The best Netherlands players of all time: Johan Cruyff vs. Marco van Basten for the top spot

The golden age of Dutch football came in the 1970s and 1980s, with two generations of outstanding players emerging one after another. Unfortunately, they were unable to win the World Cup. Nevertheless, the country still produced many talented players, some of whom made a lasting impact on football history. goaloomobi.com looks back at the best Netherlands players of all time.

The best Netherlands players of all time

The list is arranged based on achievements and influence on football.

5. Frank Rijkaard

As a member of the “Flying Dutch Trio” that dominated Europe in the late 1980s, Frank Rijkaard enjoyed his most successful period with Ajax and AC Milan, where he won three UEFA Champions League titles. At the national team level, he also won the 1988 European Championship with the Netherlands. Rijkaard is widely regarded as a model for the modern defensive midfielder, combining strength and technical ability.

Standing at 1.90 m, Rijkaard was very strong in one-on-one situations and aerial duels. He had excellent stamina, allowing him to cover a large area of the pitch. His greatest strength was his ability to read the game. He understood when to press and when to slow the tempo. Rijkaard played a key role in balancing attack and defense, acting not only as a defensive midfielder but also as an organizer in midfield.

4. Dennis Bergkamp

Playing slightly later than Rijkaard, Dennis Bergkamp was another outstanding figure in Dutch football. Although he developed at Ajax, the peak of his career came at Arsenal during the era of Arsène Wenger, where he won three Premier League titles, including the unbeaten 2003/04 season. At club level, he also won two UEFA Cup titles with Ajax and Inter Milan. However, he did not win a major title with the national team.

Bergkamp did not rely on speed or physical strength. His greatest strength was his first touch, especially when controlling long passes from 40–50 meters with precision. This ability allowed him to bypass defenders with ease. He was also highly effective in creating chances with accurate through passes and was a dangerous finisher inside the penalty area.

3. Ruud Gullit

Known for his tall build and distinctive hairstyle, Ruud Gullit was also part of the “Flying Dutch Trio” alongside Rijkaard. His most successful period was with AC Milan, where he won the Ballon d'Or and two consecutive UEFA Champions League titles (1989, 1990). He also captained the Netherlands to victory at Euro 1988.

Gullit was one of the most versatile players in football history. He could play in multiple positions, including defender, midfielder, and forward. He had an ideal physical profile, combining height, strength, speed, and technical skill. His versatility allowed him to connect different areas of the team, support teammates, and perform well in important matches.

2. Marco van Basten

The final member of the “Flying Dutch Trio,” Marco van Basten is considered one of the greatest strikers the Netherlands has ever produced. Like Gullit, he achieved major success at AC Milan. He won three Ballon d'Or awards (1988, 1989, 1992), becoming one of the few players to reach this milestone before the age of 30.

Van Basten was a complete striker, capable of scoring with both feet, his head, and even with acrobatic finishes. His movement and positioning made him very difficult to defend against. Despite being 1.88 m tall, he had excellent technique and control in tight spaces. Unfortunately, serious injuries forced him to retire early at the age of 31, cutting short a remarkable career.

1. Johan Cruyff

Johan Cruyff is widely regarded as the greatest player in Dutch football history and one of the most influential figures in the sport. He played a key role in Ajax winning three consecutive European Cups (1971, 1972, 1973). At Barcelona, he helped the club end a 14-year league title drought by winning La Liga. With the national team, he led the Netherlands to the 1974 World Cup final.

On the field, Cruyff showed strong leadership, constantly guiding teammates and organizing movement. He had exceptional vision, allowing him to find and exploit space effectively. His speed, dribbling, and control made him a constant threat to opponents. After retiring, Cruyff continued to influence football as a coach, helping to develop and spread the philosophy of “Total Football” around the world.

Goaloo Mobi has reviewed the best Netherlands players of all time, ranking the best players in the country’s history. To read more about the latest football schedules, please visit the website via the provided link.