Discover the Eredivisie’s brightest young stars in 2025. From Ajax to AZ, meet the rising players transforming the league’s future.
Eredivisie’s Top Emerging Talents in 2025
The Eredivisie has long been a fertile ground for football talent. From Johan Cruyff and Dennis Bergkamp to Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt, the Dutch top flight has consistently produced stars who have gone on to shine on the biggest stages. In 2025, the league continues its legacy as a breeding ground for future global Aw8 Pro football icons.
As clubs like Ajax, PSV, Feyenoord, and AZ Alkmaar double down on youth development, new names are emerging, ready to take Dutch football to new heights. These players are not only electrifying the league today, but they are also setting the stage for the next generation of Dutch dominance in Europe.
Let’s explore the top emerging talents in the Eredivisie in 2025, their styles, their impact, and what makes them so special.
🌟 1. Gabriel Misehouy (Ajax)
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Age: 20
A creative genius in Ajax’s midfield, Misehouy has already been compared to a young Wesley Sneijder. With exceptional vision, dribbling finesse, and a knack for finding space between the lines, he is quickly becoming the conductor of Ajax’s attack.
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Goals: 5
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Assists: 7
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Key Traits: Vision, technical skill, playmaking ability
His composure under pressure and high football IQ make him one of the most exciting midfielders in the league.
🔥 2. Mexx Meerdink (AZ Alkmaar)
Position: Forward
Age: 21
The son of former AZ player Martijn Meerdink, Mexx is carving his own path. His movement off the ball, finishing ability, and intelligent pressing make him a modern striker suited for any system.
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Goals: 11
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Key Attributes: Clinical finishing, off-the-ball intelligence, work rate
AZ’s ability to nurture young talent continues with Meerdink as the focal point of their attack.
🧠 3. Antoni Milambo (Feyenoord)
Position: Central Midfielder
Age: 20
Already captaining Netherlands U21, Milambo is known for his calmness in possession and exceptional passing range. He’s the kind of player that controls tempo and turns defense into attack with one intelligent pass.
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Pass Accuracy: 89%
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Chances Created: 32
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Defensive Contribution: 2.3 interceptions/game
Milambo’s leadership and mature playing style make him a standout in the league’s midfield battles.
⚡ 4. Isaac Babadi (PSV)
Position: Winger/Attacking Midfielder
Age: 20
Babadi’s acceleration and dribbling make him a nightmare for defenders. Capable of playing on either flank or behind the striker, he adds unpredictability to PSV’s dynamic attack.
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Take-ons per game: 4.1
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Key Contributions: Direct goal involvement every 125 minutes
Babadi’s performances in the Eredivisie have attracted interest from top Premier League clubs.
🛡️ 5. Olivier Aertssen (Ajax)
Position: Centre-Back
Age: 21
Standing at 6’4″, Aertssen is a physically imposing defender who combines strength with calm distribution. Ajax fans are already likening him to Daley Blind, but with more aerial dominance.
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Aerial Duels Won: 75%
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Passing Accuracy: 91%
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Clearances: 5.2 per game
He’s set to become a pillar in both Ajax’s defense and the Dutch national team setup.
🧤 6. Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro (AZ Alkmaar)
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 21
Owusu-Oduro is not your typical Eredivisie keeper. With lightning-fast reflexes, confidence in playing out from the back, and commanding presence, he’s revolutionizing the way AZ build from deep.
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Clean Sheets: 9
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Save Percentage: 81.3%
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Distribution Accuracy: 83%
He’s already being scouted by Bundesliga clubs looking for the next sweeper-keeper sensation.
🪄 7. Skye Vink (Ajax)
Position: Striker
Age: 19
Quick, intelligent, and clinical, Vink is a striker in the mold of Robin van Persie. His ability to make runs in behind, finish with both feet, and play in tight spaces makes him a constant threat.
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Goals: 6 in 12 appearances
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Shot Accuracy: 68%
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Touch Inside Box per Game: 5.6
He could be Ajax’s next €50 million export if he continues his trajectory.
🧱 8. Shurandy Sambo (PSV)
Position: Right Back
Age: 23
A more mature talent but still considered emerging, Sambo is becoming PSV’s main outlet on the right. His overlapping runs, accurate crosses, and defensive reliability are crucial to their title ambitions.
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Tackles: 3.1 per game
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Key Passes: 22 this season
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Assists: 4
Sambo is pushing for a senior national team call-up with his consistency in the league.
🇨🇻 9. Koki Saito (Sparta Rotterdam)
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Age: 22
Technically gifted and fearless, the Japanese playmaker is Sparta Rotterdam’s heartbeat. Saito’s flair, unpredictability, and dribbling ability have made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for defenses.
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Goals + Assists: 12
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Key Chances Created: 41
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Dribbles Completed: 63
Saito’s form may earn him a move to a top Eredivisie club or beyond.
🚀 10. Anass Salah-Eddine (Ajax)
Position: Left Back
Age: 23
Solid defensively and dangerous going forward, Salah-Eddine is finally getting a consistent run of games and showing why he’s highly rated within Ajax’s academy system.
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Interceptions/Game: 2.4
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Crosses Completed: 28
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Passing Accuracy: 87%
His versatility and reliability make him an important part of Ajax’s transitional squad.
🔍 Why the Eredivisie Keeps Producing World-Class Talent
The league’s commitment to development is rooted in:
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Top-class youth academies at clubs like Ajax, PSV, and Feyenoord
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Regular first-team chances for academy graduates
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Strong coaching philosophy based on total football and tactical education
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Willingness to sell and reinvest profits into youth infrastructure
These factors create a perfect storm for the consistent emergence of exciting prospects.
🏆 What’s Next for These Rising Stars?
Many of these players are already being linked with moves to the Premier League, Bundesliga, and La Liga. However, their continued development in the Eredivisie is vital for both their careers and the health of the league itself.
As they mature, they’ll be expected to take on bigger roles—leading title pushes, playing in Europe, and eventually starring for the national team.
🙌 Support the Next Generation and Celebrate the League
The future of football is being shaped in the Eredivisie. These young stars are carrying the torch of Dutch football into the next decade. As fans, supporting these talents means supporting the growth and evolution of the league.
Get behind your club. Celebrate the next big names. And keep the league strong and thriving.
