Sontje Hansen Match Report - Why have Middlesbrough taken the plunge?
A wide attacker who can play across the forward line and is about to enter his prime having just turned 23. Is he ready for a top Championship team?
Back in January,
wrote a match report on Sontje Hansen, we are republishing after confirmation that Middlesbrough have taken the plunge on Hansen.After this report was written, Hansen only continued to progress. Middlesbrough have left their recruitment later than most in the Championship, but they won’t mind if they are proven to have made good decisions.
The verdict of Craig in this single match is that Hansen displayed a level of performance that could easily see him benefit a mid to high ranking Championship club. Boro, at the moment, probably fit that bill to a tee, and they certainly seem light in those wide attacking spots that Hansen could fill.
He still qualifies for a straight GBE as well thanks to his minutes in the Band 2 Eredivisie last season.
As always, we will keep a close eye on this one.
Here is the report:
Hansen should be appealing to EFL Championship clubs. He has positional flexibility, he is very switched on when NEC don’t have possession, and he seemed to have great stamina to continue to run hard throughout the match.
He also came through at Ajax, a renowned youth system, so one can feel sure of his football upbringing and foundations.
is big into his Eredivisie football, and he is the one who has written this report on Hansen.
Biographical Details
Name: SONTJE HANSEN
Age/D.o.B: 23 (18.05.2002)
Citizenship: Netherlands / Curacao
Position(s): RW, LW, ST
Club: NEC Nijmegen, Netherlands (Band 2)
Height: Approx 175cm
Preferred foot: Both
TM Market Value: £2.5m
Contract: Expiry: 30.06.2027
Current wage (FM24 estimate): £4,300 pw
GBE Status: Pass
ESC Status: N/A
Relevant Data
AWRSS Best Role:
Dribbling Winger (#14 in Eredivisie)
Wide Provider (#19)
False 9 (#25)
AWRSS Key Characteristics:
Progressive runs
Dribbles
Penalty box entries
Hansen ranks alongside some of the best dribbling wingers in the Dutch top flight. His direct goalscorer profile isn’t as strong, but this profiles him fairly accurately as he is more of a provider than a goalscorer.
Match Info
Observed: 28th September 2024 vs Feyenoord (Eredivisie) - high difficulty
Final score: 1-1
Shape: 4-2-3-1 (vs 4-2-3-1)
Brief match report: NEC took the lead in the 34th minute when Hansen opened the scoring. He pressed right to left across the penalty area and stole the ball on the blind side of CB, Thomas Beelen before driving in at goal and dispatching a shot inside the near post of Feyenoord goalkeeper, Timon Wellenreuther.
NEC held out until the 88th minute when Feyenoord scored a late equaliser.
Note: Hansen was substituted in the 58th minute with NEC adopting a more defensive structure as they tried to protect their lead.
Match report
Effectiveness of role
Hansen’s starting position was right wing of a 4-2-3-1- set up. Because of the strength of the opposition and the nature of the game, Hansen’s primary role was a defensive one. Hansen was in the first line of a high octane, relentless NEC press. Because of the nature of the press, Hansen often found himself in a #10, left winger or striker position. He was comfortable picking up the ball in these areas and NEC’s front four were all fluid. When in possession Hansen was direct, positive and looking for ways to get close to the Feyenoord goal.
Physical attributes
Hansen isn’t tall, he stands at approximately 5’9 and isn’t competitive in aerial duels. Hansen has a powerful frame and is barrel chested, he uses his strength well to bounce off opponents when dribbling and to protect the ball in tight spaces. Hansen is blessed with great acceleration and speed and uses it to his benefit, both with and without the ball - he can cover a large area of the pitch because of his quickness combined with great energy levels and stamina.
Technical skill
Hansen’s super strength is his dribbling. Hansen can push off from both feet and gets up to top speed quickly all whilst dribbling at his opponent. Hansen is unpredictable and hard to defend against as he is willing and able to attack both inside the pitch and the outside. He has good ball striking and will shoot when coming into the middle of the pitch and he’s an adept crosser who is happy to get to the by-line.
Decision making under pressure
Hansen is sometimes let down by an inconsistent first touch. At times he looks exquisite but often he is clumsy and the ball can get away from him. He is much more suited at running onto play than he is showing to receive from a deep pass when under duress. He shows signs of being rushed when under pressure with his back to goal and this leads to poor decisions at times.
Psych & Social
Hansen has an infectious energy to his game. He presses with intelligence and takes up good angles. He is diligent in his defensive work and can fit into different areas of the team’s make up. Hansen reacts positively when possession is lost and can turn lost causes into positive actions.
Verdict
Key strengths
Equally effective on right and left foot
Quality dribbler who can attack on the inside and the outside
Relentless pressing energy
Risks to mitigate
Inconsistent touch
Poor aerially
Better running onto play than showing to receive the ball
Current level recommendation
CH Mid range of Championship
Potential level recommendation
CH+ Top range of Championship