Eredivisie season preview

With the 2010/11 campaign set to kick-off on Friday, we take a look at the Eredivisie contenders.

With the 2010/11 campaign set to kick-off on Friday, skysports.com takes a look at the Eredivisie contenders.

Following the Netherlands' run to the World Cup final this summer, expectations are high for the new Eredivisie season, which gets underway this weekend. Gone are the days when Ajax or PSV Eindhoven were certain to lift the trophy before the season had even begun, with several clubs looking promising this term. Not to say the big guns will not pose a threat this campaign, with financially-stricken Ajax managing to hold onto several of their World Cup stars and PSV entering the new season with an exciting young squad. As for reigning champions FC Twente, it will be interesting to see whether they can maintain their winning ways in the absence of departed manager Steve McClaren and with the added pressure of playing UEFA Champions League football. At the other end of the scale, newly promoted De Graafschap and Excelsior will be looking to stamp their mark on the Dutch top flight and avoid the drop this term. For a more detailed look at what you can expect from the clubs competing in the Eredivisie this season, cast your eye over skysports.com's in-depth guide below.

ADO Den Haag

Manager: John van den Brom Stadium: Kyocera Stadion Star man: Danny Buys League position in 2009/10: 15th Overview: ADO Den Haag will start the season with the aim to avoid the relegation play-offs. The club lack the qualities needed to move ahead in the top flight, despite coming from the fourth largest city of the Netherlands. Den Haag are set to keep captain Danny Buys at the club despite the interest of English club Derby County. Their major signing this summer is Dmitri Bulykin, who has completed a loan move from Belgian giants Anderlecht, while John van den Brom has been appointed as their new coach.

AZ Alkmaar

Manager: Gertjan Verbeek Stadium: AZ Stadion Star man: Sergio Romero League position in 2009/10: 5th Overview: In the 2008-09 season, AZ were the first club other than Dutch giants Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord to win the league since the 1980s. The club were looking to stay at the top, but those plans were dashed with the bankruptcy of owner, chairman and main sponsor Dirk Scheringa. AZ still have the funds to finish in the top five of the Eredivisie, but it will be hard for them to be champions again. The club were forced to cut costs due to the financial situation and have already sold David Mendes da Silva (Red Bull Salzburg) and Mounir El Hamdaoui (Ajax). Jeremain Lens was sold to PSV, for which the club received an undisclosed amount of money and 22-year-old Dirk Marcellis. Belgian attacker Moussa Dembele and Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero are also keen on a transfer and AZ are looking to co-operate. Gertjan Verbeek was appointed as the club's new coach this summer. He is well known in the Netherlands for inspiring improvement in young players, which is also the strategy for the next few years at AZ.

Ajax

Manager: Martin Jol Stadium: Amsterdam Arena Star man: Luis Suarez League position in 2009/10: 2nd Overview: Ajax will always be a favourite to win the Eredivisie. There is one problem: the club haven't won the league since 2004. Ajax are desperate to get a third star on their shirt for winning the 30th league title in their history. They only missed out last season by two points and had a much better goal scoring rhythm than eventual champions FC Twente. Ajax will also have the best goalscoring players from the past two seasons this term. Uruguayan star Luis Suarez was crowned as top goalscorer of the 2009/2010 season, while new signing Mounir El Hamdaoui took the award in 2008/2009 when playing for AZ. El Hamdaoui has been signed from Ajax's Eredivisie rivals in a €5million (£4.1m) transfer deal, marking the club's only signing of the summer so far. Looking at the Ajax squad you will find quite a lot of young talented players from all over Europe, while Maarten Stekelenburg, Demy de Zeeuw and Gregory van der Wiel represented the Dutch national team at the World Cup.

De Graafschap

Manager: Darije Kalezic Stadium: De Vijverberg Star man: Jan-Paul Saeijs League position in 2009/10: 1st (Eerste Divisie) Overview: De Graafschap will battle with Excelsior to avoid finishing in the 18th and last spot in the league. The champions of last year's Jupiler League signed experienced defender Jan-Paul Saeijs from Roda JC and Rydell Poepon from relegated side Sparta Rotterdam this summer. Boy Waterman signed on a Bosman from AZ and will battle with Joost Terol for the goalkeeper position.

Excelsior

Manager: Alex Pastoor Stadium: Stadion Woudestein Star man: Norichio Nieveld League position in 2009/10: 3rd (Eerste Divisie) Overview: It will be a tough season for newly promoted Excelsior. The club reached the top flight by winning the promotion/relegation play-off final against their city rivals Sparta Rotterdam. Excelsior are the feeder club of Feyenoord. Many players at Excelsior have a history at Feyenoord, as Excelsior lack funds to sign some reinforcements of their own. Only defender Wouter Gudde has been signed this summer from relegated side RKC Waalwijk. Before the transfer window closes, and depending on what Feyenoord could do on the transfer market, Excelsior are expected to sign some players from their bigger brother. Early predictions suggest Excelsior will be relegated straight back to the Jupiler League this term.

FC Groningen

Manager: Pieter Huistra Stadium: Euroborg Star man: Andreas Granqvist League position in 2009/10: 8th Overview: FC Groningen could be the surprise of the season in the Netherlands. Much depends on how the change in staff will work out for this campaign. Ron Jans was coach of FC Groningen for almost nine seasons but has decided to look for a new challenge in his career, signing with rivals SC Heerenveen this summer. With a new young coach, former player Piet Huistra, Groningen are eyeing a fresh new start. FC Groningen decided not to extend the expiring contracts of their experienced players Theo Lucius (FC Den Bosch), Goran Lovre (Barnsley) and Gibril Sankoh (FC Augsburg). The club have picked up new central defender Jonas Ivens from Belgian Jupiler Pro League club KV Mechelen, as well as Holland U-21 midfielder Maikel Kieftenbeld from Go Ahead Eagles. Their biggest signing of the summer, however, is 21-year-old Serbia U-21 player Dusan Tadic.

FC Twente

Manager: Michel Preud'homme Stadium: De Grolsch Veste Star man: Bryan Ruiz League position in 2009/10: 1st Overview: Reigning champions FC Twente had to look for a new coach this summer after Steve McClaren decided to move on to German side VFL Wolfsburg. Former Belgian goalkeeper Michel Preud'homme has been appointed as McClaren's successor. Preud'homme impressed in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League towards the end of last season with runners-up AA Gent. It was expected FC Twente would suffer a major blow with the departure of a host of players including defender Douglas and star player Bryan Ruiz, but both players stated they would only leave FC Twente for the bigger clubs in Europe. FC Twente kept both players but saw four other first-team starters leave the club. Blaise N'Kufo crowned himself as a record goalscorer at FC Twente last season, but has decided to end his career in Major League Soccer. Kenneth Perez chose to retire after winning the league title, while former loan signing Miroslav Stoch was sold by his club Chelsea to Fenerbahce. Finally, right-back Ronnie Stam was recently sold to Wigan Athletic.

FC Utrecht

Manager: Ton du Chatinier Stadium: Stadion Galgenwaard Star man: Michel Vorm League position in 2009/10: 7th Overview: Following the arrival of owner Frans van Seumeren two years ago, FC Utrecht are looking to fight for a place in the top five of the Eredivisie. Last year Van Seumeren invested hugely in high-standard Dutch players. Jan Wuytens, Nana Asare, Jacob Lensky, Jacob Mulenga, Dries Mertens and Ricky van Wolfswinkel were all signed and are now one year further into their development. FC Utrecht could keep their existing squad together this term, with even sought-after goalkeeper Michel Vorm staying at the Galgenwaard Stadium. Vorm is the reserve keeper for Maarten Stekelenburg in the Dutch national team. This summer Van Seumeren has signed three talented players from Australia: Michael Zullo, Adam Sarota and Tommy Oar. FC Utrecht could surprise with a place in the top five and could influence the outcome of the Dutch league with their strong home form.

Feyenoord

Manager: Mario Been Stadium: De Kuip Star man: Ron Vlaar League position in 2009/10: 4th Overview: Feyenoord are still facing financial troubles. Years ago, Feyenoord hoped to qualify for the Champions League by signing experienced Dutch players to help make the younger players stronger. Roy Makaay, Tim de Cler, Kevin Hofland, Denny Landzaat and Giovanni van Bronckhorst arrived in De Kuip. This summer Makaay and Van Bronckhorst decide to retire from professional football, but Makaay will stay in Rotterdam as youth coach. Van Bronckhorst, who started and ended his career at Feyenoord, will be assistant training coach to Mario Been. Landzaat's expiring contract wasn't extended this summer and Hofland was loaned out to AEK Larnaca from Cyprus. Only left-back De Cler is still in the Feyenoord squad. Feyenoord cut massive costs by saying farewell to these players and it is expected the club will have a positive balance within the next two years. Despite not having much money to spend, coach Mario Been and technical director Leo Beenhakker work hard to have a team which will finish in the top five of the Eredivisie and could qualify for the group phase of the Europa League.

SC Heerenveen

Manager: Ron Jans Stadium: Abe Lenstra Stadion Star man: Roy Beerens League position in 2009/10: 11th Overview: SC Heerenveen underwent a major makeover during the summer. Ron Jans, former coach of their local rivals Groningen, has been appointed as their new coach and will be working with a new team. The Frisians have enough cash in hand to invest on the transfer market, but always look to sign young talented players in order to let them develop before selling them. Under the management of Jans, Heerenveen decided to offload a freight of players including Paulo Henrique, Milan Kopic and Gerald Sibon, while four new faces have been signed. Arnold Kruiswijk was loaned out by Anderlecht to Roda JC and was picked up by Heerenveen, which will see him reunited with ex-Groningen coach Jans. The other new central defender is Milan Djuric, who has been signed from Vojvodina Novi Sad. The biggest addition, however, is young talented striker Bas Dost. The Holland U-21 forward, formerly of Heracles Almelo, has signed a five-year deal with the club. At the wings there are high expectations of Roy Beerens and young Serb Filip Djuricic, who has been compared to Johan Cruyff in his early days. Last year Heerenveen finished in 11th place, but this season they are expected to be back in the top eight.

Heracles Almelo

Manager: Peter Bosz Stadium: Polman Stadion Star man: Everton Ramos da Silva League position in 2009/10: 6th Overview: Last year Heracles Almelo were the biggest surprise in the Eredivisie when they finished in sixth place. Heracles missed out on European football by losing the play-offs against FC Utrecht. Following the departure of coach Gertjan Verbeek (AZ) and their top goalscorer Bas Dost (Heerenveen), it is expected the team will again be playing around the middle of the table. Heracles Almelo will have a new first goalkeeper after the club decided not to extend the contract of experienced German Martin Pieckenhagen. Goalkeeper Remko Pasveer has returned on loan from Go Ahead Eagles and is expected to take the No.1 jersey.

NAC Breda

Manager: Robert Maaskant Stadium: Rat Verlegh Stadion Star man: Matthew Amoah League position in 2009/10: 10th Overview: NAC Breda are set for a difficult season but are expected to remain in the top flight, as the club have enough quality to avoid the relegation zone. NAC had the oldest squad in the league last year but this summer they decided not to extend the contract of a couple of more experienced players. Jens Jansse (Willem II) and Kees Luijckx (AZ) have been signed on a Bosman and are expected to become first-team starters.

NEC Nijmegen

Manager: Wiljan Vloet Stadium: McDOS Goffertstadion Star man: Bjorn Vleminckx League position in 2009/10: 13th Overview: Lasse Schone will return to NEC this season following a year on the sidelines with a ligament injury. The Danish playmaker would normally be one of the stars of NEC and has already been called up by Denmark for a friendly in August. The Danish midfielder will support attacker Bjorn Vleminckx, who will play his second season in Nijmegen. NEC have made four new signings this summer: goalkeeper Jeremy de Vriendt (KV Mechelen), defender Remy Amieux (FC Eindhoven), midfielder Niki Zimling (Udinese) and forward Leroy George (FC Utrecht). If NEC can make the most of Schone and Vleminckx as a dangerous attacking duo, the club should be able to avoid the drop this term.

PSV Eindhoven

Manager: Fred Rutten Stadium: Philips Stadion Star man: Ibrahim Afellay League position in 2009/10: 3rd Overview: PSV have missed out on the league title for the last two seasons but are ready to fight for it again. Fred Rutten's side decided to invest in their squad this summer in a bid to regain their spot as Holland's top team. PSV have signed Brazilian Marcelo from Wisla Krakow to lead their defence, while Canada star Atiba Hutchinson will take charge in midfield after arriving on a Bosman from Danish giants FC Copenhagen. PSV have also brought in three new faces to bolster their attack. Jeremain Lens has been signed from Eredivisie rivals AZ, Marcus Berg has been loaned from HSV and Jonathan Reis had been re-signed after his deal was terminated last January. PSV also said farewell to a couple of players. Defender Dirk Marcellis was part of the transfer of Jeremain Lens, while Andre Ooijer did not receive a new deal and former captain Timmy Simons was granted a move to German side FC Nurnberg. PSV are expected to fight for the title until the end this season, and are among the favourites to lift the trophy.

Roda JC

Manager: Harm Van Veldhoven Stadium: Parkstad Limburg Stadion Star man: Mads Junker League position in 2009/10: 9th Overview: Roda JC are expecting a tough season, but should be able to steer clear of the relegation zone. The club have chosen to release several players this summer, and have brought in new signings Jimmy Hempte, Eelco Horsten and Mateusz Prus. On-loan striker Mads Junker is likely to play a key role again this season after impressing last term.

VVV Venlo

Manager: Jan van Dijk Stadium: De Koel Star man: Dennis Gentenaar League position in 2009/10: 12th Overview: VVV Venlo benefited in the first half of last season from the services of Keisuke Honda, but missed the CSKA Moscow playmaker in the second. A full season without Honda will be quite difficult for VVV, and their campaign will be made tougher by the fact several players decided not to extend their expiring contracts this summer. Adil Auassar and Ruben Schaken found their way to Feyenoord and Sandro Calabro signed for Swiss side Sankt Gallen. However, experienced goalkeeper Dennis Gentenaar returns from a crucial ligament injury which cost him last season, while three talented Portuguese players have arrived at Venlo from FC Porto. The players to watch are Japanese defender Maya Yoshida and young Nigerian attacker Michael Uchebo.

Vitesse Arnhem

Manager: Theo Bos Stadium: Gelre Dome Star man: Piet Velthuizen League position in 2009/10: 14th Overview: Vitesse are heading for a very difficult season this year after the club were forced to sell several players because of their financial situation. Players such as Paul Verhaegh (1. FC Augsburg), Claudemir (FC Copenhagen) and Santi Kolk (Union Berlin) have all departed the club this summer. Goalkeeper Piet Velthuizen has stayed on but Vitesse are still looking for a buyer as their star player only has a year left on his current deal. Slovenian midfielder Dalibor Stevanovic and Turkish attacker Sinan Kologlu are also still on the transfer list in order to cut costs. Meanwhile, Vitesse have only acquired one new player, defender Luca Caldirola, who has been signed on a loan deal from Italian giants Inter Milan.

Willem II

Manager: Gert Heerkes Stadium: Koning Willem II Stadion Star man: Frank Demouge League position in 2009/10: 17th Overview: Willem II will again face a hard year in which they will look to avoid relegation. The club have signed several new faces to make a fresh start under new coach Gert Heerkes. The biggest signing is, without a doubt, experienced Ukrainian midfielder Evgeniy Levchenko, who has played in the Netherlands for almost his entire career. Last year he moved on to Saturn Moscow, but he now makes his return to the Eredivisie. Willem II will have young Finish goalkeeper Niki Maenpaa between the sticks this season after Maikel Aerts left the club for Hertha BSC.