Udinese’s difficult spell deepened in Turin, where a 2-1 defeat to Torino became their fourth straight league loss. Yet amid an attack still short of solutions, Jurgen Ekkelenkamp again offered the Friulani a measure of resistance, scoring the equaliser and confirming his growing importance to the season.
A defeat that extends Udinese’s difficult run
Torino, coached by Abate, ultimately took the points through Kulenovic’s winner, a goal shaped by an error from Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. For Udinese, the result reinforced a problem that has been building: results are poor and the shortage of attacking options continues to restrict the team’s plans.
- Torino moved ahead before Udinese found a route back into the match.
- Ekkelenkamp produced the temporary 1-1 with persistence inside the move, seeing an initial left-footed effort blocked by Comuzzo before converting the loose ball with his second attempt.
- Kulenovic then scored the decisive goal for Torino after Okoye’s mistake, sealing a 2-1 home win.
- The final whistle left Udinese with four consecutive Serie A defeats.
Ekkelenkamp provides a bright note
The Dutch midfielder, born in 2000, has been among the few Udinese players able to supply a regular attacking contribution during this difficult sequence. His strike in Turin was his third goal of the current campaign, following the assist he registered in the opening match against Como.
Ekkelenkamp completed last season with five goals and three assists from 31 rated appearances. His output has already begun to suggest a higher ceiling this time around, helped by a role that places him further forward and gives him more opportunities around goal.
Numbers behind the early-season rise
Across six rated appearances this season, Ekkelenkamp has delivered three goals and one assist, without a disciplinary or other negative scoring deduction. His fantasy average stands at 8.08, putting his early returns alongside leading midfield names such as Kevin De Bruyne and Adrien Rabiot in fantasy terms.
| Category | Ekkelenkamp’s record |
|---|---|
| Rated appearances this season | 6 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Fantasy average | 8.08 |
| Value before matchday six | 36 credits |
| Increase in value | 11 credits |
His valuation was 36 credits before the sixth round, but the recent performances have already produced an increase of 11 credits. Udinese need the collective picture to change quickly; Ekkelenkamp, however, is establishing himself as a midfielder capable of delivering goals and assists with consistency, with room still to grow before he reaches the most expensive level in his position.
