Adecco MVP BEFC Lions vs Saitama Jets - Timothy Witvliet

  • Adecco BEFC Most Valuable Player - Timothy Witvliet

Lions unbeaten record continued as they prepared to face Saitama Jets, a team with the best defensive record in the division, but otherwise a large unknown for Lions who were ready to make the almost international voyage (distance wise it felt) to their home pitch!

With a number of injuries weighing on the Lions, including Vice-Captain Mark, Lions headed onwards to challenge the Jets with a very limited squad led by Vice-Captain Kaz, who was determined to continue the undefeated streak.

The first half was dynamic, with the Lions making use of the wind to create danger, however Jet's demonstrated why they hold the best defensive record in the division and used strength to prevent the Lions from scoring, generating a hard fought midfield battle to stop counters and continue pressing. This led to defensive midfield, Tim, to take a protagonistic role taking the ball, fighting for it and bringing it forwards; his constant runs creating danger. After a delay, with the arrival of regular Masaki to the field 20 mins in, Lions reshuffled to allow Masa to bring his usual solidity to the defense and allow Tim more freedom to move even further up, with Kaz providing defensive support. Tim took this chance to coordinate with Kaz and bring further organization to the team.

With this dynamic continuing through to the second half, frustration began to build as the Jets faced constant attacks and Lions were unable to score. Despite the taunting and aggression that came from this frustration (mainly from Jets who were pinned to their half), Tim created a sense of clamness in the midfield, allowing plays to build up and the Lions to continue attacking without falling into Jet's traps and provocations. For his constant physical battling, run-ins, stamina (running for a good 80 mins non-stop) and overall influence in attack, Timothy Witvliet was chosen as this game's Adecco BEFC Most Valuable Player.