Eredivisie 2021/22 Title Race – Can Ajax overtake Eindhoven? | OneFootball

Most of Europe’s top leagues have almost been decided already. Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are 11 points clear in their respective leagues, while Bayern Munich also have a healthy lead over the rest of the Bundesliga.

In the Netherlands, however, the competition is alive and well. The top two in the Eredivisie table are separated by a single point, and as many as six teams can still consider themselves a part of the title race going into the final 15 games of the season.

Here is how things are looking in the Eredivisie as things stand.

1) PSV Eindhoven

Games played: 19Points: 46Top scorer: Cody Gakpo, Yorbe Vertessen (6 each)

Having already won the Dutch Super Cup back in August, PSV Eindhoven are on course to add a second trophy to their cabinet this season. They lead the way with 15 wins from a possible 19.

However, their upcoming fixtures in the Eredivisie could be decisive in their season. They have a tough run coming up, facing three of the top five in their next three outings. If they remain at the summit after these games, they will be in a very good position.

2) Ajax

Games played: 19Points: 45Top scorer: Sebastien Haller (12)

With the way things are going, Ajax could become the most dominant side in history to not win the league.

Firstly, they have scored the most goals in the division with 59 – 12 more than anyone else. And at the other end, they have also been excellent, conceding just four (yes, FOUR) in 19 games.

Furthermore, they have won over half of their games by at least three goals. Meanwhile, Sebastien Haller is the Eredivisie’s top goalscorer with 12, and Dusan Tadic has the most assists with 13.

They’ve had similar fortunes in the Champions League. They were just one of two sides to win every single group stage game, and only Bayern Munich scored more goals.

How they aren’t top right now is a mystery, but they should climb back to the top if they maintain this form. However, their participation in the Champions League knockouts could be a distraction.

3) Feyenoord

Games played: 19Points: 39 Top scorer: Bryan Linssen (11)

Four games ago, Feyenoord were strongly competing for the title, sitting just a point off the top. However, they have picked up just four points since then, leaving them seven points behind PSV.

But they still have plenty of time to close that gap. In their next seven fixtures, they only face one team above eighth place. If they can find their best form during this run, they will give themselves a shot at a first league title in five years.

Manager Arne Slot has several players in his squad who he can rely on to grab a goal. Guus Til, Luis Sinisterra and Bryan Linssen have all hit double figures in all competitions this term, while Cyriel Dessers is just one short of that milestone.

4) Vitesse Arnhem

Games played: 19Points: 36Top scorer: Lois Openda (11)

Vitesse got close to winning some silverware last season, finishing as runners up to Ajax in the KNVB Cup. They have never won the league but aren’t entirely out of the running this year.

It would take an almighty effort in the final 15 games, as they are currently ten points off the top. Although, they have the third-best away record in the league. If they could improve their home form, they could shoot up the table.

On the final day of the season, Vitesse host Ajax, in what could be a title decider. This will be one to look out for.

5) AZ Alkmaar

Games played: 19Points: 35Top scorer: Jesper Karlsson (8)

AZ Alkmaar are just one of four sides to have won the Eredivisie title more than once, along with Ajax, PSV, and Feyenoord.

Their last triumph came back in 2009 – although they may well have won it in 2020 had the season not been abandoned.

They are 11 points from the summit right now, but they have the form book on their side. The Kaaskoppen have won each of their last eight games in all competitions, scoring 19 while conceding just six.

6) FC Twente

Games played: 19Points: 35Top scorer: Ricky van Wolfswinkel (9)

FC Twente have only won one league title in their history, back in 2010 under former England boss Steve McClaren. Since then, they have won one KNVB Cup, but also been relegated.

They are still in with an outside shot of adding a second Eredivisie title to their cabinet, although they will need to be near-perfect for the remainder of the season.

They have not lost a game since October, so they will be in good spirits heading into a tough run of fixtures. In their next four games, they face AZ Alkmaar, Vitesse and Ajax.

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