AZ Alkmaar have emerged as one of the early surprises of the 2025-26 Eredivisie season, currently occupying fifth place with an impressive unbeaten record that has caught the attention of football fans across Europe, including those in the UK who follow Continental football closely.
The Alkmaar-based club, affectionately known as “De Kaasboeren” (The Cheese Farmers), have accumulated 11 points from their opening five matches, boasting three victories and two draws whilst maintaining a clean sheet of defeats. This strong start has positioned them perfectly for another potential European qualification campaign, sitting just behind traditional powerhouses Feyenoord, PSV Eindhoven, Ajax, and FC Groningen.
Recent Form Showcases Championship Mettle
AZ’s most recent outing perfectly encapsulated their fighting spirit and attacking prowess. The club staged a remarkable comeback against league leaders Feyenoord in a thrilling 3-3 draw that had AFAS Stadion rocking. Twice taking the lead against Robin van Persie’s men, AZ looked destined for disappointment when trailing late in the match.
However, Mexx Meerdink’s 98th-minute penalty salvaged a crucial point in what many are calling one of the matches of the season. The draw extended AZ’s remarkable home record, remaining unbeaten at AFAS Stadion in league matches since losing to Feyenoord back in April.
The statistics paint a picture of an attacking force to be reckoned with. AZ have scored three or more goals in their past four league games at home, including impressive 4-1 victories over both Heerenveen and Groningen. This goal-scoring form has been crucial to their early-season success and suggests they could be dark horses for European qualification once again.
Martens’ Tactical Revolution Taking Shape
Behind AZ’s impressive start lies the tactical acumen of head coach Maarten Martens, who has transformed the club since taking permanent charge. The 41-year-old Belgian, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career including spells at Anderlecht and PAOK, has brought a fresh approach to the North Holland outfit.
Martens initially joined AZ as an assistant coach before being promoted to the top job in January 2024 following Pascal Jensen’s dismissal. His impact was immediate, guiding the club to a fourth-place Eredivisie finish that secured European football for the 2024-25 season. The success earned him a three-year contract extension in May 2025, demonstrating the board’s confidence in his long-term vision.
The former attacking midfielder’s playing philosophy emphasises attractive, attacking football – a style that resonates perfectly with AZ’s traditions. His tactical setup has maximised the potential of key players whilst maintaining the defensive solidity necessary for consistent results.
Star Striker’s Injury Blow
AZ’s early-season momentum suffered a significant setback with the injury to star striker Troy Parrott. The 23-year-old Irishman had been in sensational form, scoring 10 goals in his first seven appearances of the campaign before suffering a knee ligament injury that will sideline him for several months.
Parrott’s absence represents a substantial blow for AZ’s attacking ambitions. The former Tottenham Hotspur forward, who joined the club for €8 million in July 2024, had become the focal point of Martens’ attacking system. His ability to find the net consistently – including a memorable four-goal haul against Heerenveen last season – made him one of the Eredivisie’s most feared strikers.
The Republic of Ireland international’s journey to AZ via loan spells at Preston North End and Excelsior Rotterdam showcased his development into a mature striker capable of leading the line at the highest level. His injury leaves a significant void that Martens must now address through tactical adjustments or alternative personnel.
European Adventures Continue
AZ’s strong domestic form has been complemented by their participation in the UEFA Conference League, where they secured qualification for the league phase. The club’s European pedigree, built over decades of Continental competition, continues to serve them well in their pursuit of silverware.
The Dutch outfit boasts an impressive European heritage, having reached the 1981 UEFA Cup final where they narrowly lost to Ipswich Town. That experience, combined with subsequent European campaigns, has established AZ as the fourth-most experienced Dutch club in Continental competition, behind only Ajax, PSV, and Feyenoord.
Their current Conference League campaign represents another opportunity to showcase their talents on the European stage whilst providing valuable experience for Martens’ young squad. The additional matches also offer financial benefits that help maintain their competitive edge in the transfer market.
Transfer Strategy Bearing Fruit
AZ’s current success stems partly from shrewd transfer business that has strengthened their squad whilst maintaining financial sustainability. The club’s ability to identify and develop talent has become a cornerstone of their operational model.
Recent departures include Ernest Poku and David Wolfe, moves that generated funds for reinvestment in the squad. This careful balance between selling assets and strengthening key positions demonstrates the strategic thinking that has kept AZ competitive despite budget constraints compared to the Eredivisie’s biggest spenders.
The development pathway from AZ’s academy continues to produce promising talents, with several young players breaking into the first team under Martens’ guidance. This blend of experienced signings and homegrown talent provides the foundation for sustained success.
AFAS Stadion Atmosphere
The club’s home ground, AFAS Stadion, has become a fortress that opposition teams fear visiting. With a capacity of 19,500, the venue consistently generates impressive attendance figures that create a hostile environment for visiting teams.
The stadium’s design ensures excellent acoustics that amplify the support from AZ’s passionate fanbase. Recent matches have seen near-capacity crowds, with the Feyenoord fixture attracting significant interest from neutral supporters who recognised the quality on display.
AZ’s supporters, known for their unwavering loyalty, have embraced Martens’ attractive playing style and responded with increased enthusiasm. The connection between team and fans has strengthened considerably, creating a positive cycle that benefits performances on the pitch.
Championship Aspirations Taking Shape
While it remains early in the season, AZ’s impressive start has generated genuine optimism about their championship prospects. Their current fifth-place position represents their highest standing at this stage for several seasons.
The gap to league leaders Feyenoord stands at just five points, a deficit that could easily be closed if AZ maintain their current form. More importantly, their unbeaten record suggests they possess the consistency required for a sustained title challenge.
Martens has been careful not to overstate his team’s ambitions publicly, preferring to focus on each match individually. However, privately, the coaching staff believe this squad possesses the quality necessary to compete with the Eredivisie’s traditional powerhouses.
Tactical Flexibility Key to Success
AZ’s tactical approach under Martens has evolved to maximise their available personnel whilst maintaining attacking intent. The coach’s willingness to adapt his system based on opposition analysis has proven crucial in securing positive results.
The team’s ability to score late goals demonstrates excellent physical conditioning and mental resilience. These characteristics, combined with technical quality throughout the squad, provide the foundation for success across multiple competitions.
Defensive solidity has improved markedly under Martens’ guidance, with the team conceding just seven goals in their opening five league matches. This balance between attacking flair and defensive responsibility suggests AZ have found a sustainable formula for success.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
The immediate challenge facing AZ involves maintaining momentum despite Parrott’s absence. Martens must identify alternative goal-scoring sources whilst ensuring the team’s overall performance levels remain high.
Upcoming fixtures will test AZ’s championship credentials, particularly matches against direct rivals for European qualification. The team’s response to these challenges will determine whether their strong start represents genuine progress or merely early-season form.
The Conference League campaign provides additional opportunities for success whilst potentially stretching squad resources. Managing this workload effectively could prove decisive in achieving their domestic objectives.
For more UK football culture and fan insights, explore these related reads:
Understanding the broader football transfer landscape helps contextualise AZ’s strategic approach. Similarly, examining World Cup preparations provides insight into international football’s influence on domestic competition.
The growing popularity of basketball and NFL among UK sports fans demonstrates changing viewing habits. Meanwhile, European football continues evolving, with clubs like OGC Nice facing similar challenges to AZ in competing with bigger budgets.
The rise of fantasy football culture also reflects how fans engage with sports beyond traditional boundaries, much like AZ’s growing international following.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AZ Alkmaar’s current position in the Eredivisie standings?
AZ Alkmaar currently sits in fifth place in the Eredivisie table with 11 points from five matches, having won three games and drawn two whilst remaining unbeaten.
Who is AZ Alkmaar’s current head coach?
Maarten Martens serves as AZ Alkmaar’s head coach, having taken permanent charge in January 2024 and recently signed a three-year contract extension through 2028.
What happened to Troy Parrott’s excellent start to the season?
Troy Parrott suffered a knee ligament injury at the end of August 2025 after scoring 10 goals in his first seven appearances, ruling him out for several months.
How did AZ perform in their recent match against Feyenoord?
AZ drew 3-3 with league leaders Feyenoord in a thrilling encounter, twice taking the lead before securing a dramatic 98th-minute equaliser through Mexx Meerdink.
Are AZ Alkmaar competing in European competition this season?
Yes, AZ Alkmaar have qualified for the UEFA Conference League league phase, continuing their tradition of European participation.
To Read More- London City News