TOP 5: Premier League's Greatest Dutchmen
In the Premier League's 25 year history, a sizeable number of Dutch footballers have plied their trade in English soil. Many have flattered to deceive in the world's best football league, others have managed to make decent careers. However, there are also a select few that have managed to take the league by storm and thus have etched their legacy in Premier League history. In this article, The Football Addick names his Top 5 best Dutchmen to grace the Premier League, using facts and figures to reinforce his claims.
To whittle down the list of great Dutchmen to just 5 has been an extremely difficult task and undoubtedly opinions will differ from person to person. After much thinking these are the 5 that have made the cut, but I would also like to extend my awareness of a number of players, including: Arjen Robben, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Marc Overmars, Ruud Gullit and Rafael Van Der Vaart. Although all incredible players who had been superb in the Premier League, each of those listed in my top 5 performed marginally better and I think are worthy of a place in the list. If you think I have missed anyone out or simply want to argue a player's case, do not hesitate to leave a comment on this post (http://thefootballaddick.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/top-5-best-dutchmen-to-play-in-premier.html) or contact me on social media (@FootballAddick).
5) Jaap Stam
A man mountain at the back and quite possibly the scariest man to ever play in the Premier League (Although Roy Keane definitely gives him competition), Jaap Stam is my choice at number 5. The Dutch centre back only played 3 seasons in the Premier League at Manchester United, but he more than made his mark. In those 3 years he won pretty much everything at the club: 3 Premier League titles, 1 FA Cup, 1 Intercontinental Cup and the UEFA Champions League. Although he was not much of a goal threat (he only scored 1 goal in 127 appearances), it could be argued Stam was one of the best centre defenders in the Premier League era. His presence at the back can be considered vital when you compare Manchester United's form in the Premier League from 2000/2001 and 2001/2002. Although he would play a bit part in 2000/2001 due to injury, his presence was clearly effectual as Manchester United had the best defence in the league; conceding 31 goals in 38 games. Stam would leave that summer, and as a result Manchester United would falter as they finished 3rd, conceding 45 goals in 38 games. Stam's influence can be no greater summed up than by legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson himself, who conceded that selling Stam was his greatest managerial mistake in his 27 year tenure at Manchester United. If that doesn't sum up Stam's greatness, I don't know what does.
4) Robin Van Persie
Coming in at number 4 on my list of great Dutchmen is former Arsenal and Manchester United striker, Robin Van Persie. 'RVP' was known for his incredible left foot and finishing ability, which he used to score a number of spectacular goals during his stay in England. Van Persie was blighted by injuries in his early career at Arsenal and although his potential was plain to see, he did not seem to fulfil his potential until the 2010-2011 season. Having joined in 2004, in 6 seasons 'RVP' would only feature 131 times in the Premier League scoring 48 goals at 0.37 goals per game. But he would have an up turn in fortune after that, and in his remaining 5 seasons he would play 149 times and score 96 times at 0.64 per game. That included an incredible 30 goal season at Arsenal, where he would go on to score 37 goals in all competitions. In the following season Van Persie made the switch to Manchester United in a £22.5million move and would be in unstoppable form once again; winning the Golden Boot for a second consecutive year with a 26 goal tally. Although he would suffer from injuries again in the following years, these 2 seasons alone confirmed his status as one of the Premier League's greats.
3) Edwin Van Der Sar
At Number 3 we have possibly the greatest goalkeeper to ever play in the Premier League, Edwin Van Der Sar. The legendary goalkeeper first entered the league in 2001, having joined Fulham from Juventus for £7.1 million. Although he would establish himself as a good Premier League goalkeeper, the accolades did not come his away until 2006 where he earned a move to English giants, Manchester United. Individually he broke a number of records, including going 1311 minutes in the league without conceding a goal; which would also become a world record. He also won Best European Goalkeeper in 2009, and was included in the PFA Team of the year 3 times in his Manchester United career. At 40 years and 205 days old, he also became the oldest man to win the Premier League. Collectively, he also won 25 trophies, which includes 2 Champions League triumphs and 4 Premier League titles. This tally makes him the second most decorated goalkeeper of all time in terms of trophies won. To conclude, Van Der Sar's pedigree as a top class Premier League goalkeeper is plain to see. 313 Premier League appearances. 12 trophies in England. Countless personal accolades. Record breaker.
This was a complete no-brainer. Whereas the other 4 on the list jostled for position, Bergkamp was always going to be my name at number 1. Unfortunately I was fairly young when he was at his peak in the Premier League, but from what I can remember, accompanied by countless viewings of Premier League years, I can safely say that Bergkamp is the greatest Ducthman to ever grace the Premier League. What a genius. He was not a great goal scorer considering he played as a forward; In fact he was not able to break the 10 goal mark in the Premier League after his 4th season at Arsenal. In all competitions he 'only' managed 120 goals in 423 appearances in North London. But Bergkamp was not known for his goal scoring ability; he mostly left that to his strike partner, Thierry Henry. He was known for his all round genius on the ball, his elegance, his technical wizardry. There was not much he could not do. He was strong, quick, good in the air, superb with his feet. He could pass, he could assist, he could score when presented with an opportunity. Stats don't do the great man justice. You must watch his highlights to fully appreciate the genius that was Dennis Bergkamp. He is undoubtedly the greatest Dutchman to ever play in the Premier League.
Like the article? Be sure to follow me on blogger or social media for future Top 5 posts! The next edition of Top 5 will be based on 'the Best Spaniards to play in the Premier League'. Thank you for reading!
Twitter: @FootballAddick @JamesStroud1995
To whittle down the list of great Dutchmen to just 5 has been an extremely difficult task and undoubtedly opinions will differ from person to person. After much thinking these are the 5 that have made the cut, but I would also like to extend my awareness of a number of players, including: Arjen Robben, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Marc Overmars, Ruud Gullit and Rafael Van Der Vaart. Although all incredible players who had been superb in the Premier League, each of those listed in my top 5 performed marginally better and I think are worthy of a place in the list. If you think I have missed anyone out or simply want to argue a player's case, do not hesitate to leave a comment on this post (http://thefootballaddick.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/top-5-best-dutchmen-to-play-in-premier.html) or contact me on social media (@FootballAddick).
5) Jaap Stam
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| Jaap Stam: The scariest man in Premier League history? |
A man mountain at the back and quite possibly the scariest man to ever play in the Premier League (Although Roy Keane definitely gives him competition), Jaap Stam is my choice at number 5. The Dutch centre back only played 3 seasons in the Premier League at Manchester United, but he more than made his mark. In those 3 years he won pretty much everything at the club: 3 Premier League titles, 1 FA Cup, 1 Intercontinental Cup and the UEFA Champions League. Although he was not much of a goal threat (he only scored 1 goal in 127 appearances), it could be argued Stam was one of the best centre defenders in the Premier League era. His presence at the back can be considered vital when you compare Manchester United's form in the Premier League from 2000/2001 and 2001/2002. Although he would play a bit part in 2000/2001 due to injury, his presence was clearly effectual as Manchester United had the best defence in the league; conceding 31 goals in 38 games. Stam would leave that summer, and as a result Manchester United would falter as they finished 3rd, conceding 45 goals in 38 games. Stam's influence can be no greater summed up than by legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson himself, who conceded that selling Stam was his greatest managerial mistake in his 27 year tenure at Manchester United. If that doesn't sum up Stam's greatness, I don't know what does.
4) Robin Van Persie
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| Robin Van Persie was lethal at Manchester United |
Coming in at number 4 on my list of great Dutchmen is former Arsenal and Manchester United striker, Robin Van Persie. 'RVP' was known for his incredible left foot and finishing ability, which he used to score a number of spectacular goals during his stay in England. Van Persie was blighted by injuries in his early career at Arsenal and although his potential was plain to see, he did not seem to fulfil his potential until the 2010-2011 season. Having joined in 2004, in 6 seasons 'RVP' would only feature 131 times in the Premier League scoring 48 goals at 0.37 goals per game. But he would have an up turn in fortune after that, and in his remaining 5 seasons he would play 149 times and score 96 times at 0.64 per game. That included an incredible 30 goal season at Arsenal, where he would go on to score 37 goals in all competitions. In the following season Van Persie made the switch to Manchester United in a £22.5million move and would be in unstoppable form once again; winning the Golden Boot for a second consecutive year with a 26 goal tally. Although he would suffer from injuries again in the following years, these 2 seasons alone confirmed his status as one of the Premier League's greats.
3) Edwin Van Der Sar
 |
| Edwin Van der Saar, The best goalkeeper in Premier League history? |
At Number 3 we have possibly the greatest goalkeeper to ever play in the Premier League, Edwin Van Der Sar. The legendary goalkeeper first entered the league in 2001, having joined Fulham from Juventus for £7.1 million. Although he would establish himself as a good Premier League goalkeeper, the accolades did not come his away until 2006 where he earned a move to English giants, Manchester United. Individually he broke a number of records, including going 1311 minutes in the league without conceding a goal; which would also become a world record. He also won Best European Goalkeeper in 2009, and was included in the PFA Team of the year 3 times in his Manchester United career. At 40 years and 205 days old, he also became the oldest man to win the Premier League. Collectively, he also won 25 trophies, which includes 2 Champions League triumphs and 4 Premier League titles. This tally makes him the second most decorated goalkeeper of all time in terms of trophies won. To conclude, Van Der Sar's pedigree as a top class Premier League goalkeeper is plain to see. 313 Premier League appearances. 12 trophies in England. Countless personal accolades. Record breaker.
2) Ruud Van Nistelrooy
In my opinion, the second best Dutchmen to have graced the Premier League is Ruud Van Nistelrooy. The Dutchman arrived in England with a reputation for scoring goals, having scored 75 in 91 games in all competitions for PSV. So with a goal scoring reputation and a lofty £18.5 million price tag, would Van Nistelrooy turn out to be a flop? No chance. Van Nistelrooy was able to replicate this form and he managed to score goals in the Premier League for fun. He was the ultimate poacher in front of goal. In 5 seasons at Old Trafford, he broke the 20 goal barrier in the league in 4 of those seasons. The only season he didn't was 2004/2005, where he was plagued with injury problems and thus only reached 6 goals. But this wasn't enough to tarnish his legacy as one of the all time great goal-scorers in England. Overall, he was able to muster a total of 150 goals in 219 appearances at Manchester United at a rate of 0.685 goals a game. Although he would later fall out with Alex Ferguson and make a £14 million move to Real Madrid in 2006, Ruud Van Nistelrooy was an extraordinary goal scorer who tore up the Premier League in his 5 seasons at United.
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| Ruud Van Nistelrooy celebrates for United |
In my opinion, the second best Dutchmen to have graced the Premier League is Ruud Van Nistelrooy. The Dutchman arrived in England with a reputation for scoring goals, having scored 75 in 91 games in all competitions for PSV. So with a goal scoring reputation and a lofty £18.5 million price tag, would Van Nistelrooy turn out to be a flop? No chance. Van Nistelrooy was able to replicate this form and he managed to score goals in the Premier League for fun. He was the ultimate poacher in front of goal. In 5 seasons at Old Trafford, he broke the 20 goal barrier in the league in 4 of those seasons. The only season he didn't was 2004/2005, where he was plagued with injury problems and thus only reached 6 goals. But this wasn't enough to tarnish his legacy as one of the all time great goal-scorers in England. Overall, he was able to muster a total of 150 goals in 219 appearances at Manchester United at a rate of 0.685 goals a game. Although he would later fall out with Alex Ferguson and make a £14 million move to Real Madrid in 2006, Ruud Van Nistelrooy was an extraordinary goal scorer who tore up the Premier League in his 5 seasons at United.
1) Dennis Bergkamp
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| Dennis Bergkamp scores one of the most iconic goals in Premier League history |
This was a complete no-brainer. Whereas the other 4 on the list jostled for position, Bergkamp was always going to be my name at number 1. Unfortunately I was fairly young when he was at his peak in the Premier League, but from what I can remember, accompanied by countless viewings of Premier League years, I can safely say that Bergkamp is the greatest Ducthman to ever grace the Premier League. What a genius. He was not a great goal scorer considering he played as a forward; In fact he was not able to break the 10 goal mark in the Premier League after his 4th season at Arsenal. In all competitions he 'only' managed 120 goals in 423 appearances in North London. But Bergkamp was not known for his goal scoring ability; he mostly left that to his strike partner, Thierry Henry. He was known for his all round genius on the ball, his elegance, his technical wizardry. There was not much he could not do. He was strong, quick, good in the air, superb with his feet. He could pass, he could assist, he could score when presented with an opportunity. Stats don't do the great man justice. You must watch his highlights to fully appreciate the genius that was Dennis Bergkamp. He is undoubtedly the greatest Dutchman to ever play in the Premier League.
Like the article? Be sure to follow me on blogger or social media for future Top 5 posts! The next edition of Top 5 will be based on 'the Best Spaniards to play in the Premier League'. Thank you for reading!
Twitter: @FootballAddick @JamesStroud1995
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