A Cottagers Contemplation - Dutch Desires

With Fulham already making a few good signings and with the club's executives keeping their cards close to their chest; it leaves the fans nothing more than speculation and scouting possible options. In this article, I will be looking at the Dutch league The Eredivisie.

Just like the MLS, The Eredivisie is a league that is full of potential and is often overlooked. Although, the Fulham faithful have been left with a bitter taste in their mouths from past experience of Dutch players and managers at the club.

The dust is still settling from the departure of Maarten Stekelenburg’s earlier this month. He was one of the club's highest earners and spent a majority of his time away from the club. Stekelenburg's attitude towards the club left the fans feeling disgruntled.

The second Dutchman in question is Maarten 'Martin' Jol, who was manager at the club during a rough transitional period, joining in 2011 and being sacked in December 2013. His end came in a season that saw the club relegated. He’s often regarded as remaining in the position too long by the fans of the club.

Alls of this may make fans very cautious towards the possibility of future Dutch signings.

With family connections in The Netherlands, I keep a keen eye on the Eredivisie throughout season. Using my knowledge of the league, I have constructed a scouting report on players that would be suit Fulham’s requirements.

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Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Tom Beugelsdijk

Centre Back

25 years old

24 appearances | 2 goals | 0 assists

Tom Beugelsdijk is more than just a mouthful, The 25 year old is a handful on the pitch too.

At 6’3, the Dutchman is a power presence in the air. Winning aerial duels is one of his main strengths.

The Centre Back is also solid on the ground. Beugelsdijk's concentration is one his main traits, as he sometimes makes a mistake that could be avoided. The Dutchman's ability to read the passage of play allows him to block the ball successfully and defuse the attack efficiently.

Many Dutch players swap The Netherlands for the bright lights of English football. A majority are lured towards the Premier League but Beugelsdijk may slip under the radar of the bigger clubs.

The Central Defender would suit the current vacant position perfectly. The big Dutchman reminds me of Brede Hangeland's style of play.

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Photo by Miguel Riopa/EuroFootball/Getty Images

Wout Weghorst

Striker

24 years old

37 appearances | 14 goals | 0 assists

If the recent rumours of Matt Smith’s imminent departure are true then Wout Weghorst would be an ideal replacement.

Standing at a hefty 6’5 Weghorst is strong in the air and clinical finisher with the ball at his feet being one of the league's top scorers.

Waghorn plays a similar style to Matt Smith, Making the Dutchman a perfect fit to fulfil his role within the squad if he was to leave this summer.

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Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Gastón Pereiro

21 years old

Winger

29 appearances | 11 goals | 3 assists

The Uruguayan winger is a versatile attacker, being able to play down either wing or just behind the striker.

In his first season in the Eredivisie, Pereiro contributed to 14 of PSV’s goals in their title defence season. That’s quite a great return for a Winger.

Fulham are in need of relieving the pressure off Ross McCormack, who will be Fulham's main source of goals since the departure of Moussa Dembele.

Although the club have brought in Sone Aluko to supply cover, additional support of the goal scoring duties is essential for a team that has promotion ambitions.

Gastón Pereiro only joined the Dutch champions last summer and with the club securing the title on the final day over rivals Ajax, will be looking to build on the current squad. Getting the club to sell may prove to be difficult. The other problem may be securing him a work permit.

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Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Robbin Ruiter

29 year old

Goalkeeper

29 appearances | 0 goals | 0 assists

Fans of Fulham have been crying out for a Goalkeeper that controls his area, Ever since the departure of fan favourite Mark Schwarzer.

Standing at 6’5, Ruiter makes himself a big presence within the 18 yard box. Being quick off his line helps in commanding his area.

Rated in The Netherlands, Robbin Ruiter may also slip under the radar of Premier League clubs. At 29 years old he still has many years to prosper with a new league.

Would you like to see any of these players join The Cottagers?

Is there any other players that excite you from the Eredivisie?

Leave your thoughts in the comments below.