Discover the most exciting Dutch wonderkids emerging from the Eredivisie in 2025. These young talents are shaping the future of Dutch football and the league.
Dutch Wonderkids to Watch from the Eredivisie in the Next Generation
The Eredivisie has long been a breeding ground for young footballing talent. From Johan Cruyff to Frenkie de Jong, the Dutch league has consistently produced technically gifted, tactically intelligent, and fearless players who go on to shine on the biggest stages. In 2025, that tradition is alive and well.
This Wicket71 article dives deep into the most promising Dutch wonderkids currently playing in the Eredivisie. These young stars are not only important for their clubs but also represent the future of the national team and the broader footballing world. Their emergence continues to solidify the Eredivisie’s role as one of the top development-focused competitions in Europe.
Why the Eredivisie Is the Ideal League for Wonderkids
Before exploring the individual players, it’s worth understanding why so many young stars thrive in the Dutch league:
- Game Time Opportunities: Eredivisie clubs are not afraid to give 17 or 18-year-olds regular first-team minutes.
- Tactical Education: Youth academies focus on positional awareness, passing intelligence, and technical skill.
- Club Philosophy: Clubs like Ajax, AZ Alkmaar, and Feyenoord are built around youth development, with infrastructure to match.
- European Visibility: Young Eredivisie stars often draw attention from major clubs in England, Spain, Italy, and Germany.
1. Jorrel Hato (Ajax)
Position: Centre-back
Age: 18
Hato has become one of the most talked-about young defenders in Europe. A composed center-back with excellent passing range, Hato is already a key part of Ajax’s senior squad. His positional intelligence and calm under pressure have drawn comparisons to Matthijs de Ligt.
Why He’s Special:
His maturity is far beyond his years, and he’s capable of building attacks from the back—ideal for modern football.
Impact on the League:
He’s revitalizing Ajax’s defensive confidence and embodying their youth-first philosophy.
2. Mikautadze Reda (Feyenoord)
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Age: 19
Known for his flair, creativity, and vision, Reda has the potential to become the next great No. 10 in Dutch football. Though he plays centrally, he has the versatility to operate on the flanks. He’s particularly strong at finding space and delivering through balls.
Why He’s Special:
He reads the game like a veteran and can unlock tight defenses with ease.
Impact on the League:
He’s reigniting the tradition of creative midfielders in a league that values attacking transitions.
3. Jayden Addai (AZ Alkmaar)
Position: Winger
Age: 18
AZ continues to produce top-class talent, and Addai is the latest gem from their academy. A quick, direct winger who can beat his man with ease, he’s already gaining a reputation for his flair and confidence.
Why He’s Special:
Addai blends traditional Dutch wing play with modern physicality and decision-making.
Impact on the League:
He brings AZ a dynamic edge and is part of the club’s push to break the top three dominance.
4. Jesse van de Haar (FC Utrecht)
Position: Striker
Age: 19
Van de Haar is a clinical forward with intelligent off-ball movement and a strong finishing touch. Despite playing for a mid-table side, he has shown poise in front of goal and is attracting attention from top Eredivisie clubs.
Why He’s Special:
He has that natural striker’s instinct combined with work ethic and link-up play.
Impact on the League:
If he continues this trajectory, he could become a top scorer and future Netherlands international.
5. Julian Rijkhoff (Ajax)
Position: Striker
Age: 19
After moving from Borussia Dortmund back to Ajax, Rijkhoff has settled into a familiar environment and is starting to thrive. A powerful, modern No. 9 with a keen eye for goal, he has the tools to lead the Ajax line for years.
Why He’s Special:
Rijkhoff combines German efficiency with Dutch flair—a rare and lethal combo.
Impact on the League:
He represents the new wave of physically dominant, tactically flexible strikers in the Eredivisie.
6. Anass Salah-Eddine (Ajax)
Position: Left-back
Age: 22
Though slightly older than traditional wonderkid age, Salah-Eddine is a late bloomer with massive upside. His ability to bomb forward, deliver accurate crosses, and still recover defensively makes him an exciting prospect for club and country.
Why He’s Special:
He adds width and balance to Ajax’s build-up play and defends with discipline.
Impact on the League:
He’s reshaping the expectations for full-backs in the Eredivisie.
7. Antoni Milambo (Feyenoord)
Position: Midfielder
Age: 19
Milambo has been highly rated since he broke through the youth ranks. A box-to-box midfielder with a calm presence on the ball, he’s shown glimpses of becoming the next midfield general for Feyenoord.
Why He’s Special:
He controls tempo, makes smart decisions under pressure, and contributes defensively and offensively.
Impact on the League:
A future leader who may carry Feyenoord’s midfield for years to come.
8. Gabriel Misehouy (Ajax)
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Age: 19
Misehouy is one of the most technically refined players in Ajax’s ranks. With incredible dribbling and vision, he has drawn comparisons to past Ajax playmakers like Wesley Sneijder.
Why He’s Special:
He can pick apart defenses and bring flair to any attack.
Impact on the League:
Misehouy brings fans off their seats and embodies the creative heart of Eredivisie football.
The Role of Youth Academies in the Dutch League
The emergence of these talents is no coincidence. Eredivisie clubs invest heavily in their youth academies, emphasizing:
- Technical training from early age
- Tactical education and positional awareness
- Gradual integration into senior football
- Professional mental conditioning
Ajax’s De Toekomst, AZ’s Academy in Alkmaar, and Feyenoord’s Varkenoord are considered among the best youth systems in Europe. These academies don’t just produce footballers—they shape world-class athletes with deep understanding of the game.
The Future of Dutch Football Through the Eredivisie
With these wonderkids leading the charge, the Eredivisie stands poised to enter a new golden era. These players are already attracting scouts from Europe’s top five leagues, but the Dutch league itself benefits immensely from their presence.
- Increased TV Viewership: Fans tune in to see the “next big thing.”
- Improved UEFA Rankings: Young stars are helping Dutch clubs advance further in European competitions.
- National Team Growth: These talents will soon feed directly into Oranje’s senior squad.
Honorable Mentions
- Isaac Babadi (PSV) – Midfielder with strong playmaking instincts
- Kian Fitz-Jim (Ajax) – Defensive midfielder with exceptional vision
- Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro (AZ) – Promising young goalkeeper
- Sontje Hansen (NEC) – Versatile attacker with flair and pace
Conclusion
The Eredivisie continues to be one of the most fertile grounds for football talent in Europe. From Ajax to AZ Alkmaar, from Feyenoord to Utrecht, young stars are lighting up the league every week with skill, passion, and ambition. These wonderkids are more than just promising players—they are the future leaders of Dutch football.
With the right guidance and support, these talents could follow in the footsteps of Dutch greats and redefine their positions in global football.
If you’re a fan of exciting football and the rise of world-class talent, now is the time to tune into the Eredivisie. These wonderkids need your support as they take their first steps toward greatness.
Cheer them on. Follow their journey. Support the league.
