Viktor Fischer
Who is he?
Danish wonderkid Viktor Fischer (pictured above) plays as an inverted left-winger for Ajax. Cutting inside whenever his friend and fellow Dane Nicolai Boilesen finds the overlap, he’s one of the Amsterdammers’ main goalscoring threats. His lethal right foot even earned him the nickname ‘Danish Dynamite’.
Why you need to know him
Even before Fischer signed for Ajax at the age of 15, he was on every scout’s radar and, to this day, an ever-growing stream of rumours is constantly linking him to some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Only 19 years old, he’s already been capped six times. Fischer simply seems destined for greatness.
Who does he remind you of?
Fischer is not the first Dane to make an impression at Ajax. Players like Michael Laudrup and more recently Christian Eriksen all went before him. But the most obvious comparison can be made with fellow left-winger Jesper Grønkjær, who spent two years at the Amsterdam outfit before joining Chelsea in 2000.
Would be perfect for
Manchester United, Arsenal.
Alfreð Finnbogason
Who is he?
Twenty-four-year-old Alfreð Finnbogason plays as a striker for Heerenveen. Recent rumours have strongly linked him to Cardiff City, whose new manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær acquired the services of Finnbogason’s former Heerenveen team-mate Magnus Wolff Eikrem earlier this month.
Why you need to know him
Last year he had Wilfred Bony to compete with, but this year it’s Finnbogason who is the Eredivisie’s most productive striker. So far, the Icelander has scored 17 goals in 15 matches, earning him the constant praise of his manager, former AC Milan star Marco van Basten. With half of the season still to come, this could prove to be a record-breaking year for the Icelander.
Who does he remind you of?
Heerenveen has traditionally been the home of some of the Eredivisie’s most lethal strikers, among whom include none other than Ruud van Nistelrooy. Indeed, Finnbogason’s style of play is similar to that of the former Manchester United top scorer, who famously bagged goal after goal from various positions inside the penalty area.
Would be perfect for
Cardiff City, Swansea City.
Dušan Tadić
Who is he?
Versatile winger and attacking midfielder Dušan Tadić is the main creative hub of FC Twente, who brought him in from FC Groningen for a whopping £5 million in 2012 – a club record. He’s usually deployed on the right flank, but he’s also more than capable of playing on the left, as well as the centre of the pitch. Recent rumours have linked him to Everton and Borussia Dortmund, but interested parties should keep in mind that the Serbian has publicly stated he’ll only leave FC Twente for his "dream club".
Why you need to know him
His ability to take on defenders before delivering a pinpoint cross makes Tadić one of the best wingers in the Eredivisie. Gifted, with unparalleled technical abilities, the Serbian has become something of an assist king. In 2012/13, 15 of his crosses were turned into goals, the only players to provide more being Christian Eriksen and Dries Mertens, both of whom moved on to bigger leagues last summer (Tottenham Hotspur and Napoli respectively).
Who does he remind you of?
Tadić combines the refined passing capabilities of Wesley Sneijder with the bravery and dribbling skills of his fellow former Groningen player, Arjen Robben, and much like the aforementioned in their final seasons in Holland, it looks like Tadić has simply outgrown the Eredivisie.
Would be perfect for
Everton, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur.
Lucas Piazon
Who is he?
Lucas Piazon signed for Chelsea in 2011. In 2013, he joined Vitesse on loan, and made an immediate impact on the Eredivisie. Usually he’s either deployed in a playmaking role on the midfield, or on the left flank, where his excellent right foot serves him well when cutting inside.
Why you need to know him
So far in 2013/14, he’s scored 11 goals and made eight assists, arguably becoming one of the Eredivisie’s most valuable players. Silencing any critics of the connection between Chelsea and Vitesse along the way, he’s boosted Vitesse to the status of genuine title contenders.
Who does he remind you of?
His nickname is ‘the new Kaká’, but Chelsea’s young Brazilian has also been likened to former Eredivisie playmakers Rafael van der Vaart and Sneijder. Expect Piazon to reach the same level.
Would be perfect for
Chelsea, or should they be willing to let him go, whoever can snap him up first.
Davy Klaassen
Who is he?
Davy Klaassen is one of the latest prodigies to graduate from Ajax’s world famous academy. His technical abilities are beyond any doubt, and while he’s only 20 years of age, he’s already showing great strength and mental resilience, having been sidelined by a nagging groin injury for more than eight months after scoring a goal in his 2011 debut match. It wasn’t until Johan Cruyff, these days active as advisor to Ajax, called in the help of his personal contacts at Barcelona’s physio department that he was able to return to full fitness.
Why you need to know him
When Eriksen left Amsterdam for Spurs, fans and pundits alike wondered who would step up to become Ajax’s new midfield general. After only a handful of matches, all debate was silenced. Klaassen grabbed his chance with both hands and never let go. With his pivotal role in Ajax 2-1 defeat of Barcelona in November 2013 boosting his confidence even further, Klaassen quickly established himself as one of Ajax’s most important players.
Who does he remind you of?
He’s already been dubbed the new Bergkamp, and indeed, the similarities seem endless. First, there’s the positions Klaassen likes to play. Much like the Arsenal legend before him, Klaassen is able to play as an attacking midfielder, as well as a striker. Then there’s the elegant first touch. When receiving the ball, Klaassen is able to flick past defenders with the grace of an artist, just like his role model. Coincidence or not: as assistant to Ajax manager Frank de Boer, Bergkamp is on the training pitch with Klaassen almost every day.
Would be perfect for
Arsenal, Manchester United.
