Image Credits: Imago Images
The Dutch influence at Liverpool runs deep through Anfield’s corridors, and now that connection is proving beneficial beyond England’s shores.
Liverpool currently boasts a significant Dutch contingency across their squad, with all of Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, and Jeremie Frimpong nailed on members of Ronald Koeman’s squad.
The Dutch presence extends beyond the playing staff.
Arne Slot has already brought with him assistant coach Sipke Hulshoff, who had worked alongside him at Feyenoord since 2022.
The 50-year-old Hulshoff also previously served as assistant to Ronald Koeman with the Netherlands national team.
In the summer of 2025, Liverpool appointed another prominent Dutch figure to the coaching staff when Giovanni van Bronckhorst joined as assistant coach.
And yes, Bronckhorst replaced yet another Dutchman in John Heitinga after he joined Ajax as their manager in May.
This extensive Dutch network is now paying dividends for Eredivisie side Go Ahead Eagles.
As Go Ahead Eagles and manager Melvin Boel prepares for their Europa League encounter with Aston Villa, the Eredivisie club received an unexpected helping hand from Merseyside, with Liverpool sharing valuable footage of their upcoming Premier League opponents.
Boel spent some time coaching at Feyenoord around the same time Arne Slot was there, and he has now called in a favour from his former colleague at Anfield.
“We have a number of people in England that we know well, you exchange footage with them,” Boel explained to Voetbal Primeur.
“Those are people at Liverpool, among others. Once you have those [images], then you prepare for an opponent. It’s not like you have to go live to watch an opponent anymore.”
Liverpool face Aston Villa at Anfield on November 1 in the Premier League, meaning Slot’s staff are no doubt already building comprehensive reports on Unai Emery’s side.
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