Schouten and Goes are the central defenders of AZ's defence this season. They know each other well, having grown up together in the club's youth academy. "We boost each other's confidence, stay sharp and know each other's strengths," says Schouten. They have been playing together for six Eredivisie matches, but their partnership is built on years of familiarity. Schouten praises Goes as a skilled player, while Goes says Schouten hasn't changed much since their youth days. The duo will face Sunderland's Bryan Brobbey, who has previously clashed with Goes during his time at Ajax.