Netherlands may have failed to qualify for the U21 European Championships which start on Wednesday but the Eredivisie will be represented by four great talents.

  • By Michael Bell
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fischer 4Viktor Fischer-21-Ajax-Denmark

The 21-year-old has had a frustrating time over the last two years, but impressive form towards the end of this season has proved that Fischer could be one of the players to watch at the U21 tournament this summer.

Fischer broke into the Ajax first team aged 18 and instantly impressed with his pace, trickery and eye for goal, scoring 10 goals in his first 23 Eredivisie matches. The winger was named Ajax talent of the year in 2013, but failed to live up to his expectations the following season, despite the Amsterdam club winning their fourth Eredivisie title in a row.

A hamstring injury ruled Fischer out of most of this season, but after returning in April the Dane impressed in a new role of false number nine, scoring three goals in four games.

Fischer was being touted as a future star after his first season with Ajax, and its time for the forward to regain that form, starting with Denmark U21’s.

hiljemark 0Oscar Hiljemark-22-PSV-Sweden

A midfielder with a point to prove, Hiljemark has already announced that he is hoping to use the tournament as a possible stepping stone to a new club after falling out of favour at PSV this season.

During the last campaign, Hiljemark was a regular under Phillip Cocu, and impressed with his hard work, passing and reading of the game, but after the signing of Andres Guardado and the emergence of Jorrit Hendrix, the Swede was relegated to the bench. Since signing from Elfsborg in 2013 for around €2 million, Hiljemark has made 49 Eredivisie appearances, scoring twice.

Hiljemark has six caps for the full national team, and should be a crucial player in front of the back four for the U21’s at the tournament in the Czech Republic.

tibbling-groSimon Tibbling-20-Groningen-Sweden

Tibbling was regarded as one of the brightest young talents in Europe when playing for Swedish youth side IF Brommapojkarna, and reportedly turned down Ajax and Bayern Munich to remain in his home country with Djurgården.

After three years and 81 appearances for Djurgården, Tibbling was signed by Groningen last January for just over €1 million in a move which may turn out to be a major bargain for the pride of the north.

In his first six months at Groningen Tibbling has made a big impression with his dominant and mature performances in midfield, and starred in the KNVB Cup final against PEC Zwolle. Strong on the ball, with great dribbling and tackling technique, Tibbling is already one of the most impressive defensive midfielder’s in the Eredivisie, and could make a huge impression during the Euros.

larsson heeSam Larsson-22-Heerenveen-Sweden

Like Tibbling, Larsson is another young Swedish international that took the Eredivisie by storm this season, scoring eight goals and adding five assists in 21 league games for Heerenveen.

A quick winger with excellent dribbling skills, Larsson tormented defences in the Eredivisie and has impressed PSV so much that they are reportedly considering signing him as a replacement for Memphis Depay. However they may have some serious competition from clubs around Europe if Larsson continues his excellent form for the Swedish U21’s.

However any interested clubs would have to match Heerenveen’s asking price of €10 million.




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