Explore the best U21 players in the Eredivisie 2025 season. Discover the rising stars redefining the league and why fans should support the next generation.
Scouting Report: Best U21 Players in Eredivisie
The Eredivisie has long been known as a cradle of footballing talent. From the early days of Johan Cruyff to the modern rise of Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt, the Dutch league has consistently produced young players who eventually go on to shine on the global stage. In 2025, that tradition is not only alive but thriving more than ever.
With youth development embedded deeply in Dutch football culture, Eredivisie clubs continuously prioritize the promotion of homegrown and scouted talent. The result? A league buzzing with energy, speed, and creativity led by players under 21 years of age.
This scouting report dives into the best U21 players in the Eredivisie, highlighting the names you need to know and explaining why this young wave is vital for the future of the league and Wbet football at large.
🌟 1. Julian Rijkhoff – Ajax
Age: 20
Position: Forward
Strengths: Finishing, off-ball movement, composure
A product of Borussia Dortmund’s youth system, Julian Rijkhoff returned to Ajax in 2023 and has quickly become one of the brightest attacking prospects in the league. His intelligent movement and clinical finishing echo the traits of classic Dutch strikers, and he’s already being monitored by top European clubs.
Why He Stands Out:
- Exceptional goal-per-game ratio in youth and senior appearances
- Plays with maturity beyond his years
- Potential to be Ajax’s next big sale
🧠 2. Youri Regeer – FC Twente
Age: 21
Position: Midfielder
Strengths: Vision, passing accuracy, tactical awareness
Formerly an Ajax youth player, Youri Regeer has flourished under the guidance of FC Twente’s coaching setup. He’s known for his ability to control the tempo of the game and distribute the ball with precision. His tactical intelligence allows him to operate as a deep-lying playmaker or a more advanced No. 8.
Contribution to the League:
- Establishing himself as a midfield anchor for a top-6 Eredivisie club
- Developing into a key playmaker in just his first full senior season
⚡ 3. Isaac Babadi – PSV Eindhoven
Age: 19
Position: Attacking Midfielder / Winger
Strengths: Dribbling, flair, quick acceleration
A true PSV academy gem, Isaac Babadi has been exciting fans with his fearless style and electric pace. Often compared to a young Memphis Depay, Babadi plays with confidence and creativity, making him one of the most entertaining U21s to watch in the Eredivisie.
What Makes Him Unique:
- One of the league’s most direct attackers
- Strong ball control in tight spaces
- Capable of playing across the front three
🛡️ 4. Jorrel Hato – Ajax
Age: 18
Position: Center-back
Strengths: Positioning, tackling, ball-playing ability
Already being dubbed the next big defender to come out of Ajax, Jorrel Hato is a physically dominant and technically sound center-back. Despite his young age, he has shown the confidence to play out from the back and organize the defense under pressure.
Key Attributes for the League:
- Premier League and La Liga scouts are watching closely
- Combines Dutch build-up philosophy with modern defensive grit
🚀 5. Mexx Meerdink – AZ Alkmaar
Age: 20
Position: Striker
Strengths: Aerial ability, strength, finishing
AZ Alkmaar’s youth system continues to shine, and Mexx Meerdink is its latest jewel. A strong center-forward who can also drop deep to link play, Meerdink is already making his presence felt in both the Eredivisie and European competitions.
League Impact:
- Scoring consistently in high-pressure matches
- A classic Dutch No. 9 profile with modern athleticism
🧬 6. Anass Salah-Eddine – Twente (on loan from Ajax)
Age: 22 (just over U21 bracket but worth noting)
Position: Left-back
Strengths: Crossing, work rate, overlapping runs
Though technically over the U21 mark in 2025, Anass Salah-Eddine deserves an honorable mention. His ability to support the attack and track back quickly has made him one of the most dependable full-backs in the Eredivisie this season.
Contribution to Eredivisie Dynamics:
- Consistency and versatility
- Strong example of loan system success in the league
🔥 More Rising Stars to Watch
The Eredivisie is brimming with youthful talent. Here are a few more U21 players making waves in 2025:
- Immanuel Pherai (Groningen) – Creative force in midfield
- Livano Comenencia (PSV) – Intelligent right-back with high stamina
- Ruben van Bommel (AZ) – Son of Mark van Bommel, bringing flair and goal threat
- Mika Godts (Ajax) – Belgian winger with sharp footwork
- Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro (AZ) – Promising goalkeeper with cat-like reflexes
🧠 The Eredivisie’s Youth-First Philosophy
What makes the Eredivisie unique is not just its production of talent—but its willingness to trust young players. Unlike more competitive leagues where experience often trumps potential, Dutch clubs provide youth with valuable game time early in their careers.
Reasons Eredivisie is a Youth Goldmine:
- Technical coaching from early stages
- Emphasis on tactical education
- Regular European competition exposure
- Open transfer policy encourages talent rotation
📊 How U21 Players Affect League Dynamics
The presence of so many high-performing U21 stars impacts the Eredivisie in several crucial ways:
- Entertainment Value: Young players play fearlessly, offering fans thrilling moments.
- Financial Sustainability: Selling U21 talent funds club development.
- Tactical Evolution: Managers build systems around emerging skill sets.
- Global Scouting Attention: Bigger leagues keep a close eye on Eredivisie talent pipelines.
🏁 Conclusion: The Future Is Now
From Julian Rijkhoff’s goals to Jorrel Hato’s calm under pressure, the Eredivisie is full of U21 players rewriting the rules of youth football. These stars are not just prospects—they are already reshaping their teams, adding dynamism to the league, and exciting fans with every touch of the ball.
With scouting networks now more global than ever, there’s no doubt that Eredivisie U21s will feature heavily in transfer windows and Champions League matchday squads in the coming years.
📣 Support the League That Builds the Future
If you’re passionate about youth football and want to see future Ballon d’Or winners in their early days, the Eredivisie is the league to follow. Back the clubs that give teenagers a chance to shine. Cheer on the players taking their first steps toward greatness.
Support the league that supports the stars of tomorrow. Support the league.
