The Dutch Eredivisie’s Team of the Year is a time for celebration and recognition of the year’s best players. However, it’s also a reminder of the fleeting nature of talent in this demanding sport. The Eredivisie is a breeding ground for future stars, but those stars often don’t stay for long. The allure of bigger leagues and lucrative contracts inevitably tempts them away from their Dutch roots. It’s a constant cycle of building and rebuilding, a constant wave of change.
This year is no different. We reluctantly present the Team of the Year. Many of these players will likely be playing for different teams next season. We can only hope that a few will remain, but let’s take a moment to appreciate their individual brilliance.
The Best of the Best
Michel Vorm (FC Utrecht) – A steady and reliable presence, Vorm’s performances in a rather unremarkable Utrecht team were notable. He earned a call-up to the Dutch national team for his efforts.
Gill Swerts (AZ) – The Belgian wing-back thrived in AZ’s counter-attacking system. A solid defender and a dangerous attacker, Swerts was a valuable asset to the team.
Andreas Granqvist (FC Groningen) – This Wigan Athletic alumnus made a strong impression at FC Groningen. His impressive physique and heading ability made him a defensive rock, but it was his sensational goals that truly caught the eye.
Douglas (FC Twente) – The central defender, plucked from the Brazilian Serie C just two years ago, emerged as a dominant force in the Eredivisie. His intimidating presence and skill made him a standout defender, potentially the best to emerge from the Netherlands since Jaap Stam.
Sebastien Pocognoli (AZ) – Partnering with Swerts on the left flank, Pocognoli benefited from manager Louis van Gaal’s system. He took advantage of the opportunities created by AZ’s attack, proving himself to be a valuable asset.
Demy de Zeeuw (AZ) – De Zeeuw’s masterfully crafted through-balls made AZ’s offense a thing of beauty.
Kenneth Perez (FC Twente) – A veteran of the Dutch game, Perez overcame a tumultuous career path to lead FC Twente to a strong second-place finish, ahead of both Ajax and PSV.
Danijel Pranjic (Heerenveen) – A consistently strong performer, Pranjic’s goalscoring prowess helped Heerenveen to a respectable fifth-place finish.
Luis Suarez (Ajax) – A player who both irritates and inspires, Suarez continued to shine even after the departure of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. His talent nearly single-handedly redeemed a lackluster Ajax attack.
Mounir El Hamdaoui (AZ) – A true goal-scoring machine, El Hamdaoui’s dominance in front of goal was unmatched.
Eljero Elia (FC Twente) – Elia is a young talent with the potential to become a top-class left-winger. He followed in the footsteps of Dutch legends Marc Overmars and Arjen Robben, showcasing his exceptional skills throughout the season.
The Rise of the Provinces
It’s interesting to note that only one player from the traditional big three teams (PSV, Ajax and Feyenoord) made it into the Team of the Year. This is a reflection of a season that saw a resurgence of the provinces.
The established order in the Eredivisie seems to be crumbling. The league’s hierarchy is becoming more balanced, creating a truly meritocratic environment. This has sparked renewed interest in the Eredivisie and has attracted new fans from all over the country.
Dramatic Relegation Battle
At the other end of the table, the fight to avoid relegation was intense and dramatic. Teams were fighting tooth and nail to stay in the Eredivisie. In a testament to the unpredictable nature of the game, the relegation battle was decided in the final minutes of the season.
Volendam, despite a heroic effort, was relegated to the First Division. They narrowly missed out on survival, ultimately succumbing to their ninth relegation from the Eredivisie.
Changes and Uncertainty
Managerial changes are also afoot in the Eredivisie. Louis van Gaal, the architect of AZ’s success, is rumored to be leaving for Bayern Munich. His departure would mark another significant change in the Dutch football landscape.
The departure of Van Gaal is just the beginning. Key players like Dembélé and El Hamdaoui are attracting interest from top clubs abroad, and Ajax, which lost its manager Marco van Basten, is facing a crisis of confidence.
As the Dutch Eredivisie enters a new season, the question remains: will it be the same old story of rising stars leaving for greener pastures or will the league establish a new, more stable foundation? Only time will tell.
