The 2001-02 campaign was a tense year of survival for FC Groningen as The Pride of the North finished a precarious 15th in the Eredivisie, successfully navigating clear of the relegation play-offs. Leading the attack and providing crucial goals was forward Ignacio Tuhuteru, whose 8 goals were vital to the cause. More significantly, the season marked the continued, steady improvement of the emerging youth prodigy, Arjen Robben. The future global superstar featured prominently, scoring 6 goals and cementing his status before his landmark transfer to PSV, a transfer that signaled the incredible potential developed by the club.