Gonzalo Crettaz’s Rapid Rise: From Spanish Third Tier to Champions League with NEC

A dream within reach

For NEC Nijmegen goalkeeper Gonzalo Crettaz, the Champions League third qualifying round draw against Olympiakos Piraeus is more than a fixture — it is a measure of how far he has come in three years. The 26-year-old Argentine-born Spaniard was playing in Spain’s third division as recently as 2023. Now he stands between the posts for a Dutch club that is one two-legged tie away from the Champions League playoff round.

“I get goosebumps just thinking about it,” Crettaz told Voetbal International, reflecting on the rapid ascent.

The loterij that changed the week

NEC’s players had a few days off during the Nijmegen Vierdaagse festivities when the draw was made. Supporters gathered on the Faberplein to watch the live broadcast, but Crettaz was in Spain visiting friends. He learned of the opponent only when friends told him: “Hey, you’re playing Olympiakos!”

“Tough opponent, but there are opportunities,” Crettaz said. “For many players this will be the first time at this level. It will be special either way, and we are really looking forward to it. But yes, we are going for the win. They may have more experience, but nothing is impossible.”

A debt to Dick Schreuder

Crettaz credits his coach Dick Schreuder for the sudden leap in his career. When Schreuder took over NEC, he saw potential in the goalkeeper who had been a relative unknown in Dutch football. Crettaz has since become a regular starter, helping NEC secure a top-four Eredivisie finish last season and a place in the Champions League qualifiers.

“I am eternally grateful to Dick Schreuder,” Crettaz said. “He believed in me when many others didn’t. He gave me the confidence to perform at this level.”

The goalkeeper’s path was anything but linear. Born in Argentina, he moved to Spain as a child and came through the youth systems of several Spanish clubs. He played for CD Eldense in the third division before a move to the Netherlands in 2024. Within a year, he had established himself as a first-choice keeper in the Eredivisie.

Key facts

Olympiakos test: experience vs hunger

Olympiakos, a regular in European competition, brings a squad packed with continental experience. NEC, by contrast, has several players who have never played in the Champions League. The Greek side is expected to control possession and rely on set pieces, an area where Crettaz will need to be sharp.

NEC’s preparation has been focused on tactical discipline and pressing, but the human element is equally important. For Crettaz, facing a club like Olympiakos is a validation of his decision to leave the familiar surroundings of Spanish football for a new challenge in the Netherlands.

“Every day I wake up and think about how far I’ve come,” he said. “It motivates me to work even harder. I want to show that this is not a fluke.”

What this means for NEC’s season

A win over Olympiakos would put NEC one step away from the Champions League group stage — a financial and sporting windfall for a club of NEC’s size. Even if they fall short, the experience gained by players like Crettaz is invaluable for the Eredivisie campaign ahead.

For the fans, seeing a goalkeeper who was playing in Spain’s third tier three years ago now facing Olympiakos is a story of perseverance and smart recruitment. It also highlights the role of coaches like Dick Schreuder, who are willing to take chances on players from less visible leagues.

Crettaz remains grounded. “Nothing is impossible,” he repeated. “We have to be focused, but we also have to enjoy the moment. It’s a chance that doesn’t come often.”

Source: Voetbal International – “De weg naar de top van Gonzalo Crettaz: ‘Ben Dick Schreuder eeuwig dankbaar’” (https://www.vi.nl/pro/de-weg-naar-de-top-van-gonzalo-crettaz-ben-dick-schreuder-eeuwig-dankbaar)