Best Young Football Talents to Watch in Eredivisie 2024/25
Discover the best young players lighting up the Eredivisie in 2024/25. From Ajax to Feyenoord, meet the next generation of football stars.
Best Young Players to Watch in Eredivisie This Season (2024/25)
The Eredivisie has long been regarded as one of Europe’s finest breeding grounds for football talent. From the likes of Johan Cruyff to Frenkie de Jong, the Dutch top flight has consistently produced some of the most technically gifted and tactically intelligent players in the world. The 2024/25 season is no different, with a fresh wave of young players making headlines, both in domestic and international arenas.
In this article, we explore the best young players to watch in the Eredivisie this season. Whether they are academy graduates, smart foreign signings, or U21 national team regulars, these talents represent the future of Dis88—and their progress could define the league’s success this year.
1. Jorrel Hato (Ajax)
Age: 18
Position: Centre-Back
One of the most promising young defenders in European football, Jorrel Hato has already established himself as a key part of Ajax’s backline. Calm under pressure and blessed with exceptional positional awareness, Hato is being compared to some of the best Dutch centre-backs in history.
Key Traits:
- Excellent ball-playing ability
- Leadership qualities beyond his age
- Strong aerial presence
As Ajax rebuilds post-ten Hag and post-Alvarez, Hato is expected to anchor their defensive future.
2. Antoni Milambo (Feyenoord)
Age: 19
Position: Attacking Midfielder
A standout product of Feyenoord’s academy, Milambo is a technically skilled playmaker who thrives in half-spaces. He has the vision to unlock defenses and the ability to operate under pressure in tight zones.
Why He’s One to Watch:
- Slot’s tactical system suits his fluid style
- He’s already getting minutes in both Eredivisie and European matches
- Potential long-term successor to Orkun Kökçü
Expect Milambo to grow into a regular starter as the season progresses.
3. Isaac Babadi (PSV Eindhoven)
Age: 19
Position: Winger / Attacking Midfielder
Dynamic, fast, and fearless—Isaac Babadi is one of PSV’s most electric attacking options. A player who enjoys taking on defenders and creating space, Babadi is dangerous in transition and can play across the front line.
What Sets Him Apart:
- Explosive first touch and acceleration
- Direct and goal-oriented
- Already attracting scouts from Europe’s top clubs
PSV are using Babadi both as an impact substitute and a starter, depending on the match context.
4. Anass Salah-Eddine (FC Twente – on loan from Ajax)
Age: 22
Position: Left-Back
Although slightly older, Salah-Eddine remains a young prospect with high potential. A modern full-back with great attacking instincts, he’s finally getting consistent minutes with FC Twente and showing why Ajax invested in him.
Highlights:
- Dangerous crosses from the flank
- Composure in 1v1 defensive situations
- Strong work ethic and positional maturity
He could be a surprise inclusion in the Dutch senior national team setup by the end of the season.
5. Julian Rijkhoff (Ajax)
Age: 19
Position: Striker
After returning from Borussia Dortmund’s youth setup, Rijkhoff is being molded into Ajax’s next great No. 9. With classic Dutch center-forward instincts, Rijkhoff is efficient in the box and works well in combination play.
Strengths:
- Intelligent movement
- Clinical finishing with both feet
- Understanding of spatial exploitation
Rijkhoff is one of Ajax’s key hopes to revive their attacking legacy.
6. Thijmen Blokzijl (FC Groningen)
Age: 19
Position: Centre-Back
Though Groningen is currently in the Eerste Divisie, Blokzijl is playing at a level that deserves top-flight attention. His performances have been mature, and a transfer to a bigger Eredivisie club seems imminent.
Attributes:
- Ball interception and reading the game
- Great communication and discipline
- Dominant in aerial duels
He’s a name that could soon dominate Eredivisie defensive rankings.
7. Sverre Nypan (AZ Alkmaar)
Age: 18
Position: Central Midfielder
The Norwegian prodigy who arrived at AZ in 2024 has already impressed with his technical brilliance and decision-making. Sverre Nypan is being likened to Martin Ødegaard in terms of creativity and tempo control.
Why He Stands Out:
- Elite vision for through balls
- High pass completion under pressure
- Positional flexibility (can play as No. 6 or No. 10)
AZ’s reputation for developing young talents makes him a player to keep a close eye on.
8. Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro (AZ Alkmaar)
Age: 20
Position: Goalkeeper
Already the starting goalkeeper for AZ Alkmaar, Owusu-Oduro is one of the Eredivisie’s most exciting young shot-stoppers. With strong reflexes and calm distribution, he plays a vital role in AZ’s backline.
Skills:
- Excellent in 1-on-1 situations
- Confident ball handler
- Vocal in organizing the defense
Don’t be surprised if he becomes a hot target for Bundesliga or Premier League clubs in the near future.
Eredivisie’s Continued Role in Global Football Development
The Eredivisie’s structure, culture, and emphasis on tactical intelligence make it a perfect platform for young footballers to showcase their abilities. Clubs like Ajax, Feyenoord, PSV, AZ Alkmaar, and even FC Utrecht have continued investing in youth, rather than relying solely on expensive foreign signings.
This means:
- More academy players getting first-team chances
- Faster player development due to real match exposure
- Greater export value and international interest
What Makes Eredivisie Special for Young Players?
- Focus on development over results in many mid-table clubs
- Tactical education from youth levels
- Fluid, attack-minded style that encourages expression
- Open competition for starting roles
Unlike some top leagues where young players may sit on the bench or be loaned out endlessly, Eredivisie offers real opportunities for game time.
Conclusion: A Golden Generation in the Making?
With players like Jorrel Hato, Isaac Babadi, and Antoni Milambo already making significant impacts, and many others on the verge of breakout seasons, the 2024/25 Eredivisie season could be remembered as a launchpad year for a new generation of global football stars.
Whether you support Ajax, Feyenoord, PSV, or just love watching young talents flourish, this is the perfect season to follow the league closely.
