Eredivisie 2017/18: The Complete Season Review
Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the Eredivisie 2017/18 season, a year packed with goals, drama, and unforgettable moments. We're going to break down everything from the title race to the individual brilliance that made this season one for the books. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just curious about Dutch football, you're in for a treat. So, grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let’s get started!
The Title Race: PSV's Triumph
The Eredivisie 2017/18 season saw PSV Eindhoven emerge as the champions, marking their 24th league title. Under the guidance of head coach Phillip Cocu, PSV displayed a blend of tactical prowess and individual brilliance that set them apart from their rivals. The season was marked by consistent performances, particularly in the first half, which allowed them to build a significant lead. Key players like Hirving Lozano, Marco van Ginkel, and Luuk de Jong played pivotal roles in PSV's success, contributing crucial goals and assists. Lozano, in his debut season, quickly became a fan favorite with his dazzling dribbling skills and goal-scoring ability. Van Ginkel, on loan from Chelsea, provided stability and leadership in midfield, while De Jong led the line with his aerial prowess and clinical finishing. PSV's defensive solidity, marshaled by players like Daniel Schwaab and Santiago Arias, was also a key factor in their title-winning campaign. Their ability to grind out results even when not at their best demonstrated their championship mettle. PSV's triumph was a testament to their balanced squad, tactical flexibility, and the leadership of Cocu, who masterfully guided the team through a demanding season. The Eindhoven side showcased a resilience and determination that ultimately proved too much for their competitors to overcome, solidifying their status as the top team in the Netherlands.
Key Teams and Their Performances
Besides the champions PSV, the Eredivisie 2017/18 season featured several other teams that delivered memorable performances. Ajax, under the management of Erik ten Hag, finished as runners-up, showcasing a young and dynamic squad. Their attacking philosophy led to some high-scoring games, with players like Hakim Ziyech and David Neres emerging as key playmakers. Feyenoord, the defending champions, had a relatively disappointing season, finishing fourth. Despite having a strong squad, they struggled for consistency and failed to replicate their title-winning form from the previous year. AZ Alkmaar, led by coach John van den Brom, had another impressive season, finishing third and securing European football. Wout Weghorst was their standout player, scoring numerous goals and leading the line effectively. FC Utrecht also had a solid campaign, finishing fifth and securing a spot in the European play-offs. Their balanced squad and tactical flexibility made them a tough opponent for any team in the league. Overall, the Eredivisie 2017/18 season was characterized by a mix of established powerhouses and emerging teams, creating a competitive and exciting league.
Top Goalscorers and Standout Players
The Eredivisie 2017/18 season was filled with outstanding individual performances, particularly in the goal-scoring department. Alireza Jahanbakhsh, playing for AZ Alkmaar, emerged as the top scorer with 21 goals. His impressive tally showcased his clinical finishing and ability to find the back of the net from various positions. Fran Sol, representing Willem II, also had a remarkable season, scoring 16 goals and proving to be a consistent threat to opposing defenses. Wout Weghorst, another standout performer for AZ Alkmaar, contributed 18 goals, further highlighting his importance to the team. Hirving Lozano, in his debut season for PSV Eindhoven, made an immediate impact, scoring 17 goals and dazzling fans with his dribbling skills and pace. Steven Berghuis, playing for Feyenoord, also had a productive season, scoring 18 goals and providing numerous assists. These players not only contributed significantly to their respective teams but also added excitement and entertainment to the league with their individual brilliance.
Tactical Trends and Key Matches
Throughout the Eredivisie 2017/18 season, several tactical trends emerged, shaping the way teams approached their matches. High-pressing and attacking football were prominent, with many teams focusing on quick transitions and exploiting spaces in the opposition's defense. The use of wingers and attacking full-backs was also a common theme, as teams looked to stretch the play and create scoring opportunities from wide areas. In terms of key matches, the clashes between PSV Eindhoven, Ajax, and Feyenoord were particularly significant. These games often had a direct impact on the title race and European qualification spots. Other notable matches included AZ Alkmaar's impressive victories against top teams and FC Utrecht's consistent performances against their rivals. These games showcased the competitive nature of the league and the tactical battles between different managers and teams.
Surprises and Disappointments
Like any football season, the Eredivisie 2017/18 season had its fair share of surprises and disappointments. One of the biggest surprises was the strong performance of AZ Alkmaar, who consistently challenged the traditional powerhouses and secured a spot in European football. Their success was built on a solid defense, a creative midfield, and a clinical attack. On the other hand, the defending champions Feyenoord had a disappointing season, failing to replicate their title-winning form from the previous year. Despite having a talented squad, they struggled for consistency and were unable to mount a serious title challenge. Other disappointments included the struggles of some of the smaller teams, who found it difficult to compete with the financial resources and squad depth of the larger clubs. However, these surprises and disappointments added to the drama and unpredictability of the league, making it an exciting spectacle for fans.
Impact on European Competitions
The performances of Dutch teams in European competitions were closely linked to the Eredivisie 2017/18 season. PSV Eindhoven, as the league champions, qualified for the UEFA Champions League group stage. However, they faced a tough challenge and were unable to progress to the knockout stages. Ajax, as the runners-up, also participated in the Champions League qualifying rounds but were eventually eliminated. They subsequently entered the UEFA Europa League, where they had a more successful run, reaching the knockout stages. Feyenoord and AZ Alkmaar also participated in the Europa League group stage, but neither team was able to advance to the next round. Overall, the performances of Dutch teams in European competitions were mixed, with some successes and some disappointments. These results highlighted the challenges faced by Dutch clubs in competing with the financial power and squad depth of their European counterparts.
The Legacy of the 2017/18 Season
The Eredivisie 2017/18 season left a lasting legacy, marked by PSV Eindhoven's dominant title win and the emergence of several exciting young players. The season was characterized by attacking football, high-scoring games, and tactical innovation. It also highlighted the competitive nature of the league, with several teams challenging for the top spots and European qualification. The performances of players like Hirving Lozano, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, and Frenkie de Jong left a lasting impression on fans and scouts alike. Many of these players went on to have successful careers in other leagues, further enhancing the reputation of Dutch football. The season also served as a platform for young managers like Erik ten Hag to showcase their tactical abilities and leadership skills. Overall, the Eredivisie 2017/18 season was a memorable one, contributing to the rich history and tradition of Dutch football.
So there you have it – a comprehensive look back at the Eredivisie 2017/18 season! It was a year of triumphs, surprises, and standout performances that kept us all on the edge of our seats. Whether you're reminiscing about PSV's title win or the individual brilliance of the league's top players, there's no denying that this season was one for the ages. Until next time, keep enjoying the beautiful game!