NEC eyes European return as young star Dirk Proper battles injuries

NEC, the Nijmegen football club, is gearing up for a European campaign, hoping to face Olympiakos in Greece and potentially advance toward the Champions League. The club recalls its last appearance in European competition during the 2008/09 season, when it reached the knockout stage of the UEFA Cup.

At the same time, NEC's promising academy graduate Dirk Proper, who signed his first professional contract and captained the under‑16 national team, has struggled with a series of injuries, including a severe shoulder dislocation and a concussion. Despite these setbacks, the club remains confident in his talent and expects him to contribute to their upcoming European matches.