Kasper Dolberg: Ajax's annual breakthrough act
Dennis Bergkamp, Edgar Davids, Edwin van der Sar, Ryan Babel, Daley Blind, Nigel de Jong, Rafael van der Vaart, Thomas Vermaelen, Jan Vertonghen, Christian Eriksen, Toby Alderweireld. Ajax have produced some of the Premier League's best talent over the years.
19-year-old Kasper Dolberg looks set to become the latst name on that list. Each year it is almost guaranteed that the Dutch club will produce another outstanding wonderkid, and Dolberg is undoubtedly this year's breakthrough act.
Despite scoring just two times in the U19 Eredivisie last season, following his move from Danish side Silkeborg IF, Dolberg was thrown into action with the senior side back in July, scoring on his debut in a 1-1 draw with PAOK Thessaloniki in the first Champions League qualification round. That vital goal undoubtedly earned him his place in the squad for the upcoming Eredivisie campaign.
Things have gone from strength to strength for the youngster, who has netted eight goals for Ajax in just 14 Eredivisie appearances. His strong start makes him the club's top goalscorer so far this term, with star midfielder Davy Klaassen also scoring eight goals in 14 games.
The Danish goalscorer has come a long way over the last few months, but who exactly is he and what makes him such a promising prospect?
Dolberg took a liking to football at an early age, beginning his career at the age of three with the youth team of GFG Voel. The promising youngster frequently played with age groups above his own, before moving to top flight side Silkeborg IF at the age of 12. He would make his debut five years later, featuring in a league match against Brondby IF. However, by then his switch to Ajax had already been agreed.
The youngster had been discovered by famed scout John Steen Olsen, who is credited with bringing the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Christian Eriksen to the Dutch club in the past. Despite the fact that the youngster had yet to make a professional debut, Ajax seemed confident that they were buying the best, and they have proved once again that they lead the way in scouting and nurturing the very best youth prospects.
Dolberg doesn't possess the speed that the modern game often looks for, but his huge stature has seen him labelled as 'The New Zlatan Ibrahimovic' in recent months. Standing at six-foot-one, the Danish goalscorer possesses a powerful right foot that sees him score plenty of goals in and around the penalty area – just what you need from an out and out striker.
His strengths are particularly suited to Premier League football, which means that it came as no surprise when it came to light that Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea had all expressed an interest in the the 19-year-old. Both United and Chelsea are said to have scouts in The Netherlands watching Dolberg's development, which could see him make the switch as soon as January. It's still early days for the youngster, but given Ajax's track record, Dolberg could be a household name before long.
Home
Football 
Basketball
Hockey
American Football
Baseball
Rugby
Volleyball
Handball
Esoccer
