Discover the Dutch wingers redefining wide play in the league. Could one of them be the next Arjen Robben?
The Next Arjen Robben? Dutch Wingers Dominating the League
When you think of iconic Dutch footballers, Arjen Robben inevitably comes to mind. His blistering pace, left-footed cut-inside wonder strikes, and unmatched consistency made him one of the most feared wingers in modern Bbin casino football.
Today, as the Eredivisie and other top European leagues continue to produce dazzling talent, the question arises—who will be the next Arjen Robben? Who are the Dutch wingers redefining the wide roles with skill, explosiveness, and goal contributions?
In this deep-dive, we explore the young and emerging Dutch wingers who are making waves in their respective leagues and could one day wear the crown once held by Robben himself.
🧬 What Made Arjen Robben So Unique?
Before we assess the new generation, it’s important to revisit what made Robben’s style so revolutionary:
- Predictability made unstoppable – Everyone knew he’d cut in from the right and shoot with his left, yet almost no one could stop it.
- Acceleration and close control – His dribbling while sprinting was surgical.
- End product – He wasn’t just flashy; he consistently delivered goals and assists.
- Tactical intelligence – Robben thrived in systems at PSV, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Bayern due to his adaptability.
Any player hoping to be “the next Robben” needs more than just speed or flair—they need efficiency, consistency, and tactical growth in a competitive league.
🔟 Top Dutch Wingers Making Waves in 2025
Let’s look at the top Dutch wingers under 25 who are generating buzz with their performances. Some are already household names in the league; others are hidden gems waiting to explode on the international stage.
1. Johan Bakayoko (PSV Eindhoven)
Age: 21
Footedness: Left
Strengths: Pace, dribbling, creativity
Bakayoko is perhaps the most Robben-esque player in the Eredivisie. Playing predominantly on the right wing, he uses his explosive pace and directness to terrorize full-backs. His ability to cut inside and unleash curling shots with his left foot is strikingly similar to Robben’s signature move.
He has already attracted interest from top Premier League and Bundesliga clubs and is one of the standout performers in the Dutch league this season.
2. Crysencio Summerville (Leeds United)
Age: 22
Footedness: Right
Strengths: Dribbling, agility, unpredictability
Summerville’s low center of gravity and fearless one-on-one ability make him a dangerous winger in any setting. Though currently in the Championship, his Dutch roots and Eredivisie upbringing have shaped him into a winger who thrives in wide-open systems.
Many believe a return to top-flight football is imminent—he’s too talented to stay out of the top league spotlight.
3. Million Manhoef (Vitesse)
Age: 23
Footedness: Right
Strengths: Versatility, finishing, work rate
A breakout player in the Eredivisie, Manhoef can operate on either wing and even behind the striker. His ability to track back and press while also delivering key goals and assists makes him a coach’s dream.
He may not have Robben’s elegance, but his intensity and impact are reminiscent of what Robben brought to every team he played for in the league.
4. Calvin Stengs (Feyenoord)
Age: 25
Footedness: Left
Strengths: Vision, set-pieces, creativity
Stengs is slightly older but remains one of the most tactically intelligent Dutch wide players. Though not as direct as Robben, he plays a key role in chance creation and offensive build-up, especially in Feyenoord’s structured system.
His resurgence in the Eredivisie league has made fans recall the finesse of past Dutch greats.
5. Isaac Babadi (PSV)
Age: 19
Footedness: Both
Strengths: Flair, technique, unpredictability
Babadi is a generational talent in the making. With confidence on the ball and a sharp eye for goal, he has already scored and assisted in big league matches despite his young age.
His fearless dribbling and smooth transitions echo a young Robben breaking through at Groningen and PSV. Keep your eyes on this starlet.
📊 Eredivisie Winger Stats Snapshot (2024/25)
| Player | Goals | Assists | Key Passes | Dribbles Completed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johan Bakayoko | 9 | 11 | 2.3/match | 4.1/match |
| Calvin Stengs | 7 | 10 | 2.9/match | 2.7/match |
| Million Manhoef | 6 | 5 | 1.8/match | 3.0/match |
| Isaac Babadi | 4 | 6 | 1.9/match | 4.5/match |
These stats confirm the growing influence of Dutch wingers in the league. They are no longer just supporting roles; they are game-changers and tactical weapons.
🧠 Tactical Evolution: Modern Winger Roles
Unlike Robben’s era where wingers hugged the touchline, today’s systems demand more:
- Inverted runs into the box
- Pressing triggers from wide positions
- Positional rotation with full-backs and midfielders
- Inside playmaking responsibilities
Players like Bakayoko and Summerville have adapted to these trends while still delivering Robben-like flair—a blend of old-school excitement and new-school efficiency.
🇳🇱 National Team Future: Can They Deliver on the Big Stage?
The Netherlands has always been proud of its wingers, from Overmars to Robben, and now perhaps Bakayoko or Babadi. But the true test is consistency at the international level.
Can these players:
- Perform under pressure in the Euros or World Cup?
- Translate Eredivisie form to Champions League success?
- Grow into leaders like Robben did in 2014?
The potential is there—but patience and coaching will determine who emerges as the true heir to Robben in the league and on the global stage.
🌍 Dutch Wingers Abroad to Watch
Several Dutch wide players outside the Eredivisie are also making noise:
- Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig, on loan from PSG) – a hybrid winger/playmaker
- Noa Lang (PSV, formerly Club Brugge) – still growing into a mature attacker
- Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth) – showing flashes in the Premier League
This highlights the depth of winger talent the Netherlands has cultivated across leagues.
🙌 Support the League That Creates Legends
The Eredivisie continues to produce dynamic wingers who captivate fans with every touch, dribble, and goal. These rising stars carry the legacy of legends like Robben and write their own story with every match.
If you love football that’s fast, fearless, and technically brilliant, now’s the time to support the league where wingers are not just players—they’re entertainers, creators, and future icons.
Support the league. Support the next Robben. Support Dutch football.