Ajax could be victims of their own success
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On Tuesday night, Ajax recorded a 2-1 win at Juventus to progress to the semi-finals of the Champions League. The win gave the Dutch giants a 3-2 aggregate win over one of the favourites to win the competition.
The victory was quite simply stunning. However, it should not have come as a surprise, as Erik ten Hag’s side recorded an incredible 4-1 victory over reigning European champions Real Madrid at Bernabeu in the last round.
The Dutch side has an average age of just 24 years old. For such a young side to be capable of such big results is a testament to the coaching and philosophy that has long run through the legendary club.
No doubt Ajax have been fantastic in the Champions League this season. However, there is a downside to their success, which is the team may be dismantled this summer.
Star central midfielder Frenkie de Jong has already agreed a big-money summer move to Barcelona. The stories doing the rounds in the European media suggest that highly-rated centre-back Matthijs de Ligt could be joining his teammate in Catalonia.
The fact that De Ligt is already represented by an agent to the stars Mino Raiola speaks volumes for his talent. Brazilian winger David Neres has also been linked with big-money moves this summer.
Ajax have been masters in the past of creating young stars and selling them at a profit. This policy is good for the club’s bank balance and makes it self-sustaining. However, unfortunately, it is not great for team building and long-term success on the pitch.
Ajax have almost mythical status in European football courtesy of the great Johan Cruyff.
It would be fantastic for Ajax to build on this season’s success and challenge for the Champions League trophy next season.
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