Willy van de Kerkhof

Wilhelmus van de Kerkhof is a former Dutch international football player who used to feature prominently during the 1970s and the 1980s. He played as a midfielder and is regarded as one of the best Dutch players ever. He, along with his twin brother Rene, was named by Pele in his list of 125 greatest living footballers.

Willy van de Kerkhof commenced his professional club football career at Dutch side FC Twente in 1970. He played for them until 1973 and scored 14 goals in 93 league appearances. He then moved to Dutch powerhouse PSV Eindhoven and played for them for the rest of his playing career, scoring 57 goals in 418 league matches. It was at Eindhoven that Willy van de Kerkhof established himself as one of the best midfielders during the time.

Willy van de Kerkhof made his international debut for the Netherlands in 1973 and went onto feature in 63 international matches for his nation, scoring 5 goals. He was a squad member for the Dutch national team at the 1974 World Cup finals but was a key player for his national side four years later in Argentina in the 1978 World Cup finals.