Feyenoord defender Jan Plug loaned to Excelsior for development

Jan Plug, a 21‑year‑old central defender and nephew of former Dutch international Dirk Kuyt, has been loaned by Feyenoord to city rivals Excelsior for the 2023‑24 season. The move aims to give him regular playing minutes, replacing outgoing defender Casper Widell, and to help him develop the skills needed to break into Feyenoord’s first team. Plug, who remains under contract with Feyenoord until mid‑2028, said his goal is to improve week by week and become a more versatile player by experiencing a different defensive style at Excelsior.

During a pre‑season friendly against Heracles Almelo, Plug started the match and highlighted the mentorship he receives from Widell, who remains at Excelsior on loan. He emphasized the importance of learning the finer details of defending and adapting to a lower‑line, more defensive role compared with Feyenoord’s dominant style.