FC Twenty Vs. Bodo/Glimt Predictions: Mees Hilgers Become A Pillar Of Defense In The Europa League Krucial Match

Mees Hilgers has become an integral part of the FC Twenty defense (photo: x @fctwente)

FC Twenty will host Bodo/Glimt at De Grolsch Veste in the knockout play-off match of the Europa League on Thursday night, February 13. This match is a big challenge for Joseph Oosting's team, who want to extend their unbeaten record to five matches in all competitions. On the other hand, Bodo/Glimt came with the status of 2024 Eliteserien champions and are determined to achieve positive results on Dutch soil.

One of the figures who will be the key in this match is Mees Hilgers. The center-back who was born on May 13, 2001 has been an integral part of the FC Twenty defense since promotion to the first team in 2020. With a straightforward playing style and good playing skills, Hilgers became one of the most consistent players in the back lines.

Hilgers have been solid throughout the 2023-2024 Eredivisie season, helping Twenty finish third in the club's best finish in a decade. His performance in the domestic league was also carried into European competition, although Twente had difficulties in the Europa League group stage. However, the victory over Malmo and Besiktas ensured they qualified for the knockout phase.

Facing Bodo/Glimt, Hilgers will have a duet with his talents in maintaining the resilience of the Twente back line. Dealing with the Norwegian team's explosive attack line, reinforced by Kasper Waarts Hogh and Jens Petter Hauge, Hilgers must perform optimally in order to keep Twente's unbeaten record at home in league and European matches.

One of the advantages of Twenty this season is their brilliant performance at De Grolsch Veste. Tukkers is one of the few unbeaten Eredivisie teams at home, level with giants like Ajax and PSV Eindhoven. This impressive record will certainly be valuable capital against a team like Bodo/Glimt.

Bodo/Glimt themselves are the dominant power in Norway in the last five years. After winning the 2024 Eliteserieen title with a 5-2 win over Lillestrom, they are entering a new season with high motivation. However, their journey in the Europa League is not as easy as in the domestic league. Kjetil Knutsen's team had to settle for finishing ninth in the group stage, so they had to go through the play-offs to reach the last 16.

Bodo/Glimt have a solid squad with a combination of young and experienced players. One of the things to watch out for is Kasper Waarts Hogh, who is the club's top scorer at the 2024 Eliteserieen and has scored three goals in the Europa League this season. If Twenty wants to win, Hilgers and his colleagues in the back lines must be able to keep the Danish striker's movement down.

As Twente's main centre-back, Hilgers is not only responsible for defending aspects, but also has an important role in building attacks from the back lines. With good feedback accuracy, he is often the initiator of team attacks. His ability in aerial duels is also a mainstay weapon in anticipating dead balls from opponents.

In the match against Bodo/Glimt, Hilgers are likely to be paired with Gustaf Lagerbielke at the heart of defense. Both must be able to maintain good communication and backline organizations, especially in the face of high pressure from opponents. With his experience, Hilgers is predicted to be the defense leader of Twente in this crucial match.

In terms of player fitness, Twente had to play without Younes Taha who had a broken leg since last September. Even so, they still have many options in attack, including Daan Rots who scored a winning goal over Besiktas in the last match of the group phase.

Meanwhile, Bodo/Glimt also lost some important players. Daniel Bassi and Gute Hoberg Vetti are still in the treatment room, as are Samuel Burakovsky who have not debuted since joining last summer. However, they still have enough squad depth to provide fierce resistance at Enschede.

This match will be a big test for Twente and Mees Hilgers individually. Facing Bodo/Glimt's attack line which has high speed and creativity, this 23-year-old defender must appear in his best form to ensure Tukkers go further in the Europa League. With full support from supporters at De Grolsch Veste, Hilgers and his team have ambitions to secure victory and look to the last 16 with full confidence.

FC Twenty: Unnerstall; Van Rooij, Bruns, Hilgers, Salah-Eddine; Vlap, Sadilek, Rots, Steijn, Ltaief; Van Wolfswinkel

Bodo/Glimt: Haikin; Sjovold, Nielsen, Gundersen, Bjorkan; Evjen, Berg, Saltnes; Maatta, Hauge, Hogh