We could make a subtle play on words by saying that the old Eaglet has finally taken flight. However, this turn of phrase would be wrong for two reasons. When he arrived in Nice, Calvin Stengs was already 21 years old and he had already launched his career after a brilliant 2020-2021 season under the colors of AZ Alkmaar (7 goals and 5 assists in the Eredivisie) . Arriving with great fanfare on the French Riviera in the summer of 2021 for 15 million euros, the Amsterdam native could have been a meteor for Ligue 1. He would have been nothing but a nebula.
In 32 appearances for the Riviera, Stengs only scored one goal and provided one assist during his two seasons in the south of France. A starving record which was reflected. While he himself stated that he expected more from his performance, the latter seems to have never adapted to the Côte-d’Azur. A timid loan to Royal Antwerp last season did not change the intentions of the Gym managers towards him. Unsurprisingly, a way out was sought for him this summer. And it was the ambitious Feyenoord Rotterdam who smelled the right move and flushed him out for 8 million euros.
3 goals and 5 assists in 11 matches
Under the leadership of Arne Slot, who allowed him to explode in Alkmaar, Calvin Stengs rose from the ashes. “There are many big challenges ahead heredeclared the winger upon his arrival. Plus, I’m already very familiar with how to play Slot, which will help me adapt more quickly. I’m also really looking forward to playing De Kuip. It always gave me a special feeling when I entered the stadium. It will be even more special from now on as a Feyenoord player.» Irremovable starter in the current eleven, the former Nice player has a string of great performances.
Since the start of the season, he has been one of the X factors of his team. Playing in the center, he shines even though he had experienced a plethora of difficulties when he was off-center on the right side in Nice. His good performances are also reflected from an accounting point of view with 3 goals, including 1 in the Champions League against Celtic Glasgow (2-0), and already 5 assists in 11 matches. A great debut in his new colors which caught the eye of Ronald Koeman. Following Noa Lang’s package, the former FC Barcelona coach did not hesitate to call him. From his 7 caps, will he be able to make the difference against the France team during his potential eighth cap with the Oranje? Response Friday.
