sentences:  Although he briefly breaking his nose in the pre–season friendly match against Hertha BSC, van Eijden made his AZ debut in a third round second leg of the UEFA Europa League against PAS Giannina, in a 2–0 win to send them through to the next round.Three days later, on 7 August 2017, he made his league debut for the side, where he set up one of the goals, in a 2–2 draw against SC Heerenveen.Since making his debut, van Eijden established in the centre–back position with Ron Vlaar, a comment he said was his reason moving to AZ.