action this season. Based purely on away form, Utrecht would sit joint-top of the Eredivisie table, only behind Ajax on goal difference. Unfortunately for Ron Jans’ side, most of their remaining fixtures are at home, including a bout against league leaders Ajax, but if they can continue their incredibly impressive away form, Utrecht could well be looking at going on a European tour next season.