The Eredivisie has headed for its winter break, but we at Football-Oranje have named our team of the season so far with the league at its halfway point.
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Goalkeeper: Kenneth Vermeer (Feyenoord)
The 27-year-old did the unthinkable during the summer in trading Ajax for their bitter rivals Feyenoord, but with Jasper Cillessen number one in Amsterdam, Vermeer had no choice if he was to gain regular first team football. Since arriving in Rotterdam the goalkeeper has been a revelation, and has put in a string of impressive performances.
Right Back: Luke Wilkshire (Feyenoord)
One of the biggest bargains in Dutch football this season is Feyenoord picking up Wilkshire for free, with the right back being one of the most solid defenders in the division, and an asset going forward. The Australians attacking content, and three assists so far have even persuaded coach Fred Rutten to try Wilkshire out as a right winger recently.
Left Back: Jetro Willems (PSV)
One of Netherlands biggest talents, and with the potential to become on of the best in Europe in his position, Willems progress over the past two seasons has been immense. So far this season Willems has been one of PSV’s most important players, contributing seven assists with his excellent distribution from wide areas, and pin point passing accuracy.
Centre Back’s: Sven van Beek and Terence Kongolo (Feyenoord)
Replacing Stefan de Vrij and Bruno Martins Indi was meant to be one of Feyenoord’s big issues this season, but in Kongolo and Van Beek, coach Fred Rutten has formed a partnership which has become the best defensive pairing in the league. Youthful, quick, determined and strong, both Kongolo and Van Beek have been outstanding this season, and are the key reason the club have only conceded 15 league goals in 17 matches, only one goal worse off than leaders PSV.
Midfielder: Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV)
PSV’s captain fantastic keeps getting better with age, and in what is set to be his last season in Eindhoven, the 24-year-old is enjoying his most influential campaign. Intelligent on the ball and almost unstoppable when dribbling at defences, Wijnaldum has contributed six goals so far, and if he keeps up his current form, it may be his hands holding up the Eredivisie shield come the end of the season.
Midfielder: Marko Vejinovic (Vitesse)
Vitesse may be having a disappointing season so far, but Vejinovic has been one of the league’s most in form players with eight goals and five assists to his name. The midfielder makes an average of three tackles per game, and his passing accuracy so far this season is a huge 86.1%
Midfielder: Davy Klaassen (Ajax)
The 21-year-old has taken Siem de Jong’s role as number 10 and cemented his place in Frank de Boer’s first team with a number of impressive performances. Whenever Ajax are playing well, usually Klaassen is behind it, with the midfielder topping the assists chart with eight and adding five goals, De Boer has even entrusted Klaassen with the captains armband, and with Niklas Moisander about to leave, he may even wear it permanently.
Left Wing: Memphis Depay (PSV)
Depay went into the season as many people’s one to watch after a few impressive World Cup cameo’s and the 20-year-old certainly hasn’t disappointed. He may have missed a few matches with injury, but that hasn’t stopped Depay netting 10 league goals and adding three assists. The youngsters ability to dominate games with his skill and attacking intent is formidable, and he is PSV’s go to weapon as they look to wrestle the title off Ajax.
Right Wing: Lasse Schone (Ajax)
Schone may be playing out of position on the right wing, but since Frank de Boer moved the Dane into his new role, he has been outstanding. Replacing Siem de Jong as Ajax’s man for the big moments, Schone has netted six goals and added six assists this season. However with his contract up in the summer, can Ajax hold onto the 28-year-old?
Striker: Luuk de Jong (PSV)
The Dutch striker returned to the Eredivisie in the summer after disappointing spells in Germany and England, but at PSV De Jong is finding his form again, and his ten goals in fourteen games are catapulting the Eindhoven club towards the league title, De Jong is not only in this team because of his goals but also for his link up play, which has been outstanding.
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Eric Botteghin have been one of the most performing center back since the beginning of the season ! He deserves the spot more than Kongolo in my opinion ! Though I understand why you picked Terrence and Sven as they are no doubts the best defending duo in the Eredivisie at the moment !
For the Goalie spot, I’d put Sergio Padt at the spot, the main reason Vermeer kept a lot of clean sheets is his defensive partnership in front of him ! In term of personal performance, Padt has been amazing protecting Groningen’s nets, especially against us PSV when he denied us tons of opportunities. Esteban Alvarado could also be a good challenger for the spot.