Eredivisie 2024/25 Best XI: Top Players Who Defined Dutch Football
Explore the best XI of the Eredivisie 2024/25 season featuring breakout stars and league veterans who shaped Dutch football with standout performances.
The Best XI of Eredivisie 2024/25: Celebrating Dutch Football’s Finest
The Eredivisie 2024/25 season has been nothing short of a AW8 spectacle. From last-minute winners to tactical masterclasses and breakout talents, the league once again lived up to its billing as one of Europe’s most entertaining competitions. With exciting matches, packed stadiums, and an emphasis on youth and attacking flair, the Eredivisie continues to be a fertile ground for developing top-tier footballers.
In this comprehensive review, we unveil the Best XI of Eredivisie 2024/25, carefully selected based on consistent performances, impact on their teams, and their contribution to the overall excitement of Dutch football this season. These players stood head and shoulders above the rest and earned their place in the ultimate Eredivisie dream team.
Goalkeeper: Bart Verbruggen (Feyenoord)
After a strong return to the Eredivisie, Bart Verbruggen has proven to be a rock between the posts for Feyenoord. His composure, shot-stopping ability, and distribution have made him one of the most complete goalkeepers in the league. Verbruggen’s commanding presence and quick reflexes helped Feyenoord maintain one of the best defensive records in the competition.
His standout moments include penalty saves in crucial matches and consistent clean sheets that were pivotal in Feyenoord’s title run.
Right Back: Lutsharel Geertruida (Feyenoord)
Lutsharel Geertruida continues to shine as one of the most dynamic right backs in Dutch football. A product of Feyenoord’s academy, Geertruida excels both defensively and going forward. His ability to read the game and contribute with goals and assists gives him the edge over other contenders.
Geertruida’s performances in Europe also raised his profile internationally, reinforcing his reputation as a player ready for the next step.
Centre Back: Jorrel Hato (Ajax)
Despite Ajax’s inconsistent season, Jorrel Hato was a beacon of hope and one of the few positives for the Amsterdam club. At just 18 years old, his calmness on the ball, intelligent positioning, and confidence in building from the back stood out.
Hato’s leadership in Ajax’s backline shows maturity well beyond his years and highlights why top European clubs are watching him closely.
Centre Back: David Hancko (Feyenoord)
David Hancko has been a consistent and commanding presence in Feyenoord’s defense. His ability to win aerial duels, anticipate danger, and play out from the back makes him an indispensable part of the team.
Hancko’s no-nonsense defending combined with his technical quality has been crucial to Feyenoord’s successful season, earning him a deserved place in this Best XI.
Left Back: Quilindschy Hartman (Feyenoord)
Completing a strong Feyenoord backline, Quilindschy Hartman impressed with his energy, overlapping runs, and pinpoint crosses. He provided width and attacking threat down the left while also being defensively solid.
Hartman’s consistency and work rate were key elements of Feyenoord’s attacking build-up, and he contributed several assists and key passes throughout the season.
Defensive Midfield: Jordy Clasie (AZ Alkmaar)
Jordy Clasie remains the metronome of AZ Alkmaar’s midfield. His experience, composure, and ability to dictate tempo made him vital for AZ’s top-four finish. Clasie controlled matches with his vision and tackling ability, making him one of the most balanced midfielders in the league.
His leadership and passing accuracy often set the foundation for AZ’s attacking moves.
Central Midfield: Quinten Timber (Feyenoord)
Quinten Timber enjoyed a breakout season, emerging as one of the best box-to-box midfielders in the Eredivisie. His ability to transition play, press opponents, and arrive late into the box added a dynamic edge to Feyenoord’s midfield.
Timber’s energy and all-round play have made him an essential part of both club and national team discussions going forward.
Central Midfield: Xavi Simons (PSV)
Although Xavi Simons has been linked with moves abroad, his influence at PSV remains undeniable. Playing in a free role, Simons dazzled fans with his dribbling, vision, and creativity. He was among the top assist-makers and chipped in with important goals during PSV’s campaign.
His technical flair and playmaking make him a quintessential Eredivisie talent—raw, expressive, and effective.
Right Wing: Johan Bakayoko (PSV)
Johan Bakayoko emerged as one of the league’s most exciting young wingers. His electric pace, tight control, and deadly left foot caused problems for every defense he faced. Bakayoko delivered both goals and assists, earning him rave reviews and attention from clubs abroad.
With several match-winning performances, he’s rapidly becoming a symbol of PSV’s youth-driven success model.
Left Wing: Jesper Karlsson (AZ Alkmaar)
Returning from injury, Jesper Karlsson showed why he’s considered one of the Eredivisie’s elite wingers. Known for his ability to cut inside and shoot, Karlsson scored several stunning goals, including a couple of free-kick masterpieces.
His creativity and finishing ability were vital to AZ’s attacking threat, and he remains one of the league’s most watchable players.
Striker: Santiago Giménez (Feyenoord)
No surprises here. Santiago Giménez led the goal-scoring charts and was the focal point of Feyenoord’s attack. Strong in the air, composed in front of goal, and tireless in his pressing, Giménez is the complete striker.
His goals weren’t just frequent—they were often decisive. From derby winners to European nights, Giménez rose to every occasion and has arguably been the standout player in Dutch football this season.
Honorable Mentions
- Brian Brobbey (Ajax): A powerful forward who provided moments of brilliance despite Ajax’s struggles.
- Vangelis Pavlidis (AZ Alkmaar): A clinical striker with strong link-up play.
- Ismael Saibari (PSV): Versatile and technically gifted, provided depth and spark in midfield.
Manager of the Season: Arne Slot (Feyenoord)
Arne Slot deserves enormous credit for masterminding Feyenoord’s continued rise. His tactical acumen, focus on youth development, and ability to rotate while maintaining performance make him a standout manager not only in the Eredivisie but in European football.
The Eredivisie’s Growing Impact on European Football
This Best XI is more than just a team—it’s a testament to the strength and depth of talent in Dutch football. The Eredivisie continues to be a proving ground for future stars, a league where young players get opportunities, and attacking football is celebrated.
Clubs like Feyenoord, PSV, AZ, and Ajax continue to attract attention not only for their performances but for their ability to develop players capable of making the leap to Europe’s top five leagues.
Conclusion: A Season to Remember in Dutch Football
The 2024/25 Eredivisie season will be remembered for breathtaking goals, tactical evolution, and the emergence of new stars. The Best XI reflects a balance of experience and youth, structure and flair, with each player contributing to the identity and excitement of Dutch football.
Whether you follow the Eredivisie regularly or are discovering its charm for the first time, this season has reaffirmed its role as one of the most entertaining and talent-rich leagues in Europe.
Celebrate the Game and Support Football
The Eredivisie’s magic lies in its passion, unpredictability, and player development. Join fans around the world in celebrating this vibrant league and its stars.
Support the future of football—follow Eredivisie, back your favorite talents, and keep the spirit of football alive.