How would you reflect on the current state of the Dutch National Team and their performance at Euro 2024?
Euro 2024 went pretty much as I expected for the Netherlands—we beat the weaker teams we faced and failed to beat the stronger ones, as has been the case throughout Koeman’s second spell in charge.
There were some positives, with Gakpo, Xavi, Schouten, Reijnders, and Verbruggen all showing they’re good enough to be key players, and the team displaying real spirit and unity against Turkey. However, it was ultimately a tournament that just reinforced the belief that Koeman isn’t a good enough manager for us to challenge for trophies.
Who are the players and managers to watch out for across the Eredivisie this season?
The most exciting and high-quality side will be Peter Bosz’s PSV. His brand of football is a thrilling throwback to the Total Football that put the Netherlands on the map back in the ’70s—one that tore up the league last season and will most likely do so again.
I’m really intrigued to see what Francesco Farioli will do at Ajax. He did an excellent job at Nice and has made a good start in Amsterdam, already making them far more solid and functional than they were last season.
It’ll be interesting to see how Robin van Persie does in his first season as a manager too. He has a decent squad at Heerenveen and is intent on playing attractive and exciting football.
In terms of players to look out for, Jorrel Hato, Quinten Timber, Joey Veerman, Jerdy Schouten, and Noa Lang are all among the league’s best and will be closely watched by the world’s biggest clubs, while I think Sam Lammers could rack up the goals after signing for FC Twente.
How would you describe football in the Eredivisie to someone who has not watched it before?
Aanvalluh! The Dutch word for “attack” is often chanted by crowds who want to see their team do just that, and most teams try to oblige. There’s far less route-one football and parking of buses than in the top leagues.
Those towards the bottom of the league may sit back against the big three of Ajax, PSV, and Feyenoord, but other than that, you can expect matches to be open, exciting, and full of goals—with some questionable defending…
What are your predictions for the new Eredivisie season?
I think PSV will win the league without too much trouble and Ajax will come second. I can see some surprises behind that with Twente finishing above Feyenoord who may also be challenged by AZ, Heerenveen and Utrecht.
At the other end, I think Almere and RKC will be propping up the league.
You can find Finley’s writing on Flashscore and Clockwork Oranje.
Featured image: Callum McFadden
Callum McFadden 