 Van der Wiel then set up two goals for Luis Suárez and Jan Vertonghen, who later scored again, in a 3–0 win over Vitesse on 28 September 2008.In a follow–up match against Heerenveen on 5 October 2008, Van der Wiel was sent-off for a second bookable offence in a 5–2 loss.Since returning from injury, he regained his first place at the club, playing in the right-back position.