With the Eredivisie heading into its winter break, we pick our team of the season so far. 

  • By Michael Bell
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ruiter aGoalkeeper: Robbin Ruiter (Utrecht)

Utrecht have had an up and down season so far, but their goalkeeper has been constantly outstanding throughout the campaign. A great shot stopper, if it wasn’t for Ruiter, Utrecht may have found their self a lot closer to the relegation places, instead of being 9th.

Right Back: Kelvin Leerdam (Vitesse)

Leerdam, who is also capable of playing in midfield has been excellent since signing from Feyenoord in the summer, helping Vitesse in their title charge. For a defender Leerdam has a knack of scoring goals, and has netted seven so far.

Left Back: Daley Blind (Ajax)

Blind was Ajax’s player of the season last year, and is once again one of their standout’s whether it be at left back or in his new position of defensive midfield. Crucial part of Frank de Boer’s side.

Centre Back: Joel Veltman (Ajax)

The emergence of Veltman has been a relief for Ajax after they lost Toby Alderweireld in the summer, and along with Stefano Denswil it is clear, Ajax have two excellent defensive talents. He may have only made nine appearances in the league, but those have been so great that Veltman is in line for a World Cup spot.

Centre Back: Eric Botteghin (Groningen)

Groningen have been the surprise package of the Eredivisie so far, and find themselves 6th in the league. Their stand-out performer has been Botteghin, who has impressed with his defensive duties, and also his contribution. In 18 games so far this season, Botteghin has a average pass success rate of 84.9%

Midfielder: Hakim Ziyech (Heerenveen)

Seven assists and a number of stunning goals, have seen Ziyech emerge as one of the best young midfielders in the Eredivisie. The 20-year-old has gone from strength to strength under Marco van Basten.

Midfielder: Memphis Depay (PSV Eindhoven)

PSV may have had a disappointing campaign so far, but after breaking into the first team since Dries Mertens left, Memphis Depay has terrorised Eredivisie defences. Six goals make him PSV Eindhoven’s top scorer so far this season, and if they are going to drag themselves back into the title race, Depay will be behind it.

Midfielder: Quincy Promes (Twente)

Was crucial part of the Go Ahead Eagles side that gained promotion last season, and has used that loan spell to break into the Twente first team. Twente are currently in the title race, and Promes’s performances, and eight goals are a crucial reason why.

Forward: Lucas Piazon (Vitesse)

Vitesse brought in a number of players on loan from Chelsea in the summer, but Piazon has undoubtedly been the pick of the bunch. The Brazilian is blessed with excellent talent, and so far has contributed 11 goals and eight assists to push Vitesse to joint top in the table.

Forward: Alfred Finnbogason (Heerenveen)

The Eredivisie top scorer so far with 17 goals in 15 games, Finnbogason is now one of the most sought after strikers in Europe, with a number of clubs planning January bids. Not only a goalscorer, the Icelandic international is also great at linking with his teammates, contributing five assists.

Forward: Graziano Pelle (Feyenoord)

If Feyenoord are winning then you can bet that Graziano Pelle has netted at least one of the goals. The Italian’s 13 goals have made the Rotterdam side title contenders, and he has also taken over the mantle of club captain. A true leader on the pitch.

Substitutes:

Jasper Cillessen (Ajax), Karim Rekik (PSV), Johansson (AZ), Klaassen (Ajax), Toornstra (Utrecht), Hupperts (Roda JC) Castaignos (Twente)




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