Post by : Maya Rahman

Shaqueel Van Persie, the 19-year-old son of legendary footballer Robin Van Persie, has officially made his debut for Feyenoord in the Eredivisie. He signed his initial professional contract with the club in 2022 and was recently promoted to the first team. He remained an unused substitute in Feyenoord's defeat against NEC Nijmegen, but quickly found his chance in a crucial match.

His first appearance came during a matchup against Celtic, where he took the place of defender Jordan Lotomba in the 81st minute, even as Feyenoord trailed by two goals. Though his stint was short, it signified a pivotal transition from youth to senior football for the emerging forward.

Robin Van Persie, who is both his father and coach, clarified his decision to field Shaqueel was a professional one. “I made the choice as a coach, not as a father because we were in need of a goal,” he remarked. He highlighted Shaqueel's knack for scoring from various angles and his potential impact: “Shaqueel is the type of player who can score goals from any position. That's why I brought him on.”

Regrettably, the substitution did not sway the game's outcome, as just a minute later, Feyenoord conceded a third goal to Celtic's Benjamin Nygren, finalizing the score. Nonetheless, Robin Van Persie reiterated the significance of this moment for Shaqueel and the team's future. “From a father's perspective, witnessing your son’s debut is indeed special; however, I was focused on my responsibilities as a coach just as Shaqueel was,” he stated.

Shaqueel’s debut underscores Feyenoord’s trust in him as a promising forward in Dutch football. With years of training under his father and Feyenoord’s youth program, he is anticipated to evolve and contribute significantly in future matches. Robin emphasized the need for continued focus on development rather than personal accolades.

Feyenoord is gearing up for their next Eredivisie clash with SC Telstar this Sunday. Shaqueel is expected to get more chances as the season unfolds, aiming for full integration into the first-team. Fans and analysts eagerly await to see how the young player embraces the challenges of elite football.

Shaqueel Van Persie's debut is a significant milestone in his career as well as Feyenoord's approach to cultivating young talent. Although the match against Celtic ended unfavorably, the experience holds crucial lessons for the 19-year-old. With proper mentorship from his father and the coaching team, Shaqueel is poised to leave his mark on future games and potentially mirror his father's illustrious path.

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