Along with Fortuna Sittard, Emmen were promoted to the Eredivisie for the first time in their history in 2018. Fast forward 12 months, and again like Fortuna Sittard, Emmen have avoided relegation to secure back to back Eredivisie seasons. It has been a tremendous couple of years for the club going up as champions before finishing 13th in their first top-flight campaign five points clear of the relegation play-offs.
Dick Lukkien has done a magnificent job at the club and despite their difficulties during their first season, the club stood by him. Emmen finished the season with a flourish notching 3 wins in their final 4 games to push them to comfortable safety. Anco Jansen finished as the club's top scorer with 5 goals in his first Eredivisie season. Lukkien will no doubt need to improve the striking options in the summer if they are to survive again next season. Emmen will be looking to build on their fantastic debut season with Lukkien's style proving tough for their Eredivisie rivals. They're aggressive, no-nonsense, width style has caused problems for teams. But another huge plus is their resilience to come back in matches. Despite their lack of goals, the Emmen squad is packed with desire, belief and a determination to never give up. Dick Lukkien will be hoping to carry this momentum and same passion shown in their debut season.
Emmen's success is built on consistency with Lukkien making very few changes to starting eleven. His preferred formation was 4-4-2 but Lukkien has used a variety of different formations including 4-2-3-1 and 5-3-2. Anco Jansen is a priceless figure in their team and was vital to their success last season. In addition to his 5 goals, the Dutchman also set up 7 goals. Another man who impressed for Emmen last season was Caner Cavlan. The Turkish defender notched 4 goals and set up 6 others and like Jansen, played a crucial role in Emmen's success. But the defender will leave the club this summer after being snapped up by Austria Wien. Others who impressed included Michael Chacon, Nicklas Pedersen, Alexander Bannink and Jafar Arias. Emmen's squad has a range of experienced campaigners and players new to the Eredivisie and its a combination which brought success with Lukkien aiming to build on an excellent first season.
Their season was truly sensational as they defied the odds and expectations of many to secure a second consecutive season in the Eredivisie. However, a huge summer lies ahead with over half the squad gone after their contracts were not renewed as Lukkien looks to freshen up his squad despite their successes. Cavlan is the big notable departure and no doubt Lukkien will be disappointed to lose him but Lukien will have faith in the players still at the club. New signings will be on the agenda and the players will have to quickly adapt to Lukkien's aggressive style which brought their success. The new season is on the horizon but the 2018/19 season was sensational for Emmen and they will be hoping to still ride the crest of their wonderful wave.
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