AZ Alkmaar 2-2 PEC Zwolle Player Ratings: Koen Kostons Rated 9/10 as Thrilling 2-2 Draw Sees Points Shared

PEC Zwolle, the team that was not even in the top 10 of the Dutch league and had lost their last 3 matches, had drawn the match with AZ Alkmaar, the team that had a great start to the 2025/26 season. A game that was dominated by AZ Alkmaar from the first whistle to the last saw only a few spells of PEC Zwolle, on which the Dutch team capitalized, and the rest was done by the defensive line to earn a point. AZ will feel like they dropped two points. They dominated possession and created a flurry of chances, racking up an incredible 24 shots throughout the match.

They took the lead twice. First through a superb long-range strike from Kees Smit in the 38th minute. Then a late first-half header from Weslley Patati restored their advantage just before the break. But they just couldn't shake off a resilient PEC Zwolle side.

PEC Zwolle were clinical, to say the least. They soaked up pressure and hit back with venom. Koen Kostons was the hero for the visitors, bagging a brace with ruthless efficiency. His goals cancelled out AZ's leads almost immediately. It was a classic clash of styles, and ultimately, a fair result based on the fight shown by both teams.

Here are AZ Alkmaar Vs PEC Zwolle Player Ratings

AZ Player Ratings vs PEC Zwolle

Here are AZ Alkmaar Player Ratings vs PEC Zwolle

Goalkeeper

Rome Jayden Owusu-Oduro - 6.5: A mixed bag for the keeper. He conceded two goals but couldn't really be faulted for either, especially the clinical finishes from Kostons. He did make three saves, including two from inside the box, which kept his team from falling behind. His distribution was decent enough with 80% accuracy. We noticed he recovered the ball 8 times which shows good anticipation.

Defenders

Wouter Goes - 7.0: A solid performance at the back. What stood out to us was his comfort on the ball, completing 86 of 95 passes. He was composed and helped build from the back against the press. He made a crucial interception and a clearance, and only lost one duel all game. He was a steady presence in a defence that was under sporadic but intense pressure.

Alexandre Penetra - 7.0: Very tidy with the ball, boasting a 95% pass accuracy. He wasn't tested too much in duels but made two important interceptions and a couple of clearances. He even got forward to deliver a perfect cross and had a header that went just wide in the second half. A reliable and composed display from the defender.

Denso Kasius - 7.0: A very active performance down the flank. From our perspective, he was a constant outlet, firing off four shots and putting in three crosses. He was involved in a lot of AZ's attacks and created two chances for his teammates. Defensively he was okay winning four of his seven duels but was part of a backline that switched off twice.

Mees de Wit - 6.5: A frustrating night for him. He was excellent on the ball with 93% pass accuracy and recovered the ball nine times showing great energy. He also created two chances, including a big one. However, he also missed two shots of his own and couldn't provide the final product that was needed. A decent outing but lacked that decisive touch.

Midfielders

Peer Koopmeiners - 6.5: Unlucky not to score, hitting the woodwork with a close-range effort. He was combative in midfield, winning 6 of his 10 duels and making three tackles. However he was also a bit clumsy, committing three fouls before being substituted after 66 minutes. He had some bright moments but didn't dominate the game as he would have liked.

Weslley Patati - 8.0: Scored a crucial goal with a well-taken header just before halftime. He was a livewire throughout his 85 minutes on the pitch, taking four shots and creating two chances. His direct running caused problems, and he was a constant threat. From our perspective, he was one of AZ's most dangerous players.

Sven Mijnans - 8.5: What a performance from the captain. From our perspective, he was the creative hub for everything good AZ did. Two assists tell part of the story, but the five key passes he made show his relentless influence. He was constantly probing the PEC Zwolle defence trying to unlock it. He even had a couple of shots himself. A true captain's display, just a shame his team couldn't hold on for the win.

Kees Smit - 8.0: Scored a fantastic goal from outside the box to open the scoring. He was buzzing with creativity, making four key passes and creating four chances for his team. His energy was infectious, though he did pick up a yellow card for his troubles. A brilliant attacking display before he was substituted late on.

Ro-Zangelo Daal - 7.5: Extremely creative during his time on the pitch. In just 67 minutes, he created four chances, including one big chance, and looked dangerous every time he got the ball. He also worked hard, winning seven of his nine duels. It was a surprise to see him substituted, as he was causing real problems for the opposition defence.

Forwards

Mexx Meerdink - 6.5: A frustrating evening for the striker. He got into good positions and managed four shots, but only one was on target. What really defined his night was the big chance he missed. He worked hard and linked up play well at times, but a striker is judged on goals, and he couldn't find the net today.

Substitutes

Jordy Clasie - 6.0: Came on for Koopmeiners but didn't have a major impact on the game's flow.

Isak Jensen - 6.5: Looked lively after coming on, setting up one chance and having a shot go close.

Matej Sín - N/A: Not on the pitch long enough to warrant a rating.

Lequincio Zeefuik - 6.0: Had a couple of late chances, including a header he should have done better with.

Manager

M. Martens - 6.0: His team played some beautiful, attacking football and created an abundance of chances. However, he will be deeply disappointed that they let a lead slip twice. The inability to manage the game and see out a win at home is a major concern. His substitutions also didn't quite have the desired effect.

PEC Zwolle Player Ratings vs AZ Alkmaar

Here are PEC Zwolle Player Ratings vs AZ Alkmaar

Goalkeeper

Tom de Graaff - 8.0: An outstanding performance from the visiting goalkeeper. He made a massive seven saves, five of which were from shots inside the box, to keep his team in the contest. AZ had 24 shots, and without de Graaff's heroics, this could have been a very different story. A commanding display between the sticks.

Defenders

Sherel Floranus - 5.5: It was a difficult night for the defender. He struggled to contain AZ's fluid attack and was dribbled past twice. He lost most of his duels and seemed off the pace for large parts of the match. Not his finest hour against a top attacking side.

Olivier Aertssen - 6.0: He had a torrid time, getting dribbled past three times and picking up a yellow card. It was a tough defensive assignment, and he struggled before being substituted. He did make six clearances and created a couple of chances going forward but was a liability at the back.

Anselmo García MacNulty - 6.5: A busy evening for the centre-back. He made two crucial blocked shots and four clearances, throwing his body on the line. He was solid in his duels, winning all three he contested. He did what was asked of him in a defence that was under siege for long periods.

Simon Graves - 7.0: An absolute rock at the back. We counted an incredible 10 clearances from him, which shows how much pressure the defence was under. He was a commanding presence, winning his duels and organising the backline. A gritty, old-school defensive performance that was vital for his team.

Midfielders

Zico Buurmeester - 6.0: Had a quiet first half before being substituted at the break. He was neat in possession but didn't offer much in an attacking or defensive sense. He made a couple of blocks but was largely anonymous in a frantic game.

Thijs Oosting - 7.5: Provided a brilliant assist for Kostons' second goal. He was a creative spark for his team, making two key passes, but also worked tirelessly off the ball. He made three tackles and four clearances, showing a great all-round game. A very impressive and energetic performance.

Ryan Thomas - 6.0: The captain had a difficult game. An error from him led to a shot for the opposition, and he struggled to impose himself on the midfield battle. He was substituted just before the hour mark after a performance that lacked his usual influence. Not the best day at the office for him.

Forwards

Koen Kostons - 9.0: Simply sensational. This was a masterclass in clinical finishing from the PEC Zwolle forward. He had three shots on target and scored two goals. That's the kind of efficiency that wins you points away from home. What stood out to us was his positioning and composure for both goals. He was the difference-maker and without a doubt, the highest-rated player on the pitch. An absolutely top-tier performance.

Jan Faberski - 7.0: Provided the assist for the first equalizer and looked threatening. He created two chances and was always looking to make things happen. He put in a good shift defensively as well, tracking back and making a tackle. A good, solid contribution from the attacker.

Kaj de Rooij - 5.5: A really tough outing for the attacker. We noticed he struggled to get into the game at all. He lost possession 13 times and his error led to a shot for the opposition, which is never good. While he drew a few fouls his overall contribution was minimal. He just couldn't find his rhythm and looked frustrated.

Substitutes

Jadiel Pereira da Gama - 6.0: Came on at halftime and put in a decent shift.

David Voute - 6.0: Replaced the captain and helped see out the draw.

Shola Shoretire - 6.0: Added some fresh legs but didn't see much of the ball.

Dylan Mbayo - N/A: Not on long enough to rate.

Tristan Gooijer - 5.5: Came on and immediately got booked, looked a bit rash.

Manager

Henry van der Vegt - 7.5: He deserves immense credit. His team was outplayed for large spells but showed incredible heart and resilience. The game plan to be compact and clinical on the counter worked to perfection. His side came from behind twice away from home to snatch a point. A tactical victory for him.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match is Koen Kostons