Goal.com Special: The Eredivisie’s Top 25 Talents

The Eredivisie has been the launching pad of the careers of several star players. Wesley Sneijder, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie and Christian Chivu are just a few names with a history in the Dutch league. Once again, a number of upcoming stars are ready to shine at the big stage.

Goal.com Holland’s Top-25:

25.Leroy Fer (Feyenoord): The versatile young midfielder made his debut last year and has developed into an important first team member this campaign.

24. Kevin Strootman (Sparta): The only player from a “smaller” team on this list. The hot prospect has been one of Sparta’s top performers so far this season.

23. Diego Biseswar (Feyenoord): Biseswar was surplus to requirements last summer, but has fought back and scored six league goals for the beleaguered Rotterdam side this term.

22. Urby Emanuelson (Ajax): The left footed midfielder was considered to be one of Holland’s hottest prospect about two years ago, but endured a setback in his development. Emanuelson has returned to the starting XI as left winger this campaign and has been quite impressive.

21. Gregory van der Wiel (Ajax): Van der Wiel has not convinced all his critics yet, but he keeps on getting better by the day. Can play as a centre back and as a right back.

20. Ismail Aissati (Ajax): The young Moroccan has yet to make his official Ajax debut, but he is still a huge prospect. Desperately needs regular first team football.

19. Hector Moreno (AZ): The young Mexican is one of the few real defenders in the Eredivisie. AZ have kept thirteen clean sheets so far this season and that is partially thanks to Moreno’s consistent performances.

18. Lasse Schöne (NEC): He made the move from relegation candidates De Graafschap to UEFA Cup hopefuls NEC last summer and immediately showed his huge potential.

17. Jonathan de Guzman (Feyenoord): The talented playmaker was linked with a move to a bigger team last summer, but a knee injury ruined his season and definite break through.

16. Kenneth Vermeer (Ajax): Ajax’s back-up goalie impressed with a string of outstanding performances during Maarten Stekelenburg’s injury. Vermeer might already be too good to warm the bench.

15. Roy Beerens (Heerenveen): The former PSV youngster needed some time to adapt to live in Heerenveen, but has been one of the revelations of the season. Has already been linked with a move to AC Milan.

14. Sergio Romero (AZ): The young Argentinean international is the best goalie on this list. Romero has showed his class on several occasions this season and simply is an excellent shot stopper.

13. Nordin Amrabat (PSV): The tricky winger has huge potential, but has not been part of PSV’s starting XI every week due to injury trouble. Won’t regret leaving VVV for PSV though.

12. Niklas Moisander (AZ): Signed for AZ from second tier side Zwolle last summer, but the former Ajax starlet looks like a long life veteran while on the pitch. Always cool on the ball and an excellent marker too.

11. Marko Arnautovic (FC Twente): Arnautovic was on the verge of joining Feyenoord last summer, but Twente eventually vetoed the deal. He has scored seven league goals so far this season for the Enschede side.

10. Douglas (FC Twente): Douglas joined Twente in 2008 and quickly earned a spot in the starting XI. He’s a nightmare for several strikers and is destined for a great career.

9. Georginio Wijnaldum (Feyenoord): Wijnaldum ohas nly just turned eighteen, but has been Feyenoord’s best player so far this season. Fiorentina and Napoli are closely monitoring the young midfielder’s situation.

8. Marcus Berg (FC Groningen): The Swedish striker started scoring as soon as he commenced his Dutch career. Already made his international debut for Sweden and will probably leave Groningen next summer in a big money move.

7. Jan Vertonghen (Ajax): The Belgian defender was not the right person to fill the gap at left back. Nevertheless, he is the perfect centre back for Ajax with his superb passing.

6. Eljero Elia (FC Twente): Went from benchwarmer at ADO Den Haag to star player at Twente within a season. Will he join Ajax or PSV in the near future?

5. Miralem Sulejmani (Ajax): The Serbian winger is the most expensive player in the Eredivisie. Has not found his best form yet after his transfer, but there is no doubting his class.

4. Dirk Marcellis (PSV): Marcellis is Holland’s best young defender. He is indispensable for PSV and is likely to develop into an important player for Oranje, too.

3. Moussa Dembélé (AZ): The forward scored an absolutely beautiful solo effort against Willem II this season. The star player for Belgium and AZ has already attracted the interest of Fiorentina.

2. Ibrahim Afellay (PSV): Afellay is the key man for PSV in midfield with his creativity and intelligent passing. He is surprisingly efficient in front of the goal this campaign. Arsene Wenger is eager to add the playmaker to his squad.

1. Luis Suarez (Ajax): Suarez is the Eredivisie’s most valuable player at the moment. He’s a serious threat for any defence with his mazy runs and clinical finishing. The former Groningen star has reportedly already attracted the interest of Barcelona.

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