Ah, Dutch football. The Eredivisie is always on the verge of dropping into oblivion, never to be called a top league again, but the draw of historic teams, great young players, and awesome storylines always prevails. Tactically, this could be one of the best Eredivisie seasons in recent memory. So, without further ado, feel free to peruse my preview of the Dutch teams that interest you. Or all of them (if you have time)!
Note: Teams in order of last seasons table.
Depth chart key:
- Red lettering = likely to leave
- Red highlight = injured
- Yellow Highlight = work permit under review
- Bold lettering = multiple, non-linear positions
PSV
I happen to have just finished reading Pep Guardiola: The Evolution, an up-close and personal account of the Spanish managers three years in Munich. Besides the tactical nuances and brilliant stories, a huge takeaway from Martí Perarnaus ode to Pep is the importance of letting managers adapt. Dutch football is no exception to the general rule that immediate success, or at least hint at success, is absolutely required for top teams. With Mark van Bommel preparing to take on his first season at the helm of PSV Eindhoven, well see just how patient the clubs directors really are.
Phillip Cocu led the North Brabant club to three Eredivisie titles during his tenure, including last seasons win that earnt him a move to Fenerbahçe. Cocus side was known for its direct play, thriving with the speedy Hirving Lozano out wide, and its knack for ultimately winning close affairs.
PSV will try to tackle a domestic title defense as well as European campaign, but two road bumps stand in the way. Colombian defender Santiago Arias was a key component to PSVs forward movement and defensive stability on the right-hand side and has moved to Atlético Madrid for €18 million. Joshua Brenet is another full-back to leave the club, to Hoffenheim, but hope is on the horizon.
Denzel Dumfries and Angeliño had breakout seasons at SC Heerenveen and NAC Breda, respectively, last year. Dumfries is a Dutch youth international who, at only 22, has asserted himself as a top Eredivisie right-back. His athleticism and crossing accuracy make him a constant threat on the right flank. Spaniard Angeliño is only 21 and impressed greatly at NAC on loan from Manchester City last season. He won the leagues Talent of the Month four times and will bring his great positional sense and technique to PSVs left flank. Having spent only €7 million on both players combined, PSV have begun to build the future of their defense.
However, the champions potential stumbling block isnt its squad strength (bar a late summer move by Lozano), but instead its squad cohesion. The Johan Cruijff Schaal (Dutch Super Cup) gave us a glimpse at Van Bommels first competitive match in charge. PSV lost to Feyenoord on penalties, having failed to score or concede for 90 minutes.
From the start, it became clear that Van Bommel is going to shake things up. As oppose
