After their loss at the champions League final and as expected, AJAX suffered the loss of some of their key players to big international clubs. Matthijs de Ligt (defender) moved to Juventus after the season and Frenkie de Jong (midfielder) transferred to Barcelona. This of course, begs the question about what is to come from the AJAX team this season. One key factor for AJAX will be the development and emergence of new talent. While transfers or player purchases can strengthen the team in principle, it is often the young players that can make a great and immediate impact for the following reasons:
- Homegrown talent knows how to function within the system played at AJAX
- They have an understanding and extraordinary affinity with the club itself
- These players have a hunger to succeed as a professional, which drives ambition and flair (they have great examples to look at in the first place!).
Because of the particular impact of the AJAX youth on the senior team, I present here two emerging players that come from the AJAX youth ranks. Incidentally, the players are twin brothers, talented, defender and midfielder and play at Ajax.
Jurriën Timber (Defender)
. Source: https://www.ajax1.nl/ajax-jeugd-o17-wint-1-0-heerenveen-o15-speelt-gelijk-az/jurrien-maduro-3/
Jurriën Timber (born Jurriën David Norman Maduro on June 17th, 2001) is a defender (right-back). He has emerged from the AJAX youth system after also having played for Feyenoord. Last season he signed his first professional contract, and in pre-season, he has traveled with the senior squad in preparation for the season. Jurriën scored a winning goal against Watford in pre-season, and when fit, he is likely to feature in competitive matches this season.
Quinten Timber
. (Source: https://www.ajaxshowtime.com/article/bijzaken-en-geruchten/110328/gebroerders-maduro-zijn-nu-gebroeders-timber)
Quinten Timber (born Quinten Ryan Crispito Maduro on June 17th, 2001) is a central midfielder who can also play as a defensive midfielder or central defender. Similar to his brother, he played the majority of his youth at AJAX, interrupted by a short stint at Feyenoord. Quinten also signed his first professional contract last year, which will expire in 2021. Intense competition for the midfielder position at AJAX means he has not made it to the first team yet. He is waiting in the wings, however, to capitalize on any chance that comes his way this season.
Both Timber brothers have played successfully in Jong Oranje (the national youth setup) and performed well at the European Championship. It will only be a matter of time before these players will emerge from the fringes and walk into the spotlight. Watch the AJAX football team for surprises this coming season!!
best wishes,
P.