The Eredivisie has always been a hotbed for producing top footballing talent. In the past, it has helped developed the likes of Luis Suarez and Zlatan Ibrahimovic and more recently, the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt have broken into the limelight while performing in the Netherlands.

But did you know that one of England’s most exciting young talents has also played in the Eredivisie? Here is our list of five players that you might not know played in the Dutch top flight.

Jarrad Branthwaite – PSV (2022-23)

Jarrad Branthwaite again!!!!! 😍#PSVEMM 2-0 #TOTOKNVBBeker pic.twitter.com/fWY2UtSpZp

— PSV (@PSV) February 8, 2023

The most recent inclusion on the list, it is strange to think that just a year ago, Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite was winning KNVB Cup with PSV. The 21-year-old spent a year on loan in the Netherlands, playing 27 times in the league and keeping 10 clean sheets along the way. This season, he has really come into his own, forming a great partnership with James Tarkowski in the heart of the Everton defence and even receiving a call up to the England senior team.

Gianluca Scamacca – PEC Zwolle (2018-19)

Labelled as a flop at West Ham, Gianluca Scamacca joined the Hammers from Serie A side Sassuolo where he impressed many, scoring 16 goals in 39 appearances. While contracted to the club, he also went out on loan on multiple occasions, including a season at Eredivisie club PEC Zwolle. Unfortunately for him, he was unable to make his mark in the Netherlands, just as he was unable to put his stamp on the Premier League. What I find surprising is that he actually spent two years in the PSV academy before returning to his native Italy with Sassuolo, and so was already familiar with the Dutch game before he returned there on loan.

Joachim Andersen – FC Twente (2013-17)

The player with the most time spent in the Eredivisie on this list, Joachim Andersen joined the FC Twente academy when he was 17 and just a few seasons later became a regular starter in their senior team. The centre-back played 49 times for the Dutch team before moving to the Serie A with Sampdoria. The Dane is now employed by Crystal Palace and made his 100th appearance for the club in February and has also captained them a few times this season. He is definitely one of the Premier League’s best defenders outside of the top six and has been crucial in Crystal Palace’s recent turn around in form.

Dominic Solanke – Vitesse (2015-16)

Dominic Solanke’s sublime finish against Man Utd broke AFC Bournemouth’s record for the most goals scored in a single Premier League season! 📊🍒 pic.twitter.com/UL4XwebI7f

— Everything England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (@TheEngllshGame) April 14, 2024

Like many Chelsea academy graduates, Dominic Solanke spent time out on loan in the Netherlands with Vitesse. The English striker scored seven times while at the club, in 25 appearances. Unfortunately for him, his time in the Netherlands didn’t help him progress into a more active role within the Chelsea squad and he was later sold to Liverpool, who then moved him onto Bournemouth two years later. Until this season, it seemed as though Solanke was going to end up as another overhyped English youngster who failed to make an impact in the Premier League however under Cherries boss Andoni Iraola, the striker has netted 18 times in the top flight this season.

Alexander Isak – Willem II (2019)

Newcastle’s number 14, Alexander Isak, started his career in his native Sweden with AIK before joining Borussia Dortmund in 2017. As he struggled for game time in Germany, he was allowed to leave on a short-term loan deal and joined Willem II in the Eredivisie. While in the Netherlands, the Swede became the first foreign born player to score 12 goals in their first 12 league games and he also helped Willem II to their first KNVB Cup final since 2005. Since that loan spell, Isak has gone on to play for Real Sociedad in La Liga before joining Newcastle in 2022.