Yet Another Gem From Ajax

Ajax are renowned for having a traditional playing style running deep through their club, instilled from the youth system to the first team, helping to produce some of the finest young players in Europe. Mentored by an array of former Ajax legends, some promising players are beginning to emerge in the Dutch capital. Nicolai Boilesen, Miralem Sulejmani and Eyong Enoh are just a handful of hopeful prodigies that are being groomed at the Amsterdam Arena. Yet, perhaps the player with the largest potential is new club captain Siem De Jong.

The 23 year old has gone from strength to strength in each of his seasons in the Eredivisie. Partnered by Danish wonderkid, Christian Eriksen in midfield, the two young playmakers have shown impeccable understanding to form a formidable partnership.

Frank De Boer has brought success instantly to Ajax since taking charge in 2010. Furthermore, his appointment of Dennis Bergkamp as assistant manager has highlighted his belief to stick to the attacking principles created by Johan Cruyff. Two consecutive Eredivisie league titles in two years have brought Ajax back to where they belong in Dutch football. This historic club is once again enjoying success being achieved through an attacking style.

This style clearly suits De Jong who loves to play with flair and instinct, directing play from centre midfield with his fine range of passing. The number 10 has also been given the freedom to make his typical lung busting runs to support the attack, therefore, often finishing a move that he had originally started.

Following Jan Vertonghen’s departure to Tottenham Hotspur earlier this summer, the club, somewhat surprisingly because of his age, handed the captains armband to De Jong as a sign of trust in the gifted midfielder. Showing a constant example of his leadership qualities the blonde maestro often expressed his views vocally without the armband. “Even then, when there were things going on, I enjoyed getting involved,” Siem said following the news of his new duty.

Losing their star player’s to some of Europe’s wealthier clubs has been a factor that has limited Ajax to reaching its full potential. However, if they are able to hang on to De Jong then he, alongside Eriksen, could lead Ajax back to glory days that they are so famous for.