Dutch footballers have produced some of the best performances in recent years and the year 2024 was no exception. From reaching the semifinals of the 2024 European championships, to securing qualification for the knockout stages of the UEFA Nations League, a new generation of players have emerged and ar consistently providing superb performances across Europe’s big leagues.
From established footballers like captain Virgil Van Dijk to youngsters like Jeremie Frimpong and Xavi Simons, these players have consistently delivered brilliantly for both club and country in 2024.
In this article, Soccernet.football presents its top 10 Dutch players of 2024, showcasing their brilliant achievements for club and country.
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10. Joshua Zirkzee ( Manchester United )
Zirkzee introduced himself to the world with an impressive performance in the 2023/2024 season at Bologna, where his 12 goals and seven assists propelled the La Rossa to a first ever UEFA Champions League qualification, while earning him a spot in the 2023/2024 Serie A team of the season. His stunning season also earned him a spot in the Dutch squad for Euro 2024 as well as a move to Manchester United. Although he has had a rough start to life at Old Trafford, he is expected to bounce back to form when he settles perfectly into life at the club.
9. Matthijs De Ligt ( Manchester United)
The second Manchester United player to make the list, the former golden boy winner provided assured performances for his former side Bayern Munich as they achieved a third-placed finish in the German Bundesliga. He made 30 appearances in all competitions for the Bavarians before switching to England in the summer. De Ligt has now established himself at the heart of the Red Devils’ defence, making 23 appearances already this season.
8. Tijjani Reijnders ( AC Milan )
The 26-year old has been one of the Rossonneri’s and Serie A most impactful players this season. His intelligent off-the ball movement and ability to position himself in key areas, has made him one of the best players this season in the Italian league. The central midfielder is key to how his club plays and has appeared in 23 matches this season scoring nine goals. He has eyes for line breaking passes to create goalscoring opportunities for his teammates, and it is no surprise to see top European clubs jostling for his signature.
7. Nathan Ake ( Manchester City )
The former Bournemouth defender was pivotal in Manchester City’s title winning run as Pep Guardiola’s side clinched a fourth consecutive English Premier League title. He made 44 appearances for the Cityzens in all competitions last season as they won the league and were finalists in the English FA cup. He was also a key part of the Dutch side’s run to the semifinals of the European championships. Despite City’s recent struggles, Ake has been one of their better performers although injuries have limited him to just eleven appearances.
6. Cody Gakpo ( Liverpool )
The former PSV Eindhoven forward lit up the European Championships with three goals and one assists as the Dutch reached the semifinals. His pace and knack for goals was also a crucial part of his game for his club side Liverpool as they won the Carabao cup in the 2023/2024 season. He has performed brilliantly this season, with 11 goals and four assists in 27 appearances in all competitions this season and was among the scoresheet in the Reds last match of the year- a 5-0 mauling of West Ham United.
5. Xavi Simons ( RB Leipzig )
Although he is currently out of action with injury, Xavi Simons has been one of the most consistent performers in European football in the past year. The former Barcelona academy player had an incredible first season in German football, as he formed a lethal partnership with Benjamin Sesko and Lois Openda for the Red Bull side. He had 19 goal contributions in the 2023/2024 season and was the club’s most outstanding player of the season.His creativity and versatility was key to the Netherlands’ run at the Euros, as he scored once and provided three assists in an impressive tournament.
4. Denzel Dumfries ( Inter Milan )
The right-back who features as a right wing-back for Simeone Inzaghi’s side is regarded as one of the most exciting fullbacks in football. His constant burst forward and defensive stability was crucial as Inter Milan won the Scudetto. He made 36 appearances in all competitions and bagged four goals and six assists. He narrowly missed out on a place in the Serie A team of the season. For the Dutch national team, he made five starts in their run up to a semifinal finish and provided an assist in the 2-1 win over Turkey in the quarterfinals.
3. Ryan Gravenberch ( Liverpool )
The second of three Liverpool players to appear on this list, Gravenberch has been a revelation this season. After a slow start to his Reds career, he has burst into scene in the number ‘6’ role and has been one of English Premier League’s best players this season as the Reds top the league and the UEFA Champions League. He has started in all of Liverpool’s league and Champions League matches this season, only being unused in the EFL cup. His passing ability and competence will be key for Netherlands as they look to a more eventful 2025 ahead of them.
Jeremie Frimpong ( Bayer Leverkusen )
The 24-year old right wing-back who can also play as a right winger is widely regarded as one of the best wing-backs in football. He was an instrumental part of the Bayer Leverkusen’s side that dominated the 2023/2024 Bundesliga season, winning the league while unbeaten. His 14 goals and 12 assists in all competitions were the most of a defender in Europe and was pivotal as Xabi Alonso’s side also reached the finals of the Europa League where they lost to Italian side Atalanta.
1. Virgil Van Dijk ( Liverpool )
The Liverpool and Netherlands captain tops our list as the best Dutch player in the year 2024. His aerial prowess and threat from set-piece is key to his game and his composure is second to none. He captained the Reds to Carabao cup glory last season and has been at the heart of their impressive form this term. For the National team, he is their most experienced defender and continues to lead by example as evident in his performances at the European championships.
