Van Eisen, 33, is going through a strong season at NEC. The captain has played 25 games so far in the starting line-up, which is enough to lift the option on an expired contract. When the center pack returned to the old nest in 2018, both parties reached an agreement on this. “The club has known me for almost ten years what to do and what not to do. In turn, I know the potential here. It has always been there. We hope to be able to step back into the Premier League.”

‘Own fault’

Against Zhang FC Utrecht at the end of January, Van Eisen received a red card, resulting in three games being suspended. The NEC went down without a defense in all those parties. This says something about the value Van Eisen holds for the team. “It was his own fault,” he looks back briefly at the cover. “For my past, I thought the sentence was a bit exaggerated, but I also understand that it was like a throbbing movement. Then you have to sit on the blisters.”

Then coach Roger Meijer’s team rejoined the team with Van Eisen, dropping a good run in five consecutive wins. The playoffs were secured. But last week the F.C. Against Wollendum, the Brabant player suddenly injured his ankle.

Back in the playoffs

Van Eisen seems to be recovering well from the torn ankle bracelet. “I think it will take me four to six weeks. Now my only task is to get back better and stronger. I’m always calm down and injuries are sometimes a part of it.”

Van Eisen expects to return during the play-offs, which will be re-announced in May. “I think I can achieve that and hope it fits in a little faster. By then the goal is to be in good shape with NEC.”

Van Eisen has now played for NEC for almost nine seasons in two seasons. He continued his career past PSV, Willem II and A.Z. Van Eisen played European football at the latter club. In 2018 he returned to de Cofert after seven seasons. A difficult choice, but security and feeling are crucial for an experienced defender.

Australia

For the first time, De Prabander reveals that he can now go to Australia during that period as well. In addition, there was interest from several Premier League clubs for Van Eisen. “I was able to move to Sydney FC,” he says. “It was definitely awesome. Beautiful country, good weather, a wonderful adventure. But it was a 24 hour flight. Financially it was not very attractive, you have to be a lot behind.”

Van Eisen decided to choose determination and followed his passions. “I got it at NEC. Of course you’re planning. Are you going for the sports aspect? Or are you going for more of a financial or adventure? Looking at my choices in the past, I often choose the commitment of a longer contract and being closer to home,” explains De Brabander.

Five Premier League clubs

“At that time I was able to go to a large number of Premier League clubs. I think about five or six. But everything under AZ is not a bar for me compared to NEC. I do not value it much, I do not get much value. Extra value. I emotionally chose NEC, although we did not have a direct leak, “von Eisen, indicating that the Nijmegen Club has not yet succeeded in promoting. “It is up to us to take that action again.”