Who are the best Eredivisie players of all time? The Netherlands highest level of football, the league began in 1956 and has produced some of the greatest talents in history.
The “Total Football” system was developed and perfected in the Eredivisie and changed the game completely. One of the most pioneering leagues in the world, lets take a look at the ten best Eredivisie players ever:
10. Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk had played for the Willem II youth team since the age of 8, before eventually being released at age 19. He joined Groningen where he would play for three seasons before moving to Celtic, despite a preference for Ajax.
It was obvious from his days at Groningen that Van Dijk was smooth on the ball, was strong in the air and had strong leadership abilities. He’s since gone on to be one of the greatest Liverpool players of all time, and one of the best Eredivisie players ever.
9. Willy van der Kuijlen
The greatest scorer in Eredivisie history, Willy van der Kuijlen scored 308 goals from 528 appearances for PSV, and added another three goals at MVV for a total of 311 in the league.
During his 18 years at PSV he won three league titles on the back of his devastating and powerful shot. Due to clashes with Johan Cruyff he only sporadically played for the Dutch which impacted his international reputation.
8. Sjaak Swart
Sjaak Swart, known as “Mr. Ajax,” spent his entire 17-year career on the wing for Ajax and amassed a total of 461 Eredivisie games. A regular in the scoresheet he scored 170 goals.
Part of the Ajax team that dominated in the late 1960s and early 1970s, he helped the club to eight league titles, three European Cups and back-to-back European Supercups.
7. Frank de Boer
Frank de Boer had a significant impact during his 11 seasons at Ajax where he won the league title five times. Whether at left or centre back, he was an exceptional defender who often initiated attacks from the back.
De Boer was instrumental in the club’s domestic and European successes, including winning the UEFA Champions League in 1995 before a move to Barcelona in 1998.
6. Rafael van der Vaart
Dutch attacking midfielder Rafael van der Vaart started at Ajax’s famed youth academy at age 10 and became one of the best Eredivisie players as a 17-year old with his vision, passing, and a knack for scoring goals.
Van der Vaart left for Hamburg at age 22 after six seasons and claiming two Eredivisie crowns. Although he somewhat fell short of his potential, he showed us why he was the “Golden Boy” of European football while at Ajax.
5. Arjen Robben
Arjen Robben is hailed as one of the best Eredivisie players as well as being one of Bayern Munich’s greatest. His explosive speed and dribbling ability made him one of the most feared wingers of his generation.
In 108 Eredivisie matches across five seasons for Groningen and PSV he made a significant impact on the league with his ability to change games with spectacular dribbles and exquisite finishing.
4. Dennis Bergkamp
One of the most creative, technically brilliant and elegant strikers, Dennis Bergkamp attracted the attention of Europe’s big clubs after seven seasons with Ajax, an Eredivisie title and a UEFA Cup crown.
Before Bergkamp became an Arsenal legend he was Eredivisie top scorer three times during his time at Ajax. He totalled 103 goals in 185 appearances in the league and was known to score from virtually any position.
3. Ruud Gullit
Ruud Gullit is celebrated as one of the best Eredivisie players of all time due to his exceptional versatility, skill, and leadership. He dominated in 208 games at either forward, midfield or defence during his time at HFC Haarlem, Feyenoord and PSV.
Gullit’s impressive vision, versatility and tactical awareness helped guide his teams to three Eredivisie titles in total. He won the Ballon d’Or in 1987 following a move to AC Milan, and was twice voted Dutch footballer of the year.
2. Marco van Basten
Before moving to AC Milan in 1987 where he won three Ballon d’Or awards, Marco Van Basten tore it up at Ajax. He won the Eredivisie three times in six seasons and scored 128 goals in 133 games.
Van Basten was a complete footballer before retiring at 28 due to injury. His childhood gymnastics background was evident in his movement. Football intelligence, power and accuracy meant he scored goals in every way possible.
1. Johann Cruyff
Johann Cruyff is the father of Dutch football and the best Eredivisie player in history. His technical ability and footballing IQ were legendary and he mastered the Total Football philosophy which completely transformed the game.
Cruyff propelled Ajax to the summit of football eliteness.The three time Ballon d’Or winner spent ten seasons at Ajax winning eight Eredivisie titles, three European Cups, and scoring 193 goals from 245 games.