Douglas

Douglas - Twente

Centreback - Netherlands/Brazil

2010/2011 MID-SEASON RANKING: Unranked
End of 2010/11 - Beginning of 2011/12: Unranked

2011/2012 MID-SEASON RANKING:

262

Playing in the Eredivisie, Douglas isn't the player I get to see the most. He has however by all accounts been one of the best defenders there for years now.

There is even talks about him replacing, Vertonghen at Ajax (who will likely be leaving) but while the Belgian is one of the best ball-playing defenders in the world, Douglas have weaknesses there.

I do have a sneaking suspicion I've ranked him too high. A very experienced proven solid Brazilian defender in Europe, Benfica captain Luisao, missed the list this time and then there are more up and comers like the impressive looking Miranda for Atletico Madrid and in Brazil itself, Dede (Vasco da Gama) considered the best centreback in Brazil with several big clubs currently aiming for his signature. I have a feeling all of those could be ahead of Douglas on the next list.

Luuk de Jong

Twente/Borussia Mönchengladbach

Striker - Netherlands

2010/2011 Mid-season: Unranked
End of 2010/11 - Start of 2011/12: Unranked
2011/2012 Mid-season:  278
End of 2011/12 - Start of 2012/13: 211

End of 2011/12 - Start of 2012/13:

Luuk de Jong continued his impressive performances on his way to 26 goals and 9 assist in the Eredivisie.

Topscorer Bas Dost was also considered but considering I've seen him much less than de Jong (who I haven't even seen in all that many full matches) and early impression is of  a much(?) more limited player compared to Luuk when it comes to technique, movement and intelligence I didn't include him.

Both have now made moves to the Bundesliga. Dost to Wolfsburg and Luuk de Jong to Gladbach who I've already applauded in related profiles for their investments in some of the finest young talent in Europe. Anyway it will be interesting who of the two will best live up to countryman and established top torjäger Klass-Jan Hunterlaar

2011/2012 Mid-season:

Luuk de Jong's ranking is possibly hurt by the fact that I don't see him a lot, and that some previous early impressions of someone, maybe a little bit too raw to be considered a star, are still roaming around (somewhat fresh) in my mind.

He's been a highly thought of striker-talent for some time now and at the moment could very well be seriously coming into his own. He is strong, tall and can hold the ball up well. He has good movement in (and around) the box anticipating passes and deliveries both with head and feet (he even looks like he can do damage with both showing fine touches). He also looks like he is skilled and intelligent enough to create for others.