Kluivert follows in the footsteps of Dutch Premier League icons with selection

The Netherlands had a strong presence in the January 2025 Premier League Player of the Month selection, with both Justin Kluivert and Cody Gakpo nominated for the prestigious award.

Gakpo, who has been in fine form for Liverpool, was widely considered a strong contender, but in the end, it was his compatriot who emerged victorious. Kluivert’s electrifying performances for Bournemouth made him the standout candidate, as he played a crucial role in his team’s success throughout the month.

In the four matches Kluivert played with The Cherries against Everton, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, and Newcastle United, he found the net five times and provided two assists. His contributions were instrumental in securing crucial points for Bournemouth, who have been battling to maintain a strong position in the Premier League table. The Dutch winger displayed incredible versatility, showcasing his ability to score from different positions, create chances for his teammates, and influence games with his direct attacking style. His dribbling skills, pace, and composure in front of goal were on full display, cementing his status as one of the standout performers in England’s top flight.

Kluivert’s achievement is even more significant considering the rich history of Dutch players in the Premier League. Only seven Dutchmen had previously won the Player of the Month award since its inception in 1994, making Kluivert the eighth to receive the honor. The first Dutch winner was none other than Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp, who claimed the award in August 1997. Just a month later, Bergkamp made history by becoming the first player from the Netherlands to win it in consecutive months, a feat that remains rare to this day. His technical brilliance and creativity made him one of the most beloved foreign players in Premier League history, and his impact on English football was undeniable.

Bergkamp went on to win the Player of the Month award four times in his illustrious career, but years later, another Dutch star would surpass his record. Robin van Persie, one of the finest strikers the Netherlands has ever produced, became the most successful Dutch player in the history of the award, winning it five times during his spells with Arsenal and Manchester United. Van Persie’s deadly finishing, intelligent movement, and ability to produce moments of magic made him a dominant force in the Premier League for over a decade.

The Netherlands has long been a breeding ground for world-class footballers, and their impact on the English game has been profound. With Kluivert’s latest recognition, Dutch players have now won the Premier League Player of the Month award seventeen times, making the Netherlands the second most successful nation in the history of the accolade. Only England has produced more winners, with English players having claimed the award an astonishing 118 times. The Netherlands now shares second place on the all-time list with France, highlighting the consistent quality of Dutch footballers in the English top flight.

Kluivert’s journey to this achievement is particularly noteworthy. The son of legendary striker Patrick Kluivert, Justin was always destined to have football in his blood, but his path has been far from straightforward. After emerging as a promising talent at Ajax, he made a high-profile move to AS Roma in 2018. However, his time in Italy was inconsistent, and he struggled to cement a starting spot. Loan spells at RB Leipzig and OGC Nice followed before he found a permanent home in the Premier League with Bournemouth in the summer of 2023.

Since arriving in England, Kluivert has gradually grown into his role, and his performances in January 2025 demonstrated just how much he has matured as a player. His ability to influence games consistently, combined with his flair and attacking instincts, has made him a key player for Bournemouth. While the club may not be among the traditional Premier League powerhouses, Kluivert’s presence has injected a new level of excitement into their attacking play.

This achievement is not only a personal milestone for Kluivert but also a testament to the continued influence of Dutch football in the Premier League. Over the years, the English top flight has been home to some of the Netherlands’ finest players, including Ruud van Nistelrooy, Arjen Robben, Rafael van der Vaart, and Virgil van Dijk. Each of these players has left a lasting mark on the league, and Kluivert’s recent success suggests that Dutch footballers will continue to play a significant role in the competition for years to come.

As Kluivert basks in the glory of his award, he will now turn his focus back to Bournemouth’s campaign, with the team looking to build on their recent momentum. His performances in January have set a high standard, and maintaining that level of consistency will be key as he aims to further establish himself as one of the league’s top wingers. With his confidence soaring and his place in Premier League history secured, the future looks bright for Justin Kluivert as he continues to make his mark on English football.