La Liga: Ranking Every Dutchman To Play For Barcelona

The signing of Frenkie de Jong makes him the 20th Dutch player to play for Barcelona. Since 1973, 19 other Dutchmen have called the Camp Nou their home, all with varying levels of success. From the great Johan Cruyff all the way down to his son Jordi, Barcelona have a storied history with Dutch players.

Frenkie de Jong won’t step on to the pitch for Barcelona until next season so that gives us penalty of time to look back and reminisce about his previous countrymen to represent the club.

Here are all 19 Dutch Barcelona players ranked from worst to best.

#19 Ibrahim Afellay

Ibrahim Afellay joined Barcelona from PSV in January 2010 at the age of 23 years old. Afellay showed great ability and potential at PSV but couldn't replicate that in the La Liga, making just 21 league appearance and scoring one goal. Of this 5 years at the club, two were spent on loan before he was shipped out permanently to Stoke City in 2015.

#18 Jordi Cruyff

Lothar Matthaus of Bayern Munich and Jordi Cruyff of Barcelona

The son of legendary Johan, Jordi Cruyff had a massive shadow to step out of and it's fair to say he failed to do so. After a good start where he scored 9 goals in his first year in the first team, Cruyff fell down the pecking order after the sacking of his father. A move to Manchester United failed to revive his career and stints in Spain, Ukraine and Malta rounded off his rather disappointing career.

#17 Ronald de Boer

When Ronald de Boer joined Barcelona from Ajax he was one of the world's best goalscoring midfielders but suffered a bad spell of form in Spain. In his season and a half at the club de Boer made 33 league appearances scoring just one goal before leaving for Rangers.

#16 Jasper Cillessen

Barcelona v Sevilla - Spanish Copa del Rey Final

The only Dutch player currently at Barcelona Jasper Cillessen joined the Catalan side in 2016 from Ajax. Cillessen was bought in as cover for Marc-André ter Stegen and has only made 2 league appearances so far, with the majority of his game time coming in the Copa del Rey. When he has played he has been good, but his lack of minutes hinder him from being higher up this list.

#15 Richard Witschge

Joining the club from Ajax in 1991, Richard Witschge was used mainly as cover at centre back. Witschge grew frustrated with his lack of playing time and left for Bordeaux in 1993.

#14 Winston Bogarde

Winston Bogarde joined Barcelona in 1998. He was good when he made it on the pitch but consistent injuries hampered him massively. In his season and a half at the club he made 41 league appearances before being shipped out to Chelsea.

#13 Boudewijn Zenden

After signing from PSV Boudewijn Zenden enjoyed a successful first two seasons, albeit in an unfamiliar left wingback position, playing a key role in Barcelona’s league triumph in the 1998-99 season. He found minutes hard to come by in this third season though due to a managerial change and was out the door in the summer of 2000 to Chelsea.

#12 Ruud Hesp

Signed from Roda JC in 1997, Ruud Hesp came in and was given Barca’s number position. Hesp stayed in between the sticks for the next two seasons as the club won back to back La Liga’s. Minutes decreased in his third season as he and Francesc Arnau shared game time and at the end of the season Hesp was sold to Fortuna Sittard where he ended his career.

#11 Mark van Bommel

Mark van Bommel only sent at year at Barça but enjoyed great success in that short time. He only made 24 league appearances due to rotation, but van Bommel was still able to make a key impact as the club winning the La Liga once, Supercopa de España twice and the Champions League once, starting in the final, during his time there. Van Bommel moved to Bayern Munich that summer.

#10 Johan Neeskens

Johan Neeskens was a fan favourite at Barcelona. Joining the club in 1974 from Ajax, Neeskens was a mainstay in the Barça team for the 5 seasons he spent at the club. Known for his tireless work in midfield, the Barcelona faithful dubbed him “Johan Segon”, which translates to Johan the Second. In the 1975-76 season he won the Don Balón Award which is given to the best La Liga Foreign player of the year.

#9 Michael Reiziger

After an injury-filled season with AC Milan, Michael Reiziger was sold to Barcelona in 1997 where he enjoyed a much some successful time. Staying at the club for 6 years, Reiziger is the longest serving Dutch player in Barça history. During that time he was a mainstay in the sides that won two La Liga crowns, a Copa del Rey and a UEFA Super Cup. After making over 200 appearances in all competitions Reiziger left for Middlesbrough in 2004.

#8 Phillip Cocu

Phillip Cocu of Barcelona is challenged by Trevino Sergio Almaguer of Galatasaray

Phillip Cocu arrived at the Camp Nou from PSV in 1998. Known as a defensive midfielder with a knack of scoring goals Phillip Cocu became a hit in Spain. In his first season at the club he played a pivotal role in winning La Liga playing 36 games and scoring 12 goals. Cocu became a leader at the club and was handed the vice-captaincy by Louis van Gaal in 2002. With his contract coming to an end at the 2002-03 season it seemed like Cocu’s time at the club was finished, but he eventually opted against a return to PSV and signed a one year extension. Cocu again continued to be a key player in the side but his contract was not renewed the following season and he did end up getting to return to former club PSV. Following his exit, club president Joan Laporta presented the Dutchman with a plaque to award him for his loyalty to the club. Cocu ended his time at Barcelona as the club's record La Liga and total appearance maker by a foreign player with 205 and 291 respectively before Lionel Messi broke both records in 2011 and 2012.

#7 Edgar Davids

Edgar Davids spent just half a season at Barcelona, but what a half a season it was. Signed on loan from Juventus, manager Frank Rijkaard was under massive pressure as Barcelona entered the new year in midtable. Davids’ arrival lifted the club as they ended the season in 2nd, saving Rijkaard’s job in the process. Barcelona under Rijkaard went on to win back to back La Liga’s and the Champions League. Things could have been very different had Davids not arrived. Davids would be higher up this list had his stay in Spain lasted longer.

#6 Giovanni van Bronckhorst

UEFA Champions League: Barcelona v Levski Sofia

For four seasons Giovanni van Bronckhorst made the left back position his own. Joining from Arsenal in 2003, initially on loan which was made permanent the following season, van Bronckhorst was a key member in the sides that won back to back La Liga’s in 2004-05 and 2005-06, back to back Supercopa de España in 2005 and 2006 and the Champions League in 2006. Making over 150 appearances for the club, van Bronckhorst was always reliable and consistent never letting his side down both in attack and defence.

#5 Patrick Kluivert

Bought from AC Milan in 1998 to partner Rivaldo, Patrick Kluivert was one of the best all-around strikers in the world during his time at the Camp Nou. For six seasons Kluivert was always amongst the sides top goal scorers and assist providers, only failing to score 20 plus goals in two of his six seasons with both of those seasons being hampered by injuries.

This partnership with Rivaldo was the catalyst that won the club the La Liga in his first season, but that was the only silverware Kluivert would win at Barcelona.

Kluivert was at the peak of his powers at Barcelona. An all-around striker, the Dutchman possessed a beautiful first touch. He had the ability to just glide past players due to his fantastic dribbling ability and sheer pace. And his height and strength helped him conquer the air as well. And he was also incredibly unselfish and always looked to make space for teammates. He was a menace to defend against in every way possible.

Finishing his Barca career in 2004 after joining Newcastle following the expiration of his contract, Kluivert ended his time at Barcelona with 124 goals in 249 games. He may not have had the success trophy wise as some other club icons have but Kluivert was a pure joy to watch as he terrorised defences.

#4 Frank de Boer

He joined the club at the same time his brother did but Frank de Boer’s impact was much greater than Ronald. De Doer was a ball playing centre back before being a ball playing centre back was cool. During his 4 years at Barca de Boer was one of the best centre-halves in the world with his ability to play out of defence with the composure and accuracy of a midfielder and possessed the pace and technical prowess of a winger. Just like Kluivert, de Boer didn't win much during his time in Spain, just the since La Liga, compared to others on this list, but his pure quality puts him this high up.

After 215 appearances de Boer left for Galatasaray in 2003. De Boer will always be remembered with his elegance mixed with his tough tackling as one of the clubs great defenders. A successful stint that deserved more silverware.

#3 Marc Overmars

After a very successful few years at Arsenal it came as a shock when the London club sold Marc Overmars to Barcelona in 2000 for £25 million, a then record transfer fee for a Dutch player. Joining the club during one of its dry spells in terms of winning trophies, Overmars didn't lift a single piece of silverware in Spain, but that was not due to his fantastic work.

Nicknamed the “Roadrunner” because of his blistering pace, Overmars was the shining light during a tough time for the club. His ability to glide past players with ease helped the club get out of bad situations time and time again.

He did, however, suffer numerous injury problems that always seemed to stop him from reaching the next level.

He called an end to his time at Barça and his career as a whole in 2004 when his injury woes finally caught up with him. A continuing knee problem focused Overmars to call a quit at the age of just 31. A return to action with Go Ahead Eagles saw him revive his career in 2008, but the comeback only lasted a season as his knee issues counited to trouble him. Overmars was a star who was massively hampered by injuries which didn't allow him to reach the level he was definitely good enough for.

During his 4 seasons in Spain Overmars scored 19 goals, assisted 19 and left countless defenders chasing shadows.

#2 Ronald Koeman

Ronald Koeman joined Barcelona from PSV in 1989 when he was at the peak of his powers. Having scored an insane 51 goals in 98 league games in the Eredivisie Koeman continued right were he left off. Spending six seasons at the Camp Nou, Koeman scored a total of 106 goals in 350 games, an average of about one goal every four games or 18 per season. A pretty goal record for a striker, let alone a centre half.

Being Barça’s main set piece taker Koeman’s most important goal came in the 1992 Champions League Final. With the deadlock still yet to be broken deep into extra time Barcelona won a free kick at the edge of Sampdoria’s box. Koeman stepped up and belted the ball into the back of the net to help Barcelona win their ever first European Cup.

Koeman’s tough tackling and vital goals helped the Catalans win four consecutive La Liga’s from 1990-91 to 1993-94, along with a Copa del Rey, three Supercopa de España’s, one European Super Cup and that all elusive first Champions League.

Holding the current record for consecutive penalties scored with 25, Koeman’s contribution to Barcelona will never be forgotten by the fan, as won't his thunderous right foot.

#1 Johan Cruyff

The first and most important Dutchman to play for Barcelona, the legendary Johan Cruyff started it all. Leaving his boyhood team Ajax in 1973 Cruyff joined for what was a then world record fee ahead of rivals Real Madrid. Cruyff was one of the worlds best players at the time and brought “total football” to Spain. His arrival would change Barcelona forever. He spent five successful seasons at the Camp Nou spending four of those as captain while winning the La Liga and Copa del Rey. During his time at Barça, in 1974, Cruyff was named European Player of the Year. He dazzled with his pinpoint passes, jaw-dropping dribbling and vision, all-round technical ability and reading of the game and unmatched football IQ. He made the game look easy. He was clearly just so much better and smarter than everyone else around him.

But his impact at the club goes beyond the trophies he won. Barcelona legend Xavi put it best back in 2016, “Cruyff established a very clear philosophy at Barcelona, he gave birth to that philosophy, he created Barça's DNA.” Cruyff created the Barcelona we know today. Without the Dutch international Barcelona may not be the European superpower they are today. His influence was even seen in the Spain side that dominated international football from 2008-2012 and numerous other teams, past and present that dominated football, both internationally and at club level.

But Cruyff’s greatest contribution to the Blaugrana may not have even come when he was on the pitch, but rather the touchline. In 1988 Cruyff returned to Barcelona, but this time as manager. It was during this eight year period where Cruyff forever wrote himself in Barça folklore.

Cruyff’s Barça showed the world the first signs of the now famous “tiki-taka”. His “dream team” played sides out of the park with their slick movement, fast passing, relentless pressing and quick transitions. As Cruyff once said, "Quality without results is pointless. Results without quality is boring." And that's what he tried to do with “total football.”

During his eight seasons as manager Cruyff won 4 consecutive La Liga’s, Copa del Rey once, Spanish Super Cup 3 times, UEFA Cup Winners Cup and UEFA Super Cup once each and the clubs first ever Champions League.

When Cruyff took charge of Barcelona in 1988 the club were in a bad place. Performances on the pitch and problems in the boardroom, including massive debt, set up Cruyff with an impossible task to reignite the entire club. In the 30 years before his arrival Barça won 4 league titles. In the 30 years since they've won 15. Barcelona’s 5 Champions League’s also came after the Dutchman's arrival.

Cruyff has influenced the likes of Michael Laudrup, Eric Cantona, Xavi, Frank Rijkaard, Arsène Wenger, Arrigo Sacchi, Sir Alex Ferguson, and of course one of his former players Pep Guardiola. His impact on the game is still being felt to this day as his methods, philosophy and ideology have shaped football forever.

After all his success Cruyff said that the legacy he left behind is his greatest accomplishment, “Winning is an important thing, but to have your own style, to have people copy you, to admire you, that is the greatest gift.”

It cannot be understated just how important Cruyff is to Barça, not just back then but today as well. The impact he made decades ago is still being felt today. Without his work Barça could very well not be the juggernaut they are today.

A massive change Cruyff made at the club was bringing through youth. Barcelona’s world famous La Masia academy was stepped into overdrive by Cruyff. The then manager put in emphasis on developing players’ footballing brains rather than just physical attributes. Without these changes Messi could have very well been turned away by the club for being too small and weak. Other La Masia graduates and club legends like Xavi and Andrés Iniesta could have also suffered the same faith if it wasn't for Cruyff’s academy rehaul.

Xavi once said of the legend, "He changed the idiosyncrasy of the club. He introduced the philosophy to keep the ball, to play in triangles, to attack. That philosophy remains true to this day. We're all students of Cruyff and his school of thought.

He changed everything at the club. His methods, philosophy and identity changed Barcelona forever. He is quite possibly the most important person in the club's history.

Cruyff was revolutionary, way ahead of his time in everything he did. It is a crime that he isn't always in the conversation when discussing the greatest of all time, he was that good.

Cruyff set the base for not one, but two clubs to go on and achieve massive success. He is without a doubt the greatest footballing mind ever and quite possibly the most important and influential person in football history.

Cruyff was an exceptional player and manager and is without a doubt Barcelona’s best ever Dutch player.

Edited by Aaditya Narayan