This Premier League season saw 20 Dutchman play for their current clubs but who made it into my top 5?
- By Jake Chamberlain
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5. Patrick Van Aanholt – In a season where Sunderland have merely impressed, Van Aanholt has looked a constant threat overlapping from full-back and is one of very few players to impress on a regular basis. Cementing his place as Sunderland’s first choice left-back and scoring four goals is a very good return from the speedy Dutchman. If Sunderland are relegated, there will be plenty of Premier League teams prepared to capture his signature.
4. Ibrahim Afellay – The ex-Barcelona man has looked brilliant this season often playing in central midfield and is the constant supplier to the Stoke City front three of Bojan, Shaqiri and Arnautovic. Afellay’s key role helped them in notable wins against Chelsea and Manchester City. Unfortunately, for the Dutch midfielder, he picked up a serious knee injury that could keep him out of action for a reported eight months. Look for him to once again impress when back from injury.
3. Georginio Wijnaldum – After impressing for many years in the Eredivisie, Wijnaldum made the big move to the Premier League joining Newcastle United. In a tough season for the Magpies, Georginio has been a bright spark. Scoring nine goals from midfield for a team in a relegation battle is an impressive return although has struggled in the last few months. Like Van Aanholt, if his team are in fact relegated there will be many suitors from across Europe vying for his signature.
2. Daley Blind – After much criticism for his initial performances at centre-back for Manchester United, Daley Blind has proved his doubters wrong and has had a fantastic season for the Red Devils. Blind and Chris Smalling have made a good partnership this season leading them to the FA cup final and in with a chance of claiming fourth place and Champions League football next season. Blind’s moment of the season is his brilliant strike against arch rivals Liverpool in a 3-1 win at Old Trafford. It will be interesting to see what position Blind plays next season but his versatility has proved useful for Manchester United.
1. Virgil Van Dijk – The ex-Celtic man has been colossal in defence for Southampton this season. An immediate fan favourite, his impressive performances have earned him plaudits all year and has played in every league game this season. It is likely that the Dutch defender will win Southampton’s player of the year and was many people saying he should have been in the Premier League team of the year. His performances have earned him a new six-year deal at Southampton. With a very talented squad and a brilliant manager in Ronald Koeman, Southampton have a lot to be excited about in the coming seasons and Virgil Van Dijk will play an integral part in that.
Honorable Mentions
Timothy Fosu-Mensah – This season saw 18-year-old Timothy Fosu Mensah make his Premier League debut coming on against Arsenal. The young full-back has not looked back since, making eight appearances for Manchester United and impressed many. Timothy Fosu-Mensah has bundles of potential and it will be intriguing to see how his promising career unveils.
Jordy Clasie – This season saw Jordy Clasie make the move from boyhood club Feyenoord for a reported £8 Million linking up with Ronald Koeman once again. An injury-hit season is not what the talented midfielder would have wanted but after a couple of impressive performances has now firmly cemented his place in Southampton’s first eleven. It will be exciting to see how Jordy Clasie performs next season hopefully injury free and see him flourish once again under Ronald Koeman.
Memphis Depay – Manchester United signing Depay from PSV Eindhoven was a much talked about signing with many fans expecting him to replicate his PSV form. Unfortunately, this was not the case as he struggled to cement his place as a first-team regular. The reason he gets an honorable mention is due to his performances in the Europa League where he shone. He was in scintillating form but was unable to repeat these performances consistently in the Premier League. Next season is an important season for Memphis as he will try to prove his doubters wrong and prove his talents.
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