Player Focus: Kyle Ebecilio Enjoying Development Back in the Netherlands

It's often said matches are either won or lost in midfield, so a strong, balanced centre is paramount. One club that has adhered to this formula is FC Twente, and at the heart of their team is Kyle Ebecilio, a player whose stature continues to grow. In truth, from the moment he enrolled at Feyenoord's esteemed Varkenoord academy, great things were expected. It was the same case when he was honing his skills at Arsenal's youth set-up, which he joined in 2010, aged 16. However, the past 12 months – his first year playing top-flight football – has seen him blossom and in the process start to fulfil his unquestionable potential.

Another wonderfully gifted member of the prodigious '1994 Generation', which also includes Memphis Depay and Terence Kongolo amongst others, Ebecilio has the world as his oyster. He is, simply put, a good old-fashioned, robust box-to-box midfielder. A threat in the opposition half and a physical presence in his own – breaking up attacks as well as starting them and, on occasion, finishing them off – he strikes the right balance between being reactive and proactive. In the 4-2-3-1 system Alfred Schreuder normally deploys at Twente, he forms a double pivot with Kamohelo Mokotjo – another ex-Feyenoorder, signed from PEC Zwolle in August – with the duo functioning as a classic box-to-box/controller tandem. 

Mokotjo wins possession (averaging 2.8 tackles and 2.3 interceptions per game) and effectively distributes (65.4 passes per game). Ebecilio does likewise – either through impeccable tackling (1.6 per game) or good positional sense (2.0 interceptions per game) – but with more flexibility, and he makes his now trademark runs from deep. His passing (1.1 accurate long balls and 34.4 passes per game with a success rate of 87.6%) makes him comfortable circulating the ball and is probably his strongest asset. However, the engine he possesses enables him to cover ground quickly, while his mobility and movement across the pitch is one of his more underrated traits, and it is especially useful in the pressing game Schreuder wants Twente to play.

His languid frame sometimes gives the wrong impression; there is more to Ebecilio's game than mere defensive qualities, although he does a lot to contribute to making Twente's defence the fourth best in the Eredvisie (9 goals conceded). He has also shown the wherewithal to operate behind the lone forward, dovetailing with playmaker Hakim Ziyech as a creative attacking midfielder. He's found the net twice and registered 2 assists (already equalling last year's tally) from 0.8 key passes per game. The 'number nine' he looks to pick out is currently Luc Castaignos, who has 5 goals in 8 games so far, and like Ebecilio, he also left the Netherlands prematurely before returning. 

A topic of conversation that won't go away and seemingly intensifies with each passing year, is the question as to when is the right time to move abroad. As mentioned on these pages previously there's a concern with a growing number of players moving abroad early and subsequently fading into obscurity. Despite reports of Arsène Wenger thinking highly of him, Ebecilio never looked like breaking through in North London, and although moving there in the first place might have been financially motivated (along with the tantalising prospect of his first professional season being in the Premier League), it became abundantly clear that playing regular football was imperative. Thus, when Twente became interested (they apparently saw him Leroy Fer's natural successor) he packed his bags to join on a Bosman, confirming the best education for young Dutch footballers remains closer to home. Castaignos would agree.

Regardless of his consistent performances, and of those around him, there's a constant reminder the players are only figuratively in possession of their starting spot and it can be taken away. Twente's squad depth and competition for places has strengthened cohesion, and means no player can afford to rest on his laurels, knowing full well Schreuder is operating a meritocracy. If they are in the starting line-up, it's because they deserve to be, and if their performances slip, finding themselves on the bench shouldn't come as a surprise.

Champions in 2010, they have shown with careful and shrewd management that attaining the ultimate prize is possible. In spite of a renewed sense of optimism – they are the only Eredivisie side after eight games yet to taste defeat (3 wins and 5 draws) – Twente aren't considered serious title contenders, in part due to their youthful exuberance.  The average age of their squad is just 22.9 years, making theirs the fourth youngest. As we saw with PSV Eindhoven last season, a newly assembled team dominated by youth will be inconsistent.

Nonetheless Enschede club remains a work in progress. Under Schreuder they are building towards a brighter future, and Ebecilio is a key component. This present campaign started with a new sense of authority and responsibility. Schreuder may have had an input but you get the feeling, with the player’s surroundings changing, Ebecilio decided it was time to step up. Instead of asking or waiting to be told, he has grabbed the brass knuckles and become a leader. 

Physically, he continues to develop, his powerful upper body strength coupled with exceptional technical attributes have seen him favourably compared to Frank Rijkaard. Like the legendary Ajacied he's comfortable playing as a centre-half and he looks good in orange. An integral part of the Netherlands under-21 side – after earning his stripes with the U-17s ('most valuable player' and top scorer at the 2011 Euros, which the Dutch won) – it's inevitable he'll one day receive a senior international call-up. At the moment his undivided attention is understandably with Twente, but there's no doubt a few clubs across the continent are keeping a close eye on him.

Do you agree that it is best for young Dutch players to develop their game in Holland? Let us know in the comments below