Explore the most prolific Eredivisie strikers from the last decade. Discover how these goal-scorers shaped the Dutch league and left lasting legacies.
The Best Eredivisie Strikers of the Last 10 Years: Top League Finishers
The Eredivisie has long been a haven for developing attacking talent. Known for its open play, tactical creativity, and emphasis on youth, the Dutch top division has consistently produced some of Europe’s finest strikers. Over the past 10 years, a host of forward-thinking clubs and exciting young players have elevated the league’s status, particularly in front of goal.
This article explores the best Eredivisie strikers of the last decade, analyzing their goal-scoring numbers, impact on their clubs, and influence on the league as a whole. Whether they were homegrown talents or international imports, these players helped define the last 10 years of Dutch football and left behind a legacy in the MQM Bet league.
Why Eredivisie Is a Breeding Ground for Great Strikers
Before diving into the player profiles, it’s important to understand why the Eredivisie is such a nurturing space for strikers:
- Tactical Freedom: Eredivisie teams often play attacking football, giving strikers space and service to shine.
- Youth Development Focus: Clubs like Ajax, PSV, AZ, and Feyenoord prioritize giving chances to young forwards.
- High-Scoring Games: The average number of goals per match in the league tends to be higher than other European competitions.
- Scouting and Resale Model: Many clubs groom strikers with the intent of selling them to bigger leagues, so they’re developed with offensive stats in mind.
Let’s now explore the top names who dominated this landscape.
1. Luuk de Jong (PSV Eindhoven)
Years Active in Eredivisie (2014–2019, 2022–Present)
Goals Scored: 130+
Luuk de Jong has been a consistent force in the Eredivisie for nearly a decade. Known for his aerial ability, intelligent movement, and leadership, he was the focal point of PSV’s attack during multiple title runs. After stints abroad, including La Liga with Sevilla and Barcelona, de Jong returned to PSV and quickly reclaimed his spot among the league’s elite forwards.
Legacy in the League:
His physical presence and professionalism have made him a role model for younger forwards in the league.
2. Sebastien Haller (Ajax)
Years Active in Eredivisie (2021–2022)
Goals Scored: 34 goals in 42 matches
Though Haller only spent a short time at Ajax, his impact was massive. In the 2021–22 season, he not only scored goals in the league but also lit up the Champions League group stages. His all-around play, combining strength, finishing, and intelligent positioning, made him a crucial part of Erik ten Hag’s tactical setup.
Legacy in the League:
Haller proved that even players who struggled elsewhere (like at West Ham) could thrive in the Eredivisie under the right system.
3. Alireza Jahanbakhsh (AZ Alkmaar)
Years Active in Eredivisie (2015–2018, 2021–Present)
Goals Scored: 34 goals in 85 games (AZ stint)
While Jahanbakhsh currently plays more as a wide forward, his role at AZ was that of a goal-scoring machine. In the 2017–18 season, he became the Eredivisie’s top scorer—an incredible feat for a winger/striker hybrid. His movement and composure in front of goal made him stand out in the league.
Legacy in the League:
He remains the only Asian player to win the Eredivisie Golden Boot.
4. Dusan Tadic (Ajax)
Years Active in Eredivisie (2018–2024)
Goals Scored: Over 90 league goals
Tadic was more than just a winger or false nine—he was the heartbeat of Ajax’s attack for several seasons. His ability to drop deep, pick passes, and score from inside or outside the box made him indispensable. While he arrived at Ajax later in his career, his influence was immediate and immense.
Legacy in the League:
Tadic’s versatility and leadership qualities have made him one of the most impactful Eredivisie players of the modern era.
5. Cody Gakpo (PSV Eindhoven)
Years Active in Eredivisie (2016–2023)
Goals Scored: 36 goals in 106 appearances
Gakpo wasn’t a traditional striker but was often deployed as a wide forward who cut inside to shoot. His pace, dribbling, and accuracy made him a nightmare for defenders. Before moving to Liverpool, Gakpo had become one of the most complete attackers in the league.
Legacy in the League:
He represents the modern forward: fast, technical, and multi-positional.
6. Kasper Dolberg (Ajax)
Years Active in Eredivisie (2016–2019)
Goals Scored: 33 goals in 78 appearances
Dolberg burst onto the scene with Ajax as a teenager, drawing comparisons to Zlatan Ibrahimović due to his poise and finishing style. Though injuries and inconsistent form limited his long-term success, his early years were marked by incredible potential.
Legacy in the League:
His early promise remains a reference point for Ajax academy expectations.
7. Vincent Janssen (AZ Alkmaar)
Years Active in Eredivisie (2015–2016)
Goals Scored: 27 goals in 34 matches
Janssen’s single season at AZ was nothing short of magical. He scored 27 goals and earned a move to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. Though his career abroad didn’t take off, his Eredivisie numbers are still discussed today.
Legacy in the League:
His meteoric rise shows how one good season in the Eredivisie can change a career.
8. Steven Berghuis (Feyenoord, later Ajax)
Years Active in Eredivisie (2015–2024)
Goals Scored: Over 90 goals (combined Feyenoord and Ajax)
A highly intelligent forward with a powerful left foot, Berghuis was a consistent scorer and creator. His ability to strike from distance and beat defenders one-on-one made him a fan favorite, especially during his time at Feyenoord.
Legacy in the League:
He is among the highest-scoring wingers in Eredivisie history and a consistent match-winner.
9. Brian Brobbey (Ajax)
Years Active in Eredivisie (2020–Present)
Goals Scored: 35+ goals (as of 2025)
Brobbey represents the next generation of Eredivisie strikers. With strength, pace, and a growing goal-scoring instinct, he has the tools to be Ajax’s long-term No. 9. While still developing, his trajectory suggests elite potential.
Legacy in the League:
Still being written—but he’s already making his mark on the league.
10. Santiago Giménez (Feyenoord)
Years Active in Eredivisie (2022–Present)
Goals Scored: 35+ goals in 2 seasons
The Mexican striker has become a revelation for Feyenoord. With clinical finishing and intelligent movement, Giménez helped the Rotterdam club win the Eredivisie title and reassert themselves in the league.
Legacy in the League:
A symbol of Feyenoord’s revival and smart international scouting.
The League Impact: More Than Just Numbers
These strikers didn’t just rack up goals—they influenced coaching tactics, youth development, and transfer models. Clubs are now looking not just for scorers, but for intelligent, multi-functional forwards who can thrive in high-tempo, fluid systems.
The Eredivisie continues to be a laboratory for attacking football, and these players are proof that the Dutch league is one of Europe’s best places to watch striker evolution in real time.
Honorable Mentions
- Myron Boadu (AZ Alkmaar)
- Jurgen Locadia (PSV Eindhoven)
- Ricky van Wolfswinkel (FC Utrecht)
- Joey Veerman (PSV – often played deeper but goal-influential)
Conclusion
From seasoned veterans like Luuk de Jong to exciting breakout stars like Santiago Giménez, the Eredivisie has showcased some of the most entertaining and effective strikers in European football over the last decade. Each player brought a unique style, but all left a lasting imprint on the Dutch league.
As the Eredivisie continues to grow and produce new stars, it’s up to the fans to keep the passion alive. Support your local heroes, celebrate their goals, and elevate the game that has given so much to world football.
Stand with your club. Cheer for your scorers. Support your league.
