The Eredivisie, the premier football league in the Netherlands, is home to some of the most exciting football in Europe.
As the 2023–24 season unfolds, fans are eagerly following their favorite teams as they battle for supremacy in a competition known for producing talents that go on to play for Europe’s elite clubs.
In this article, we will explore the current standings, key highlights, and what to expect as the season progresses.
Current Eredivisie Standings: Who’s on Top?
As of September 2024, the Eredivisie table is highly competitive, with traditional powerhouses like Feyenoord, PSV Eindhoven, and Ajax Amsterdam fighting for the top spots.
After a strong 2022–23 campaign, Feyenoord finished as champions, solidifying their status as a dominant force. Meanwhile, PSV and Ajax continue to chase their arch-rival with solid performances this season.
At the other end of the table, Almere City and PEC Zwolle, who recently gained promotion from the Eerste Divisie, are battling to avoid relegation.
These teams, along with others like Excelsior and Fortuna Sittard, are working hard to retain their spot in the Eredivisie, making the bottom half of the table as unpredictable as ever.
Top Contenders in the Eredivisie 2023–24 Season
Feyenoord
Feyenoord, hailing from Rotterdam, are the reigning champions. With a deep squad and consistent performances, they continue to impress this season. Manager Arne Slot’s tactical brilliance and a balanced squad, featuring players like Santiago Giménez and Orkun Kökçü, make them one of the favorites to win the title again.
PSV Eindhoven
PSV, under the leadership of manager Peter Bosz, are looking to reclaim their position at the top. Last season, they finished second, and with the current form of players like Luuk de Jong and Xavi Simons, PSV remains a serious contender for the title.
Ajax Amsterdam
Ajax, one of the most successful clubs in Dutch football history, have faced a few challenges recently. After finishing third last season, they are pushing to regain their dominance under new manager John van ‘t Schip. With talents like Steven Bergwijn and emerging youngsters from their famed academy, Ajax still has a shot at competing for the title.
Key Matches and Rivalries
The Eredivisie is known for its fierce rivalries, and every season, certain fixtures draw significant attention. The De Klassieker between Ajax and Feyenoord is always a highly anticipated match.
This fixture not only has historical significance but also often plays a crucial role in determining the league’s outcome.
Similarly, matches between PSV and either of the two Rotterdam-based giants are packed with action. These encounters tend to be decisive as the league’s top three teams jostle for superiority.
For newly promoted teams like Almere City and PEC Zwolle, their primary focus will be on securing points in crucial relegation battles against the mid- to lower-table teams like Excelsior and RKC Waalwijk.
Surprising Performers of the Season
While the usual suspects like Feyenoord, PSV, and Ajax dominate the headlines, this season has seen some under-the-radar performances from other clubs. AZ Alkmaar has quietly been building a strong squad and has emerged as a dark horse. Known for their efficient style of play and ability to develop young talent, AZ could challenge for a top-four finish.
Similarly, Twente, under manager Ron Jans, is aiming to break into the upper echelons of the Eredivisie once again. Their squad, boasting experienced players like Virgil Misidjan, is one to watch as they continue to produce consistent performances.
The Battle for European Spots
One of the key motivations for Eredivisie teams is to secure European qualification. The top two teams at the end of the season earn a spot in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.
Feyenoord’s first-place finish last season secured them automatic qualification for the group stage, while PSV, as runners-up, entered the qualification rounds.
Teams finishing in third and fourth positions secure spots in the Europa League, while the fifth-placed team can enter the UEFA Conference League.
This fight for European football adds extra intrigue to the final weeks of the season as mid-table teams push to climb up the standings.
Relegation Battle: Who’s at Risk?
At the opposite end of the table, the fight to avoid relegation is just as fierce. The Eredivisie employs a relegation-promotion system with the Eerste Divisie (Dutch second division), where the bottom-placed teams face relegation.
Almere City and PEC Zwolle, despite their impressive performances in the Eerste Divisie, are struggling to adjust to the Eredivisie’s higher level of competition.
Excelsior, after narrowly avoiding relegation last season, are again finding themselves in a precarious position. Fortuna Sittard and RKC Waalwijk are also hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone, making every point crucial in their bid for survival.
What’s Next for the Eredivisie?
As the 2023–24 Eredivisie season progresses, the league promises to deliver more thrilling football and unexpected twists. With just a few matches played, fans are eagerly awaiting key fixtures that could shape the rest of the campaign. Feyenoord, PSV, and Ajax will likely continue their intense title race, but clubs like AZ Alkmaar and Twente could yet upset the traditional hierarchy.
At the bottom, the relegation battle will be just as gripping, with teams fighting tooth and nail to retain their Eredivisie status. With exciting young talents emerging and the stakes high at both ends of the table, the Eredivisie is poised for another unforgettable season.
For real-time updates and detailed standings, fans can follow the latest scores and match results on popular platforms like.
FAQs
Q: What is the Eredivisie?
A: The Eredivisie is the top-level professional football league in the Netherlands. It was founded in 1956 and currently consists of 18 teams.
Q: When does the Eredivisie season start and end?
A: The Eredivisie season typically starts in mid-August and ends in mid-May.
Q: How many teams are in the Eredivisie?
A: There are 18 teams in the Eredivisie.
Q: How are the teams ranked in the Eredivisie?
A: The teams are ranked in the Eredivisie based on their points total. Teams earn 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss.
Q: Which team is currently at the top of the Eredivisie table?
A: As of September 16, 2024, Feyenoord is at the top of the Eredivisie table with 15 points from 5 matches.
Q: What are the top 3 teams in the Eredivisie?
A: As of September 16, 2024, the top 3 teams in the Eredivisie are:
Feyenoord – 15 points
PSV Eindhoven – 13 points
AZ Alkmaar – 12 points
Q: Which team is at the bottom of the Eredivisie table?
A: As of September 16, 2024, Excelsior Rotterdam is at the bottom of the Eredivisie table with 1 point from 5 matches.
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