Dutch footballers can be found anywhere across the globe, from Brazil to Indonesia and from Australia to Cyprus. The Barclays Premier League, arguably the best league in the world, is currently home to no fewer than 17 Dutchies. Let’s take a look at how they have done so far this season.

  • By Nick van Ruiven
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van persie bRobin van Persie

The main man of Manchester United and one of the best players in the Premier League without any shadow of doubt. RVP is a key player for Moyes’ team scoring (important) goals and setting up goals for others as well.

Van Persie’s Premier League career was plagued by many injuries at Arsenal but in recent he has managed to remain fit for longer periods and as a result he has now developed into a leading star for Manchester United. Whenever he does not play his absence is instantly felt by the team.

Leandro Bacuna

Bacuna is a new face in the Premier League having joined Aston Villa from FC Groningen in the summer. The attacking midfielder has so far made four appearances for the Villans scoring one goal in the process.
His first goal came against title contenders Manchester City in a game which also saw him give an assist for the first goal of the game (scored by former Feyenoord midfielder El Ahmadi) and earning the Man of the Match award. His own goal was a stunning free kick which left Joe Hart rooted to his spot.

A promising start for the youngster who may well have a bright future in the Premier League.

Marco van Ginkel

A promising youngster that came to the Premier League in the summer, from Vitesse Arnhem. In a Dutch interview Van Ginkel admitted that he preferred a move to Dutch champions Ajax but the strong connection between Vitesse and Chelsea persuaded him to move to Stamford Bridge instead.
Van Ginkel made his league debut against Hull City on the first day of the season, coming on for Oscar.
His game time has so far been limited to two sub appearances in the league and some starts in the various cup competitions.
His season seems to have ended already, as he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in a Capital One Cup game with Swindon meaning he will be out of action for a quite a while.

Leroy Fer

Another Premier League new boy, having signed for Norwich from FC Twente in the summer. During the January window he was heavily linked with Everton but that move collapsed eventually.
The right-footed midfielder made his debut for the Canaries in a game against Hull but his finest hour so far came against Southampton in a game which saw him claim the Man of the Match award following a stunning performance.

Fer scored his first goal for Norwich in a Capital One Cup game against Bury.

Ricky van Wolfswinkel

Another Norwich new boy, having arrived at Carrow Road from Sporting Lisbon.  The striker has not really found his scoring boots yet in the Premier League after failing to find the net since an opening day goal against Everton which saw both sides share the points. His move has been “blessed” by former Holland international Johan Neeskens and current Manchester United striker Robin van Persie. Both predicted a good future for the former Utrecht and Vitesse man.

Alexander Büttner

The former Vitesse left-back was signed by former manager Sir Alex Ferguson who was really keen on the talented youngster and handed him his debut against Wigan last season. Büttner repaid the faith by setting up one goal and scoring one as well. He would go on to make four more appearances, scoring another goal last season and has made just one appearance this term so far. As a sign of recognition, Sir Alex granted the former Vitesse man special dispentation to receive a Premier League winner’s medal after Man United claimed the league title last season.

Life under David Moyes is pretty tough for United so far, but it’s pretty much the same stuff from Büttner’s perspective. He will have to show his worth in the cup games and the occasional game time in the Premier League.

John Heitinga

Everton Player of the Year in 2011/12,  but since then his game time has been scarce. Heitinga has made just two Capital One Cup appearanes so far this season and it seems new boss Roberto Martinez prefers other options ahead of the Dutchman.
Heitinga himself is however determined to fight for another chance with the Toffees as he ruled out a return to Ajax in the near future. Only time will tell if there is going to be any change in his situation at Goodison Park.

Jos Hooiveld

A regular in recent year for the Saints since having signed from Scottish side Celtic. Initially he spent some time at St Mary’s on loan from the Scottish giants but after some impressive performances in the Championship his move was made permanent in December 2011.

This term is a different story so far for the former Heerenveen man as he has only made one cup appearance in which he did manage to get a goal.

Jonathan de Guzman

The Canadian-born midfielder is spending a second season on loan from Villarreal with Swansea City . In his first season he played a big part in the Welsh club’s League Cup success. In the final against Bradford he managed to get himself on the scoresheet from the spot, after he was brought down by the Bradford ‘keeper.
In total he managed 45 starts last seasons and another four sub appearances.
His good form has already earned him four caps for Holland.
This season De Guzman is facing some stern competition for a starting spot at Swansea but with eight starts and a further three sub appearances so far he could well become a regular name in the Swansea line up again.
His finest hour of the season so far is a stunning free kick against Valencia in the Europa League a few weeks  ago. It would take some effort to score a better goal this season.

Tim Krul

Former Den Haag youth team player Krul has been first choice goalkeeper for the Magpies for a couple of seasons now and is not likely to lose his place any time soon. Some good performances earned him a starting spot for some Holland games as well.

Ron Vlaar

Villa captain, steady performer, Concrete Ron. Those are just three ways to describe Ron Vlaar at Villa Park. Vlaar was made captain very soon after his move from Feyenoord and has so far shown himself to be worthy of the armband.

Michel Vorm

After a very strong first season in  the Premier League with Swansea in 2011-12, 2012-13 was an injury-plagued campaign for Vorm. However, Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has kept faith in the current Holland #1 and Vorm is working hard to regain his 2011-12 form.

Laudrup even named Vorm vice-captain so it’s clear that the Swans hierarchy hold him in high regard.

Vurnon Anita

Vurnon Anita’s move to Newcastle was viewed upon with raised eyebrows by many as the general opinion was that he did not really suit the Toon’s style of play, compared to the style of play at Ajax where the Willemstad-born player had come through the youth ranks and developed into a versatile player capable of playing in multiple position.

His versatility is an attribute that could help him succeed in the Premier League, as it was clear that Newcastle were really keen on his signature.  Anita has already made six league appearances this season and this could well be his year where he proves all of his critics wrong.

Dwight Tiendalli

Tiendalli had initially left Swansea after he spent last season with the Swans on a one year deal and turned down a new deal earlier in the summer but he put pen to paper a few weeks ago under a new three year deal.

Whether it is a lack of match fitness or a loss of form, it’s not been the best run of games for Tiendalli so far. His perfomances have been disappointing, but judging by his games last season he is good enough to play in the Premier League and he should come good again.

Nathan Aké

Aké is one for the future, having recently signed a new  deal with Chelsea (until 2018). He made his debut last season and was voted Chelsea’s Young Player of the Year.

Maarten Stekelenburg

The former Roma keeper joined Fulham in the summer but suffered in  a shoulder injury during his first Premier League game and is still recovering from that injury.

Erik Pieters

The former PSV man is another Premier League new boy having joined Stoke City. The left-back has been ever present for the Potters so far and could develop into one of the key men for the new-look side under the reign of  Mark Hughes and possibly see him return into the Dutch national side.




Nick Van Ruiven (37 Posts)