Top Ten: Eredivisie summer transfer targets
So we all got it wrong then- McClaren isn’t that bad after all- the former national laughing stock was held as high as the trophy after guiding FC Twente to the league title. But apart from McClaren’s dodgy accent what other gems does the Dutch top division have to offer? Remember this was the place that un-earthed Cruyff, Gullit and Van Basten; as well of course that Ajax team of 95 that were Champions League victors. The home of total football may not have had the recognition it deserves in recent years, but Sport.co.uk takes a look at 10 potential Holland-based stars.
L Suarez- Ajax
An obvious choice after finishing the season as the league’s top scorer. The Uruguayan may be familiar to Tottenham fans after he reportedly turned down a move to White Hart Lane in January. Still only 23 he’s made an impact on the national scene and has built the foundation of a formidable partnership with Liverpool nemesis Diego Forlan. Coincidentally Rafa has had a look at the forward as too has Mr Wenger. There’s no doubt he will move on to another top club, it’s just a case of where and when.
Bryan Ruiz- FC Twente
Was an unknown quantity when joining the champions last season, but has certainly gone on to answer any doubters. The left sided attacker may not be in the same league as Messi but with over 20 goals this season there’s no doubting he has potential. The Costa Rican is the leading marksmen for the league winners and the 25 year old could well be a cost-efficient alternative to the little Argentinean. With an eye for a goal and the ability to create a chance as well, Steve McClaren may well have trouble keeping hold of him.
Maarten Stekelenburg-Ajax
The man with the unenviable task of taking over from Edwin Van Der Sar in the net for the national side is starting to draw comparisons with his aforementioned senior. Tall, uncompromising and a regular starter for club and country, he has all the attributes that made the Manchester United keeper such a success. Still only 27- a baby in goalkeeping years- Stekelenburg may be content with a starting role in Amsterdam, but there’s no doubt he’s an attractive proposition to any potential suitor.
Ron Vlaar- Feyenoord.
The centre half is a part of Bert Van Marwijk’s squad and a regular starter for club Feyenoord. His solid performances have attracted interest from German side Werder Bremen and it is reported that an offer in the region of 7 million Euros would prise the centre half away. Granted the Eredivise may not be as high standard as the Prem, but remember; who had heard of Thomas Vermaelen last summer and think of the impact the Belgian has made. Given this there’s no reason why Vlaar can’t do the same.
Stef Nijiland- PSV
The young striker spent part of the season on loan with Willem II scoring 4 goals in 16 games. He’s played for Holland at B team level and will be looking to establish himself in parent club PSV Eindhoven’s first team. Although his goal-scoring record may not be the most impressive on paper, he must have shown something that convinced PSV to sign him from Groningen in 2008. At 21 it’s time for him to start making his mark and next year could well be the season to do it.
Mounir El Hamdaoui- AZ Alkmaar
Now this may be a name recognizable to fans on these shores, especially those of a Derby or Tottenham persuasion. The Moroccan had fleeting spells at both clubs before moving on to Willem II and then his current club. He was leading scorer in the 2008-2009 season and finished the last campaign with 19 goals. At 25 he’s certainly at a good age to go and make an impact if he did choose to leave AZ and he certainly has the pedigree to warrant a big money move. Although potential bidders beware, we all remember how many goals Afonso Alves scored in Holland before Middlesbrough paid nearly £13 million for him.
Gil Sweerts- AZ Alkmaar
Has recently dropped down the pecking order at AZ and this has apparently alerted the interest of West Brom who want him to help with their survival bid. Although the bid was not acknowledged by Sweerts, the versatile Belgian did admit the lure on the Premiership would be difficult to resist. Although unlikely to set the proverbial world alight, he could certainly do a job in most teams in the Premier League and his battling qualities could well prove an attractive proposition for any newly promoted team.
Bas Dost-Heracles Almelo
He had to be included purely on name alone- but on a serious note the striker has been an integral part of surprise package Heracles Almelo’s successful season. The unknown quantities finished 6th this campaign with the centre forward notching 14 goals in 34 games. Signed for only 300,000 Euros in 2008, Dost could well prove to be a steal if this season proves not to be a flash in the pan. Still only 20 he is a part of the Dutch U21 squad and with such an exciting start to his career it’s not misjudged to expect even more to come.
Gregory Van Der Wiel- Ajax
The rookie defender is already causing quite a stir on the continent attracting interest from some of Europe’s top clubs as well as starting each week for another in the shape of Ajax. Juventus have reportedly made contact with Dutch club about the possibility of a transfer and interest is still alive from these shores with Manchester City and Arsenal both coveting the right back. His speed and attack minded nature would certainly add something else to the Premier League but either way he is undoubtedly one to watch.
Wout Brama- FC Twente
The defensive midfielder was only recognised at international level last year despite appearing over 100 times in the Eredivise. A product of the FC Twente academy he’s a permanent fixture in the team and has just completed his fifth season at the club. Never going to be a world-beater, but certainly competent enough and with time on his side to improve. The fact as well that he is now being honoured with national caps shows that his stock is rising and Wout be a welcome addition to most squads.
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