In honour of the Premier League player that never was, we are going to take a look at the best Dutch players in the Premier League era. Of course, the player we are referring to is Wesley Sneijder who was honoured in his last game for his country in a friendly against Peru.
Year after year, Sneijder was connected to a rumoured transfer to Manchester United, and the on again off again rumour became somewhat of a meme. But, in the end, Sneijder never played in the Premier League. He still set an appearance record for the Dutch national team with 134 games played.
Aside from Sneijder, the Premier League has been graced by some top Dutch talents throughout the years. The connection between Dutch and English football has grown strong, and many top Dutch players have experienced their best seasons in England.
Most recently, Robin van Persie lit up the league with Arsenal and Manchester United. His 30-goal season for Arsenal in 2011-12 showed van Persie’s class on the biggest stage. But, Arsenal supporters were left disgusted when the Dutch striker left the club for rivals Manchester United.
He scored beautiful goals for both sides and ended with 144 Premier League goals to his name. He now plays back in the Netherlands with former club Feyenoord.
From one Manchester United Dutchman to another, Edwin van der Sar pulled out some great saves in his time in Manchester. He first played in the Premier League for Fulham before taking the step up to Old Trafford.
He was United’s number one keeper for six seasons and won four Premier League titles and the Champions League during his time at the club. United supporters remember the Dutchman for his safe hands and acrobatic saves.
Before Wesley Sneijder, van der Sar had the most appearances for the Oranje, and he was a key member of many Dutch squads.
Rounding out the Manchester United selection is Ruud van Nistelrooy. From 2001-2006 van Nistelrooy scored an unbelievable 95 Premier League goals.
His charismatic personality and lethal finishing made van Nistelrooy a fan favourite during his time at Old Trafford. However, he only won one league title during his Manchester days.
Arjen Robben may be better remembered for his time at Bayern Munich, but he also enjoyed a successful Premier League spell at Chelsea. The prolific winger played three seasons in London and scored 15 Premier League goals.
He won two Premier League titles for Chelsea. Most fans will remember his penalty miss against Chelsea in the 2012 Champions League Final while he was playing for Bayern Munich. The miss allowed Chelsea to win the trophy.
From attack to defense, we move to the first defensive player in Jaap Stam. Manchester United supporters will remember Stam for his tough tackling and hard-nosed defending.
Stam played 29 league games for the Red Devils and won two Premier League titles in Manchester.
Next is the most skillful Dutchman on the list and the one with the most experience in English football. Dennis Bergkamp became an Arsenal legend during his 11 years at the club and wowed the Emirates with his technical play.
He scored 87 league goals and contributed 61 assists, but he will be best remembered for his “Bergkamp flick” goal against Newcastle United.
From the selection, it is clear Sir Alex Ferguson had a love affair with Dutch players, and Dutchmen are responsible for some of the most memorable moments in Premier League history.
Currently, the Dutch national team could use some of this top talent. The Netherlands faces top competition in the UEFA Nations League, and sports betting websites seem to think their chances are slim.
But, the small country has always churned out great young players. The likes of Virgil van Dijk and Georginio Wijnaldum are just the latest crop of Premier League stars.