Standout Stars: Eredivisie 2023/24

By Neel Shelat

With the transfer window is fast approaching, clubs around the world will be looking to strengthen their squads in preparation for the next campaign, so the standout stars in various leagues will be on many radars. Using smarterscout’s league benchmarking models and advanced metrics, we will pick out some such players in this series.

The Eredivisie has established itself as one of the best leagues in Europe for young talents to develop. Its top teams tend to play eye-catching football in similar tactical set-ups to the ones used by the continent’s strongest teams, and they compete at a decent level in UEFA competitions themselves too. Many of the clubs in the league have renowned academies and are never hesitant to give talented youngsters a good deal of responsibility, so it is easy to see why they can consistently generate big sales season after season.

This summer should be no exception, so here is a look at some of the league’s best players from 2023/24 (not including anyone from Feyenoord whom we have dedicated a separate feature to):

Johan Bakayoko (RW/CAM, 2003, PSV Eindhoven)

PSV Eindhoven enjoyed a sensational season under Peter Bosz as they ran away with the league title, and the standout talent in their unstoppable front line was Johan Bakayoko.

He enjoyed his best Eredivisie season with 12 goals and 9 assists to his name, starring on PSV’s right wing. The 21-year-old attacker can be a threatening dribbler thanks to his skills and ability to go either way, which always keeps defenders guessing. He protects the ball very well and retains it to an incredibly high degree while producing great attacking output through his shooting after cutting inside and dangerous crossing with either foot.

Bakayoko certainly seems ready to take the next step in terms of a transfer to a top European club, so the only question is where. Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea are being linked with him most strongly at the moment, so his next destination will most likely be the English Premier League.

Devyne Rensch (RB, 2003, Ajax)

Ajax endured yet another disappointing season and finished outside the top four for the first time since 2000, but a good deal of their youngsters took the opportunity to impress with consistent game time. Devyne Rensch was chief among them as he made 26 league starts just as he did in 2022/23.

In both seasons, our model was very impressed by his supreme defensive solidity. The young right back is quite tough to beat one-on-one thanks to his disciplined positioning, measured tackling and physical strength in ground duels.

At the same time, the 21-year-old defender is incredibly polished on the ball as he offers great security in the build-up and helps his side play out of pressure well. He also is a good progressive carrier who likes to drive infield with the ball, and can indeed operate in the half-space if asked.

All things considered, Rensch already is a very well-rounded full-back. There has not been much talk about a transfer for him so far this summer but he was linked to a number of top Premier League clubs such as Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United in late 2023. His versatility and ability to play as a center-back or even left back if required will only make him all the more attractive.

Vangelis Pavlidis (ST, 1998, AZ)

AZ have consistently punched above their weight in the Eredivisie of late, utilizing their renowned academy as well as smart scouting to finish in the top four in six of the last seven seasons. Their success last season must be attributed in no small part to Vangelis Pavlidis, whose return of 29 league goals was not eclipsed by anyone else.

He has excelled as a line-leading striker for the last five Eredivisie seasons, registering double-digit goal tallies in each of them, first with Willem II and then AZ. The Greek international uses his frame well in both aerial and ground duels, holding the ball up well and linking up nicely with his teammates. Of course, he really comes alive inside the box, consistently getting on the end of high-quality chances and converting them at a good rate.

AZ signed him for just €2.50 million but Transfermarkt think he could be worth ten times that now. However, since his contract is expiring next summer, he will likely be available for under €20 million. Benfica are said to be favorites to sign him at the moment, and he should be a very good fit for their system.

Yukinari Sugawara (RB, 2000, AZ)

Another AZ player who will likely be on the move this window is Yukinari Sugawara, whose contract also runs out in 2025. He looks likely to join Southampton, although a few other Premier League clubs are also said to be interested.

Whichever club he ultimately moves to will be getting an energetic attack-minded full-back who has consistently impressed in the Eredivisie for a number of seasons. He is a very good progressive passer down the wing and also advances well off the ball to go on and pose a crossing threat, which should explain his return of 15 assists over the last two league seasons.

Sugawara is very secure on the ball and tough to outmuscle when he has it, but he still needs to work on translating that strength to defensive duels. Standing at 5'10", he is easily beaten aerially too, but he is decent enough defensively on the ball with his positioning to make up for it.

AZ already seem prepared for his departure having signed another Japanese right back in Seiya Maikuma, so Sugawara’s next move could well be announced soon.

Joshua Brenet (RB, 1994, FC Twente)

FC Twente enjoyed their best league finish in a decade as they wound up on the podium. A few of their youngsters also impressed, but it is experienced defender Joshua Brenet who makes our list for consistently producing eye-popping numbers via our model.

His attacking output, defending quality and defending quantity have all been top-notch in each of the last three league seasons, so he has already been the subject of serious transfer interest in previous windows. Fulham were reportedly quite close to signing him last summer but failed to get the deal over the line.

Brenet’s contract expires this summer so he will be available for a free transfer. It is unclear where he will end up next, but any team looking for an experienced right back should surely be considering signing him.

To check out these players and thousands more from over 60 leagues around the world head over to smarterscout.com and create a free account to get started.

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