Explore the top rising stars of the Eredivisie in 2025. These young footballers are making waves and shaping the future of the Dutch league.
Eredivisie’s Top Emerging Talents in 2025 Leading the League’s Next Era
For decades, the Eredivisie has been a crucial launchpad for footballing greatness. From Johan Cruyff to Virgil van Dijk, countless stars have used the Dutch top-flight as a platform to reach international fame. In 2025, the tradition continues. The league is bursting with young talents who are not only impressing fans but also catching the eyes of scouts from Europe’s top leagues.
As the competition intensifies and the Gaming Provider league continues to focus on youth development, these emerging stars stand out as future icons. This article explores the most promising talents in the Eredivisie 2025 season—players whose skill, maturity, and impact defy their age.
🔥 Why Eredivisie Produces Top Talents
The Eredivisie’s youth success isn’t by accident. The Dutch football philosophy prioritizes:
- Technical training from a young age
- Tactical understanding through competitive youth leagues
- Clubs like Ajax, PSV, and Feyenoord that integrate youth early
- A system that values game intelligence over physicality
This nurturing environment gives players room to grow, fail, learn, and ultimately flourish into world-class professionals—making the Eredivisie one of the most respected development leagues globally.
🌟 Top Eredivisie Emerging Talents in 2025
1. Jorrel Hato (Ajax) – Age 18 – Defender
Already a regular starter at Ajax, Hato is a defensive prodigy. Calm on the ball, tactically aware, and a strong reader of the game, he’s been compared to Matthijs de Ligt. With over 20 Eredivisie appearances already under his belt, his leadership at a young age is truly rare.
Why he stands out:
- Can play both centre-back and left-back
- Exceptional positioning for his age
- Already captained Ajax in multiple matches
2. Isaac Babadi (PSV) – Age 19 – Attacking Midfielder
The creative spark in PSV’s midfield, Babadi combines flair with maturity. He’s quick in tight spaces, has excellent vision, and delivers goals and assists consistently. PSV’s attacking fluidity owes much to his presence between the lines.
2024/25 stats (so far):
- 5 goals, 6 assists in Eredivisie
- 85% passing accuracy in final third
3. Mika Godts (Ajax) – Age 19 – Winger
This Belgian sensation has turned heads with his explosive dribbling and calm finishing. Signed from Genk, Godts has slotted perfectly into Ajax’s wide setup and regularly contributes in key matches.
Key attributes:
- Rapid acceleration
- Left-footed threat cutting inside
- Draws fouls and creates space
4. Koki Saito (Sparta Rotterdam) – Age 22 – Winger
One of the most consistent performers in the league, Saito has impressed with Sparta Rotterdam with his work ethic and productivity. His crossing ability and off-the-ball movement make him a key figure in Sparta’s top-half push.
Stats:
- 7 goals, 5 assists
- 2.3 key passes per game
5. Anass Salah-Eddine (Twente) – Age 22 – Left-Back
After a quiet spell at Ajax, Salah-Eddine is flourishing at Twente. His overlapping runs, link-up play, and solid defending make him one of the best full-backs in the Eredivisie this season.
What makes him special:
- Balanced offensive and defensive play
- Accurate crossing (74% success rate)
- High work rate for 90 minutes
6. Kenneth Taylor (Ajax) – Age 22 – Defensive Midfielder
A product of Ajax’s world-famous academy, Taylor has become a midfield anchor. His positional awareness and ability to break up play allow the creative midfielders around him to shine.
Notable trait:
- Dictates tempo from deep
- 90% pass completion rate
- Under-the-radar but crucial
7. Thom Haye (Heerenveen) – Age 23 – Central Midfielder
Haye is a quiet leader in the midfield, with exceptional vision and the ability to control games. With his strong performances, he’s being linked with a step up to a top Eredivisie side or a move abroad.
Strengths:
- Long passing range
- Plays through the press
- Calm under pressure
8. Fedde de Jong (AZ Alkmaar) – Age 21 – Midfielder
AZ has always produced technical midfielders, and Fedde is next in line. With a knack for scoring from midfield and an eye for the final pass, he is rapidly becoming a fan favorite.
9. Yoram Boerhout (Vitesse) – Age 20 – Striker
Boerhout is one of the lesser-known names on this list, but don’t let that fool you. His goal-scoring form has lifted Vitesse in the table, and his ability to find the net from difficult angles is impressive.
🧠 Expert Opinions on Eredivisie Talents
“If you want to see tomorrow’s stars today, look no further than the Eredivisie.”
— Rafael van der Vaart
“Clubs in the Eredivisie know how to turn potential into performance better than most.”
— Ruud Gullit
📈 Performance Metrics Snapshot (2024/25 Mid-Season)
| Player | Goals | Assists | Key Passes | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isaac Babadi | 5 | 6 | 2.1 | 1,580 |
| Koki Saito | 7 | 5 | 2.3 | 1,750 |
| Jorrel Hato | 1 | 2 | N/A | 1,800 |
| Mika Godts | 3 | 4 | 1.6 | 1,490 |
🌍 Why Scouts Love the League
Top clubs in the Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, and Serie A constantly monitor Eredivisie stars because:
- They adapt well to European competition
- Eredivisie prioritizes tactical education
- Players debut young and accumulate senior minutes early
- The league’s affordability makes transfers lower-risk
From Frenkie de Jong to Cody Gakpo, the Eredivisie has consistently supplied world-class players to elite clubs.
🙌 Support the League That Builds the Future
Every top star was once an emerging name—just like these players. Supporting the Eredivisie means supporting football’s future, raw talent, and the development of the game’s next icons.
If you’re passionate about player growth, vibrant atmospheres, and exciting football, then back the league that breeds brilliance.
Support Dutch football. Support young stars. Support the league.