Five Eredivisie Players Perfect for a Bundesliga Club
With the international break upon us, I figured we could all use a quick break from match reports this week. Thus, I have collaborated with my colleague Alex Fischer to create this special piece attempting to match a standout Eredivisie player with a Bundesliga club. Recently, we’ve seen the likes of Sébastian Haller, Jetro Willems and Riechedly Bazoer move from an Eredivisie club to Germany’s top division, which has proven to be a natural next step for great young players.
Let the matchmaking commence!
Bayern Munich
Kasper Dolberg – Ajax Amsterdam | Striker | 20 | Very Expensive
Touted as one of the greatest attacking talents in Europe, Kasper Dolberg emerged last season as a diamond in the rough for Ajax. The Danish forward scored 22 goals in all competitions for De Godenzonen last season, which conjured rumours of interest from some of Europe’s largest clubs. However, this season has seen Kasper sink into a sophomore slump – he’s only scored twice in eleven Eredivisie appearances, with returnee Klaas-Jan Huntelaar eating up a lot of playing time.
Listen carefully 👂🏻 pic.twitter.com/7OIAXgzwvu
— Kasper Dolberg (@Dolbergofficial) November 3, 2017
Let’s face it: Bayern Munich don’t really need much help in terms of squad depth. That being said, the German champions have an ageing front line, with Robert Lewandowski and Arjen Robben reaching or passing their peaks in the near future. Dolberg would be the perfect player to play second fiddle to Lewandowski for a season or two before taking over full-time.
Borussia Dortmund
Denzel Dumfries – SC Heerenveen | Right-back | 21 | Reasonably-Priced
Heerenveen have been a club out of form in recent weeks, which is quite surprising when looking at how well they began the season. Despite the poor performances, one of their most crucial and exciting players has been Denzel Dumfries, a Dutch/Aruban full-back. Dumfries has cooled off since the beginning of the season, but his tally of 5 assists in 11 matches keys us into his great potential.
Heerenveen's right-back Denzel Dumfries 17/18:
10 matches
5 assists
5 clearances per game
Tall & technically good
Exciting future? #heeaz pic.twitter.com/fjifzb7Hf3— Michael Statham (@EredivisieMike) October 29, 2017
After moving from Sparta Rotterdam over the summer for less than a million euros, Heerenveen would likely drive a hard bargain if they were to be approached with an offer. That being said, a club like Dortmund would definitely have the financial means to pull off a deal. Dutch coach Peter Bosz is in need of a quality right-back, and Dumfries has a lot of room for growth.
RB Leipzig
Frenkie de Jong – Ajax Amsterdam | Midfielder | 20 | Reasonably-Priced
One of the greatest travesties of the Eredivisie season must be Frenkie de Jong’s lack of playing time. The 20-year-old Dutch midfielder is one of the most incisive players in the country, yet he can’t get a good run of games for Ajax nor the Dutch national team. De Jong’s superb ability to read the game, as well as his technical skills and physical attributes, make him one of the biggest prospects in Europe at the moment.
https://twitter.com/ajaxdailydotcom/status/929347468185276416
The problem is that Ajax don’t seem to realise that. Reports have come out that Manchester City could be in for De Jong at a cut-rate price of £5 million – a major bargain. With Naby Keïta leaving for Liverpool at the end of the season, Leipzig would do well to pick up the Dutch U21 star. Frenkie de Jong would be a great asset to whatever team picks him up, and Leipzig could certainly use him.
Schalke 04
Kingsley Ehizibue – PEC Zwolle | Right-back | 22 | Cheap
One of the biggest surprises of the season in Holland is PEC Zwolle, who are currently third in the Eredivisie. Young defender Kingsley Ehizibue is a big reason behind this rise – his defensive contribution on the right, as well as his ability to support attacks, makes him a very useful defender. Schalke have problems that need solving elsewhere, but right-wing-back is a position that could use a backup.
https://twitter.com/Tacticomotion_/status/929476721962831877
Not only is Ehizibue young enough to improve a lot, but he’s physical enough to compete in a starting role. We’ve seen the Dutch defender run up and down the right flank consistently this season, which is something that would translate well to the Bundesliga. I would recommend Ehizibue to Schalke as he’d not only be an impact player, but would also likely cost very little.
TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
Tonny Vilhena – Feyenoord Rotterdam | Midfielder | 22 | Expensive
Despite being only 22-years-old, Tonny Vilhena has made almost 200 Feyenoord appearances in all competitions. The Dutch international has been relied upon by one of Holland’s largest clubs for years and he is ready to make the move to a bigger league. Vilhena is a very well-rounded player, with many traits of a box-to-box midfielder. His accurate passing, ability to control the tempo, and smart tackling makes him one of the Eredivisie’s best midfielders.
150 – @VilhenaTonny (22y, 284d) will play his 150th @eredivisie match for @Feyenoord and will be the youngest player to do so. Experienced. pic.twitter.com/n5w4uZEllC
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) October 14, 2017
There is no doubt that Hoffenheim could use a midfielder following the sale of Sebastian Rudy. The German international is – similarly to Vilhena – a workman-like midfielder whose influence can change a game for the better. Vilhena wouldn’t be the flashiest signing for Hoffenheim, but he’d be a smart one.