The Netherlands Eredivisie has long been a breeding ground for young football talent, showcasing rising stars who excel in various aspects of the game. Using the Comparisonator Platform, we identified the top performers under 23 across five key parameters: Interceptions, Counterpressing Recoveries, Ground Duels Won (Defensive), Successful Dribbles, and Shots on Target. These players, evaluated by their average actions per match within their respective positions, represent the next generation of football excellence in one of Europe’s most dynamic leagues.
- Interceptions by Centre-Backs
- Counterpressing Recoveries by Fullbacks
- Ground Duels Won (Defensive) by Defensive Midfielders
- Successful Dribbles by Wingers
- Shots on Target by Centre Forwards
These metrics offer insights into the diverse abilities of players in creating opportunities, maintaining offensive presence, defensive prowess, and driving the game forward. Let’s explore the top performers in each category and analyze their contributions to their respective teams’ success in the Netherlands Eredivisie.
Please note that all numbers are per 90 min data from the 2024/25 Season – So Far.
Interceptions
When it comes to defensive solidity, interceptions are a critical metric for assessing a Centre Back’s ability to read the game. Leading the league rankings is Ivan Mesik (Heracles) with an impressive average of 6.4 interceptions per match, demonstrating his exceptional anticipation skills. Following closely are Leo Greiml (NAC Breda) and Ricardo Visus (Almere City), both averaging just above 6 actions per game. Meanwhile, younger talents like Nikolai Hopland (Heerenveen) and Anselmo García (PEC Zwolle) round out the top five, underscoring their emerging defensive prowess.
Counterpressing Recoveries
Modern football demands full-backs who can contribute defensively and offensively, with counterpressing recoveries being a key indicator of their effectiveness. Matteo Dams (PSV) stands out with 4.62 recoveries per match, showcasing his high work rate and tactical awareness. Versatile players like Oliver Braude (Heerenveen) and Mimeirhel Benita (Heracles) follow, while Cherrion Valerius (NAC Breda) and Anass Salah-Eddine (Twente) demonstrate their adaptability across defensive flanks. These players exemplify the evolving role of full-backs in modern tactics.
Ground Duels Won – Defensive
Defensive midfielders often serve as the engine of the team, and ground duels won reflect their ability to regain possession and shield the backline. Enric Llansana (Go Ahead Eagles) leads this category with a remarkable 8.38 duels won per match, highlighting his combative presence. Alonzo Engwanda (Utrecht) and Nick Fichtinger (PEC Zwolle) also make their mark with consistent performances. Rising stars like Amine Lachkar (Willem II) and Paxten Aaronson (Utrecht) showcase their defensive resilience, positioning themselves as future midfield anchors.
Successful Dribbles
Creativity and flair on the wings are measured by successful dribbles, where Yoann Cathline (Utrecht) excels with 4.73 per match. Close on his heels are dynamic talents like Johan Bakayoko (PSV) and Mika Godts (Ajax), whose ability to beat defenders provides their teams with an offensive edge. Promising wingers Ibrahim Osman (Feyenoord) and Anis Hadj Moussa (Feyenoord) also showcase their technical skill and creativity, contributing to their teams’ attacking threats.
Shots On Target
In the hunt for goals, shots on target is a critical parameter for assessing a Centre Forward’s finishing accuracy. Sharing the top spot are Santiago Gimenez (Feyenoord) and Ricardo Pepi (PSV), both with 1.14 shots on target per game, reflecting their clinical nature. Troy Parrott (AZ) follows with 1.07, while versatile forward Junior Kadile (Almere City) and rising talent Noah Ohio (Utrecht) round out the top five. These players are proving to be reliable goal threats for their teams.
HOW DOES COMPARISONATOR’s RECRUITMENT FEATURE WORKS?
“Recruitment Shop” allows recruiters & scouts to search/list players with one click from any league and any position according to their performance (using artificially intelligent Comparisonator Performance index), height, age, passport country. Player actions can be filtered towards qualities searched for. Out of contract players can be found from more than 300.000 players within the database.
For example decision makers will can list all U21 best centre forwards (or any positions) in Croatia & Serbia (or from 275 competitions), add amount of goals, aerial duels won if looking for a target man from the filter section, or dribbles made if looking for forwards. Very simply detail the position to search to find suitable players.
Selected via Comparisonator machine learning index.
Data Comparisons provided by Comparisonator is for educational purposes only and not intended to be monetized.
