Whats happend to Dutch giants in Europe?

Dutch champions AZ Alkmaar kick of their first ever campaign in the Champions League tonight against Greek side Olympiakos. They will also face Belgian champions Standard Liege and Premier League Arsenal in what will prove a tough entrey in to the Europe’s top continental competition.

Dutch teams have a big history in European competitions with Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord all winning the European Cup in its many different guises. However in recent years the Dutch domestic game has deteriorated and with it the clubs performances in Europe have suffered.

The Eredivisie competitive but of a poor standard

It could be argued that the Dutch Eredivisie is one of the most competitive leagues in Europe. Last season saw AZ chased by FC Twente managed by ‘the Wally with the Brolly’ sorry I mean Steve McClaren for the Eredivisie crown. Notable by their absence were the aforementioned former ‘Big Three’ Ajax, Feyenoord and PSV. However this season all five clubs are expected to challenge for the league title. The national league is currently rank 8th in UEFA ranking below the Russian and Ukrainian leagues.

Players leave for more glamorous surroundings

The decline in the standard of play hasn’t been helped by the steady stream of players leaving for the bigger more glamorous leagues in Spain, England, Italy and Germany. Every time a player has a good season they get scouted and whipped off to clubs in La Liga, the Premier League, Serie A and the Bundesliga.

They get to the mid-twenties and seem to move instantly. As has been the case with Ajax players Jan-Klaas Huntelaar, Wesley Sneijder, Johnny Heitinga and Rafael Van Der Vaart all being sold.The sale of top players to big European clubs is nothing new. During the 1970’s Dutch legend Johan Cruyff was sold to Barcelona at the heights of his powers.

Ajax in decline

Ajax has a fantastic reputation for bringing through players from their world-class academy. However they wouldn’t ever progress if they keep selling their best players. The current generation of Ajax player is currently not in the same class of previous years. They haven’t won a domestic title since 2004 and their reputation in Europe has taken a nose dive.

Ajax are of course the most succesful Dutch side in European history. They have won four European Cups, one UEFA Cup and one Cup Winners-Cup. The side from the capital find themselves in this UEFA’s second string competition Europa League this season and they will be hoping to progress to the latter stages of the competition. I also hope they get paired with my club Everton, so I can visit the Amsterdam Arena again.

They are currently one of the favourites to win the trophy and the arrival of former Hamburg boss Martin Jol will be a big boost to the whole club. I don’t believe they have the quality to win the competition but with their European pedigree they could have a good run.

PSV, Heerenveen and FC Twente also in Europa League

PSV, Dutch Cup winners Heerenveen and FC Twente will also represent the Oranje in the Europa League. Twente dropped down from the Champions League after suffering a third qualifying round defeat to AZ’s opponents in group H Arsenal.

PSV closest to recent European glory

PSV were the side that have progressed the furthest out of the Dutch sides in recent Champions League history. The Eindhoven club made it to the Champions League quarter-finals in 2007 and defeated by finalists Liverpool.

Last season was disappointingly finishing 4th in the Eredivisie. They have a new coach this season in the shape of experienced ex-Schalke boss Fred Rutten. His experience could be vital to the teams success this season.

FC Twente solid under ex-England boss

FC Twente have became a solid outfit under former Middlesbrough and England boss Steve McClaren. His managerial stint in the Eredivisie has resurrected his reputation as a decent coach, albeit it in a very poor standard of league. Although they are solid they will struggle against better opposition.

However they are in a decent group with Steaua Bucurest, Fenerbahce and Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol.They could qualify from the group but it would be a surprise if they make the latter stages.

Feyenoord struggled last season

Feyenoord have had a poor few seasons and could only finish 7th in the Eredivisie last season. Since 2006 and missing out the Dutch title they have struggled in mediocrity. Last season they celebrated their centenary but couldn’t didn’t give their fans anything to smile about. Their only recent trophy came in 2008 when they won the Dutch cup.

With all three of the Dutch giants struggling in recent seasons the likes of Johan Cruyff and Ruud Gullit must be disgusted at whats happened to the domestic game in their country. The domestic game has missed these sorts of characters and until Dutch sides manage to keep hold of their stars they will continue to fail in Europe.