The likes of Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, Dennis Bergkamp, and Ruud Gullit are some of the greatest footballers to have come from the Netherlands. Holland has produced dozens of world-class players throughout its history, and thus it is common for certain brilliant players to get overshadowed in such illustrious groups.
One such player was Arie Haan, who was a top Dutch midfielder of the 70's era. He went on to have a successful 18 year stint in football, during which the Dutchman enjoyed immense success in Holland and Belgium. Haan also participated in 7 European competition finals, winning 5 and losing only 2. The former midfielder also stood out for his excellent long-range shooting abilities.
We will be looking back at Haan's career in this article, as we pay tribute to this underrated legend.
An Ajax hero
Haan began his professional football career with Ajax, making his debut in a friendly match against Cambuur on 3rd August 1967. It took almost another year for his first professional game, which was on May 23rd 1968. The Dutch midfielder ultimately ended up as a key player of the legendary 1970's Ajax side that conquered Europe in devastating fashion.
During this period, Hann and his teammates went on to win the European Cup for three consecutive years (1971,1972,1973), the Intercontinental Cup in 1972, and two European Super Cups (1972,1973). The Dutchman enjoyed domestic success as well with Ajax, winning three Eredivisie titles (1969–70, 1971–72 and 1972–73 ) and the Dutch Cup from 1970 until 1972.
Haan operated as a defensive-minded midfielder at the time, giving freedom for certain teammates like Johan Cruyff to excel in attack. Although he wasn't the most popular player inside, the Dutch midfielder was a skillful player that had all the necessary traits to keep up with his superstar teammates.
An era of success at Belgium
The next chapter of Hann's career took him to Belgium, as the Dutchman left Ajax in 1975 to join Belgian side Anderlecht. He eventually became a key member of arguably their greatest ever phase, which saw them win two European Cup Winners' Cups in 1976 and 1978. Further European success was achieved with two European Super Cups victories.
\ Hann also managed to win the Belgian Cup and Belgian Championship with Anderlecht.
After 6 years with the Belgian side, he switched to Standard Liège for the final phase of his time in the country. Hann enjoyed further success with his new club, winning 2 championships and a Belgian Supercup in 1981. They were on the brink of European triumph as well, as Standard Liège reached their first only Cup Winners' Cup final in 1982. However, the Belgian side failed to beat Barcelona in the final. It was still a memorable year for the club, as they finished the campaign with a historic domestic double.
Final years and international career
Hann returned to Holland in 1983, as he joined Dutch club PSV. After a year at PSV, the Dutch midfielder spent one final season with Hong Kong champions Seiko SA before calling it a time on his magical career.
Coming to his time with the national side, Hann made 35 appearances for Holland. He managed to score 6 goals for his nation, with the most memorable one coming against Italy in the second group stage of the 1978 FIFA World Cup. The legendary Italian goalkeeper failed to stop Hann's magnificent strike, which is considered as one of the finest goals in World Cup history.
He came close to achieving World Cup glory as well in 1974, but the Netherlands ultimately lost the finals to West Germany 2–1.
Despite his underrated status as an all-time Dutch great, hardcore fans of the game will always recognize Hann as one of the finest to have come from his country.
Also Read | Greatest Netherlands footballers of all time
