Dutch Players in the big leagues (Weekend of 9/16)

The best Dutch international playing in La Liga, the Serie A, or the Premiership this weekend goes to Wesley Sneijder. The attacking midfielder scored his 4th goal for Real Madrid in only 3 games on Saturday with a beautifully executed free kick from 25 yards. Real Madrid won't be missing David Beckham if he hits more like that. In fact, if he keeps going at this rate, it's going to be Sneijder, not van Nistelrooy, who wins the Pichichi.

Also playing in the Real Madrid vs. Almeria game was Royston Drenthe, as van Nistelrooy was given a break following his inclusion during international fixtures. Drenthe came on at halftime for Gabriel Heinze, and the young defender put in another credible performance for the Spanish giants. The 20 year-old may prove to be what the KNVB needs to become a real force in world football.

Elsewhere, Clarence Seedorf, who was recently recalled by Marco van Basten into the Netherlands national team, played for AC Milan in their 1-1 draw away to Siena. Seedorf nearly broke the deadlock with a stoppage time shot, but hit the post rather than the back of the net in what was an inspiring performance from the midfielder. The attacking midfield positions in the Dutch squad seem to be incredibly powerful, with Sneijder, Seedorf, and van der Vaart competing for the spots.

In a more disappointing performance, Robin van Persie was barely seen in Arsenal's 3-1 triumph over North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Elsewhere in the premiership, though, Edwin van der Sar held a clean sheet for Manchester United, and Ryan Babel featured as a 77th minute substitute for Xabi Alonso in Liverpool's 0-0 draw with Portsmouth.

That's about it for the big leagues. Make sure you all watch PSV take on CSKA Moscow on Wednesday and Ajax in the UEFA Cup on Thursday.