Dirk Kuyt Tactics At K Beerschot VA 2023/2024: Instant Impact And Promotion To The Belgian Pro League Secured – Tactical Analysis

After a tremendous start to the Challenger Pro League campaign for Beerschot, in which they topped the league for an extended period, manager Andreas Wieland informed the club just before Christmas that he wished to leave the club to take up the technical director role at his previous club, Austrian Bundesliga side LASK. 

After his departure, Koninklijke Beerschot Voetbalclub Antwerpen turned to what many thought was a somewhat surprising name, appointing former Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt.

The 43-year-old Dutchman had previously managed ADO Den Hag in the Netherlands but was sacked after a poor run of form and less than a year in charge.

However, since his appointment at K. Beerschot V.A., the Belgian side has only lost twice in 12 league matches under Kuyt, confirming automatic promotion back to the Belgian Pro League last weekend after beating Oostende.

This tactical analysis will take a detailed look at Beerschot’s tactics under Kuyts style of play and what to expect from them back in the Pro League next season.

Dirk Kuyt Build-up & attacking tactics 

This first section will examine Beerschots in-possession tactics under Dirk Kuyts tactics and how they have been impactful in the clubs eventual promotion back to the Belgian top flight.

Since Kuyt was appointed, he has tended to set his side up in a 3-4-3 starting formation, which usually shifts to some variation of a back five when they are forced to drop back and defend against opposition attacks.

Beerschot Progressive Passes Map

The data viz graphic above shows Beerschots progressive passes since Kuyt’s appointment at the end of December.

As we can see, most passes into the penalty area have originated from either the wide areas or the half-spaces, with off-the-ball movement and verticality in the attack being two key factors in how Kuyt wants his side to attack with the ball.