Rising Stars: Top Eredivisie Young Talents to Watch in 2025

Discover the next generation of Dutch football stars in our list of the top Eredivisie young talents set to shine in 2025. A must-read for league fans and scouts.


Top Eredivisie Young Talents to Watch in 2025

The Eredivisie has long been a breeding ground for world-class footballers. From Johan Cruyff and Dennis Bergkamp to more recent stars like Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt, the Dutch league is known for developing young talents who go on to shine in Europe’s top competitions.

As we move through 2025, a new wave of promising players is making headlines across the Netherlands. These footballers aren’t just exciting prospects for their clubs—they’re also drawing attention from scouts across Europe. In this article, we highlight the top Eredivisie young talents to watch this year, analyzing their strengths, club situations, and what makes them stand out in the Pragmatic Play demo.


1. Mikautadze Giorgi (Ajax)

Age: 24

Position: Forward

While not a teenager, Mikautadze has been a late bloomer making waves at Ajax. The Georgian international is technically gifted, with sharp movement and excellent finishing. Since arriving, he has quickly become a reliable scorer and playmaker.

Strengths:

  • Excellent positional awareness

  • Great link-up play

  • Finishing in tight spaces

Ajax are rebuilding, and Mikautadze’s performances are offering hope for the future of the Amsterdam giants.


2. Isaac Babadi (PSV Eindhoven)

Age: 19

Position: Attacking Midfielder

A highly rated product of PSV’s youth academy, Babadi has been promoted to the senior squad and is earning valuable minutes. His dribbling, agility, and vision make him a classic No.10 in the making.

Why He’s One to Watch:

  • Can glide past defenders

  • Shows maturity beyond his age

  • PSV are nurturing him carefully with a long-term role in mind

Expect him to break into the Eredivisie spotlight fully this season.


3. Jorrel Hato (Ajax)

Age: 18

Position: Center Back

Hato has been one of the few bright spots in Ajax’s tumultuous campaign. Calm under pressure, physically strong, and tactically aware, Hato is already a starter at center-back—a rarity for his age.

Key Traits:

  • Leadership from the back

  • Reads the game well

  • High passing accuracy

Several top clubs in Europe are already monitoring his progress.


4. Jaden Slory (Feyenoord)

Age: 19

Position: Winger

An explosive wide player, Slory is part of the youth injection at Feyenoord, which has become one of the most progressive teams in the Eredivisie. His direct style and pace make him an ideal fit for high-intensity systems.

Strengths:

  • Speed and acceleration

  • 1v1 dribbling ability

  • Good crossing technique

Slory is expected to see more minutes in 2025 as Feyenoord rotate during European campaigns.


5. Anass Salah-Eddine (Twente)

Age: 22

Position: Left-Back

On loan from Ajax, Salah-Eddine has found regular minutes at FC Twente and is flourishing as a modern full-back. His defensive work rate and overlapping runs have added both solidity and width to Twente’s play.

Notable Traits:

  • Excellent stamina

  • Good delivery from wide areas

  • Smart positional awareness

He could return to Ajax or secure a move abroad by the end of the season.


6. Kian Fitz-Jim (Excelsior, on loan from Ajax)

Age: 21

Position: Midfielder

Fitz-Jim is quietly becoming one of the Eredivisie’s most reliable midfielders. With his passing range and intelligence in controlling tempo, he offers both defensive stability and forward impetus.

Style of Play:

  • Deep-lying playmaker

  • Composed in tight spaces

  • Can dictate the game rhythm

A return to Ajax’s first team in 2025 looks highly likely.


7. Antoni Milambo (Feyenoord)

Age: 19

Position: Central Midfielder

Already breaking records as one of the youngest debutants for Feyenoord, Milambo is now developing into a complete midfielder. With a strong frame, smooth passing, and the ability to cover ground, he’s a valuable asset in midfield battles.

Why Scouts Love Him:

  • Two-footed passer

  • Can play both defensive and attacking roles

  • Mature decision-making

Feyenoord see him as a long-term core player, and he’s earning trust in big games.


8. Ezechiel Banzuzi (NEC Nijmegen)

Age: 20

Position: Midfielder

A former youth international, Banzuzi is making waves at NEC. Known for his box-to-box engine and aggressive tackling, he plays with passion and purpose. Clubs from the Bundesliga and Ligue 1 are already keeping tabs.

Attributes:

  • High stamina

  • Tenacious pressing

  • Late runs into the box

He may be ready for a move to a bigger club by summer 2025.


9. Thom Haye (Heerenveen)

Age: 24

Position: Central Midfielder

Though a bit older than other “young stars,” Haye has only recently started hitting his peak and deserves mention. A set-piece expert and calm presence in midfield, he’s been one of the Eredivisie’s most underrated performers this season.

Impact:

  • Accurate long-range passing

  • Tactical discipline

  • Leadership in possession-heavy systems

He’s ready to take a step up to a club playing in Europe next season.


10. Jayden Oosterwolde (Fenerbahçe, ex-Twente)

Though now playing abroad, Oosterwolde is a reminder that Eredivisie youth products continue to impact larger stages, showing the effectiveness of Dutch football development pathways.


Why the Eredivisie Is a Hub for Talent

The Dutch league stands out due to:

  • Strong academy systems (Ajax, PSV, Feyenoord)

  • Emphasis on technical development

  • First-team opportunities at a young age

  • Focus on possession-based, attacking football

These elements make the Eredivisie not just a platform for player growth but a scouting haven for top European clubs.


Final Thoughts: Eyes on the Future

As 2025 unfolds, expect these young talents to shape the Eredivisie title race, European qualification, and club strategies. With their potential, it’s not a question of if they’ll make it big—but when.

Whether you’re a scout, a fan of Dutch football, or simply someone who loves watching rising stars, these players are must-watch figures in the league.


Support the League That Develops Football’s Future

The Eredivisie continues to shape world football through its bold commitment to youth and style. Let’s support the clubs and players who keep the spirit of development alive.

Support the league. Support the next generation of football greatness.

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