Lennard Hartjes

Lennard Hartjes is a 23-year-old Dutch central midfielder currently playing for Excelsior in the Eredivisie. He arrived at the club in the summer of 2024 in a transfer reported at around 250,000 euros, and has established himself as a regular presence in the engine room during the 2025/26 campaign. His trophy cabinet already includes a Europa Conference League winner's medal, a notable achievement for a player still in the early stages of his senior career.

Across 16 appearances this season, Hartjes has accumulated 1,129 minutes and carries a season average rating of 6.73, reflecting a steady if unspectacular contribution. He has yet to register a goal or assist, which underlines his role as a functional, positional midfielder rather than a creative outlet. His best individual display in recent weeks came in the 1-1 draw at Heracles, where he earned a rating of 6.86 and completed the full 90 minutes. He was substituted before the hour mark in the home defeat to SC Heerenveen, and his rating dipped to 6.44 in the 0-2 home loss to NEC Nijmegen, suggesting some inconsistency as the season has progressed into its later stages.

Excelsior's recent results tell a mixed story: a draw at PEC Zwolle, a point at Heracles, and a narrow defeat at Feyenoord sit alongside two home losses that will have frustrated the club. Hartjes has been a consistent starter throughout, suggesting the coaching staff value his defensive discipline and positional awareness even when results have not gone their way. SportSignals' AI analysis engine has tracked several of Excelsior's matches this season, noting the team's tendency to compete closely against mid-table opposition while struggling to convert pressure into goals.

In Excelsior's upcoming fixture, it will be worth monitoring whether Hartjes is again used for the full 90 minutes or managed carefully, given he has been substituted in two of his last five outings. His ability to win the ball and maintain shape in central areas will be key to how Excelsior control the tempo, particularly if they are chasing a result late in the season.