This is Ajax: the club Johan Cruyff rebuilt

Frank de Boer, Dennis Bergkamp, Edwin van der Sar, Jaap Stam, Ronald de Boer and Marc Overmars have returned to Ajax in recent years to develop young, successful players – and to turn Johan Cruyff’s dreams for the club into reality

What is the true identity of Ajax as a football club in 2016? In the words of Edwin van der Sar, their recently appointed marketing director, Ajax are “a club that focus on producing young players”. This was not the case a few years ago, but to understand the changes that have taken place in recent season we must look to the persistence of one man: Johan Cruyff.

In the wake of Cruyff’s passing, focus has been placed on his dumfounding ability as a player. However, we must remember the strength of his footballing ideology. An ideology glamourised by Barcelona but born at Ajax.

A fervent battle between the Ajax legend and the club’s board of directors came to a head in 2010, with Cruyff going as far to say “this isn’t Ajax anymore”. He felt the club was stagnant and settling for mediocrity: that they were happy to produce average players who did not form the basis of the Ajax first team and were subsequently used as a source of income for the club. For Cruyff, it wasn’t good enough.

Cruyff eventually won his fight for change and Ajax’s academy underwent a complete overhaul, with his ideology becoming gospel. Their youth system is now shaped in his design. Creativity and individuality is rewarded with playing time, no matter how young the player is. The change also led to the introduction of Frank de Boer as manager, with Dennis Bergkamp his second in command. Van der Sar and Marc Overmars, the technical director, also serve on the board, with Jaap Stam and Ronald de Boer also coaching.

Ajax fans know their talented young players will be nurtured by men ensconced in the club’s history. Cruyff’s principles are now entrenched in Ajax’s philosophy. His dream was for Ajax to once again play Total Football, inspired by young and exciting homegrown talent, a dream that will endure as his lasting legacy.

BY Copa 90