Three players set to shake-up Ajax’s starting eleven

Ajax Amsterdam are repeatedly referred to worldwide as one of the more powerful selling clubs. When Justin Kluivert was sold to AS Roma this summer, that narrative became fresh again. However, sporting director Marc Overmars has taken the burden upon himself to improve the squad in an attempt to challenge for an Eredivisie title and in the Champions League Group Stage. The signings of Dušan Tadic and Daley Blind, as well as the emergence of youth player Noussair Mazraoui, promise to add much-needed star power and depth across the pitch.

A Successful Beginning

Erik ten Hag was — probably unjustly — ridiculed by a portion of the Ajax support at the seasons inception. Ajax had advanced past Sturm Graz in the Champions League, but a 2-2 draw in Liége and a 1-1 draw against Heracles Almelo in the league did not meet expectations. However, the underlying statistics were promising. Ajax created 15 key passes against Heracles (WhoScored) and conceded via a low-percentage long-shot.

Results have improved ever since the squad has begun to gel together. Ajax surged past Standard Liége in the return leg 3-0 and managed wins over VVV-Venlo and FC Emmen domestically. Dynamo Kyiv posed a major roadblock on the route to the CL Group Stage but a 3-1 win at the Johan Cruijff Arena almost guaranteed qualification before the visit to Ukraine.

All of the names youve seen on Twitter over the past 18 months: Hakim Ziyech, Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong, and David Neres have been instrumental to this success. It was a surprise to many when the transfer window passed and Ziyech had not left. Additionally, FC Barcelonas pursuit of De Ligt and De Jong has not swayed their performances in Amsterdam. But its the additions of Tadic, Blind, and Mazraoui that could turn a good season into a spectacular campaign.

Dušan Tadic: Shaking up the Status-Quo

Dušan Tadics arrival from Southampton was met with great applause from the Ajax faithful. The 29-year-old creative talent was once a player for Groningen and Twente in the Eredivisie, and his experience domestically will supplement his undeniable skill on the ball.

Already, Tadic has shown great cohesion with the likes o