Eredivisie’s Most Promising Young Players to Watch in 2025

The Eredivisie has long been a cradle of Vpower slot talent. From Johan Cruyff to Frenkie de Jong, Dutch clubs have a storied tradition of producing world-class players through elite youth academies and a culture that prioritizes technical excellence. In 2025, that tradition continues as a new wave of young stars is lighting up the league.

While many fans are focused on the big-money leagues like the Premier League or La Liga, the Eredivisie quietly remains one of the best competitions for spotting emerging talent. These young players aren’t just stars in the making—they’re already changing games and attracting attention from top clubs across Europe.

In this article, we explore the Eredivisie’s most promising young players in 2025, analyzing their playing styles, current performances, and potential career trajectories. Whether you're a scout, a fantasy football fan, or just passionate about football development, this is your comprehensive guide to the next generation of Dutch football stars.

Why the Eredivisie Remains a Talent Factory

Before diving into individual players, it's worth understanding why the Eredivisie continues to thrive as a talent pipeline. The Dutch league prioritizes:

• Youth Development: Clubs like Ajax, PSV, and Feyenoord invest heavily in their academies.

• First-Team Opportunities: Young players get real minutes early in their careers.

• Tactical Education: Eredivisie players are trained in versatile systems, making them adaptable for bigger leagues.

• Selling Philosophy: Dutch clubs aren't afraid to sell talent, ensuring a constant refresh of youth prospects.

This structure fosters a competitive, dynamic environment where youth isn’t just allowed—it’s essential.

1. Jorrel Hato (Ajax) – The Defensive General

Age: 18
Position: Centre-back
Club: Ajax

Hato has been a revelation for Ajax in 2025. Calm under pressure, tactically mature, and physically strong, he’s already drawn comparisons to Matthijs de Ligt. What sets him apart is his intelligence—he reads the game like a veteran, intercepts passes proactively, and initiates build-up play from deep.

He’s also captained Ajax’s youth teams and made appearances for the Dutch senior squad, showcasing leadership beyond his years. Expect a big move soon, possibly to the Bundesliga or Premier League.

2. Isaac Babadi (PSV Eindhoven) – The Creative Spark

Age: 19
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Club: PSV Eindhoven

Babadi is the quintessential modern playmaker. He glides between the lines, has exceptional vision, and possesses the ability to turn tight spaces into goal-scoring opportunities. In 2025, he has become central to PSV's attacking identity, often dictating tempo in the final third.

With comparisons to Hakim Ziyech and a skill set tailored for possession-based football, Babadi is likely to be on the radar of clubs like Brighton, RB Leipzig, or even Barcelona in a couple of years.

3. Antoni Milambo (Feyenoord) – The Midfield Engine

Age: 20
Position: Central Midfielder
Club: Feyenoord

Milambo’s development has been steady but impressive. A box-to-box midfielder with elite ball control, excellent positioning, and surprising strength, Milambo can play both offensively and defensively. His consistency and work ethic make him a manager’s dream.

In 2025, he’s become indispensable for Arne Slot’s system at Feyenoord, helping the club compete both domestically and in Europe. Expect him to be a regular fixture in the Dutch national team very soon.

4. Julian Rijkhoff (Ajax) – The Goal Machine

Age: 20
Position: Striker
Club: Ajax

A product of Borussia Dortmund’s youth system, Rijkhoff returned to Ajax with the expectation of filling the number 9 void. So far in 2025, he’s shown promise—scoring regularly, pressing effectively, and combining well with attacking midfielders.

His finishing is clinical, and he’s a natural poacher with strong instincts. If he keeps improving physically, he could become one of Europe’s top strikers within the next five years.

5. Mikayil Faye (Ajax) – Senegal’s Defensive Jewel

Age: 19
Position: Centre-back
Club: Ajax

Originally from Senegal, Faye has developed rapidly since arriving at Ajax. Left-footed, strong in the air, and composed in possession, Faye is part of a new generation of international defenders being molded by the Dutch school of football.

His physicality and ball-playing ability make him a unique asset, potentially attracting Premier League scouts looking for a modern, versatile defender.

6. Thijs Dallinga (FC Twente) – The Underdog Hero

Age: 23
Position: Forward
Club: FC Twente

Though slightly older than others on this list, Dallinga’s rise through the Dutch football pyramid is a perfect underdog story. In 2025, he’s among the Eredivisie’s top scorers and continues to impress with his movement, link-up play, and sharp finishing.

His story shows that not all stars come through Ajax or PSV. Hard work and consistency can still make you one of the top talents in Dutch football.

7. Jayden Addai (AZ Alkmaar) – The Winger to Watch

Age: 19
Position: Winger
Club: AZ Alkmaar

AZ Alkmaar remains a breeding ground for attacking players, and Addai is the latest jewel. Blessed with blistering pace, excellent dribbling, and an eye for goal, he’s tormented Eredivisie fullbacks all season.

His ability to create one-on-one situations and deliver quality crosses has made him a target for Bundesliga sides in need of explosive wide players.

8. Anass Salah-Eddine (FC Utrecht, on loan from Ajax)

Age: 23
Position: Left-back
Club: FC Utrecht

A technically proficient fullback, Salah-Eddine has thrived at Utrecht. Known for his overlapping runs and accurate crossing, he has grown both defensively and offensively during his loan spell. With Ajax keeping a close eye, a return to their first team could be on the horizon.

What Makes Eredivisie’s Youth Development Unique?

The Eredivisie differs from other leagues in that it trusts youth. While the Premier League or Serie A might loan out talent repeatedly, Dutch clubs put young players on the pitch—early and often. Players are encouraged to:

• Make mistakes and learn from them

• Take on leadership roles

• Experiment with tactical roles

• Play a technically demanding style of football

This fast-tracks growth and gives scouts a genuine look at how players handle pressure, not just potential.

Rising Stars Beyond the Big Three

While Ajax, PSV, and Feyenoord dominate discussions, clubs like AZ Alkmaar, FC Twente, and SC Heerenveen are developing future stars too. These clubs offer:

• Less pressure, more game time

• High-quality coaching

• Strong tactical systems

Young players from smaller clubs often bloom into top-tier professionals, making the Eredivisie one of the most well-rounded leagues for football talent.

What’s Next for Eredivisie’s Brightest?

The future is blindingly bright. With UEFA competitions providing further exposure, these young players are gaining invaluable international experience. As European giants look to rebuild with youth amid Financial Fair Play concerns, the Eredivisie becomes a natural scouting destination.

We can expect several big moves in the 2025–2026 summer window. Clubs like Bayern Munich, Arsenal, and even Real Madrid are actively tracking Eredivisie talents for their technical and tactical maturity at a young age.

Conclusion: The Future of Football Lives in the Netherlands

In 2025, the Eredivisie continues to fulfill its role as Europe’s football incubator. The league’s willingness to nurture and trust youth remains unmatched, and the rewards are clear: talented, confident, and intelligent footballers ready to make their mark globally.

For fans, this is a golden opportunity to witness the early stages of future stars’ careers. Whether they stay in the Netherlands or move on to bigger stages, these players carry the torch of Dutch football tradition—technical, tactical, and timeless.

Support the Future of Football

If you’re passionate about the beautiful game, there’s no better place to invest your attention than where tomorrow’s legends are born. Follow Eredivisie matches, support youth academies, and celebrate the growth of young talent. By doing so, you help preserve the heart and soul of football.

Stay tuned as we continue spotlighting the stars of tomorrow—because the future of football is already on the pitch today.