Eredivisie

Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong has said his side found it harder to overcome defending champions Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League than their quarter-final opponents Juventus. 

The Dutch side produced an excellent performance in the competition on Tuesday, as they beat the Italian giants 2-1 in Turin, ensuring a 3-2 progression into the semi-finals on aggregate. The remarkable result follows on from Ajax's upset of Madrid, as they won the last-16 tie 5-3 on aggregate; that included a stunning 4-1 success at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Despite the tighter scoreline in Italy, De Jong said after the win that the team were more comfortable against Juventus than Madrid, per RMC Sport (h/t Sacha Pisani of Goal):

"I do not know if this is the best match of our lives but it went well. In Madrid it was harder because we lost in the first leg. Juve are very strong, very disciplined, we showed in the second half the team we could be. The coach asked the same things as usual, play high and play possession. 

"Win the Champions League? We are in the semi-finals, we have a chance, but we are not favourites. But of course, it's always possible."

Given the issues Real Madrid have endured this season both in Europe and domestically, many expected Juventus to offer a much more robust test of the mettle of this Ajax team. However, the Amsterdam outfit were the dominant force for much of the quarter-final.

After Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring for the hosts, goals from Donny van de Beek and Matthijs de Ligt either side of half time were enough to see Ajax through (U.S. only):

After the game, it was clear just how much the result meant to the Ajax players:

Juventus have developed a deserved reputation in recent years for being tough to beat on home soil, so the manner in which they were swept aside was staggering.

In defence, Ajax were marshalled tremendously by De Ligt, while De Jong was a steadying influence in midfield. At the top end of the pitch, Dusan Tadic, Hakim Ziyech and David Neres were too hot to handle as well.

While Ajax supporters will be enjoying this run, they will be wary of elite sides seeking to pinch some of their star players, with De Jong having already agreed to join Barcelona. Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe compared them to the Monaco outfit of two years ago:

Rory Smith of the New York Times said stories like Ajax's are important in the competition:

Manchester City or Tottenham Hotspur await Ajax in the semi-finals. The second leg of that tie will be played on Wednesday, with Spurs taking a 1-0 lead to the Etihad Stadium.

Although fans of both clubs will be thankful they don't have Ronaldo waiting for them in the next round, Ajax have earned the right to be taken seriously this season. They have the talent, temperament and confidence needed to make it to the final in Madrid.

Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong is fit to face Juventus in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, according to his agent Ali Dursun. 

The Dutchman sparked concern when he was brought off 28 minutes into Ajax's 6-2 win over Excelsior on Saturday, but Dursun told De Telegraaf (h/t Calciomercato):

"Frenkie is fit. He will go to Turin, and I think he will play. He is positive. We were all worried on Saturday, but the substitution was only precautionary. The pain has never been strong, the shock was bigger than the injury."

As football writer Karl Matchett observed, his exit appeared to be brought on by a hamstring problem:

Ajax travel to Turin having held Juve to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final (U.S. only):

AS' Robbie Dunne was critical of the 21-year-old for letting Cristiano Ronaldo escape his attentions to score for the Bianconeri:

Though he could have done better in that situation, he also made a vital intervention to deny Federico Bernardeschi during the game.

Aside from his part in Ronaldo's goal, it was otherwise an excellent performance from the youngster on European club football's biggest stage (UK only):

The Barcelona-bound starlet is a key player for Ajax, and he helped the Eredivisie outfit dominate the midfield battle against Juve with his composure on the ball and strong distribution.

If Ajax are to upset the odds on Tuesday and progress at the Italian giants' expense, they need him to do so again.

Ajax suffered a major blow during Saturday's 6-2 win over Excelsior, as star midfielder Frenkie de Jong came off early with a injury, putting his status for Tuesday's UEFA Champions League clash against Juventus in doubt.

Per Football Italia, the Dutch international lasted just 28 minutes minutes before he was substituted, and he immediately headed down the tunnel.

Fox Sports shared footage of the 21-year-old leaving the pitch as he appeared to reach for his hamstring:

Ajax manager Erik ten Hag took a major risk starting the midfielder, but Ajax are locked in a tight Eredivisie title battle with PSV and had to beat Excelsior. They cruised to an easy win, with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar bagging a hat-trick in the romp.

But the victory could prove costly if De Jong misses out on Tuesday's match in Turin. The rising star was arguably the best player on the pitch in the 1-1 first-leg draw in Amsterdam that left the door wide open for the underdogs to advance.

De Jong was so good that even opposing manager Massimiliano Allegri went out of his way to praise him, per UEFA.com (h/t The Independent):

"De Jong is the real source of their game. We tried to control him with (Rodrigo) Bentancur in the early stages but, when he understood that, he moved deeper, and the forwards had to work hard on him. He played very well.

"Ajax have great qualities. They keep the ball well even when there are no spaces. I think we defended well even if we had to be better when we won the ball in midfield."

BT Sport shared some of his stats and highlights of that match (UK viewers only):

Jurgen Ekkelenkamp was his replacement against Excelsior and also played the last 15 minutes against Juventus. At the age of 19 and having made just six senior appearances, it would be a tall task for him to replace the Barcelona-bound De Jong.

Ajax will already be without the suspended Nicolas Tagliafico for the return leg on Tuesday.

Ajax director of football Marc Overmars has said his club are "on good terms with Barcelona," but talk of a loan partnership between the two outfits won't turn the Dutch giants into a feeder club. 

Soon after Frenkie de Jong's summer transfer to the Camp Nou was struck, Overmars confirmed rumours of a loan collaboration between the clubs but told NOS (h/t Goal's Tom Storer) Ajax won't lose their identity:

"We know that we are on good terms with Barcelona. Barcelona wants to talk to us to see if they can loan players.

"Of course, we are not going to get too many players from Barcelona. We are not a branch of that club.

"We already have talents in our own youth academy. These would be slightly older players, or players who just broke through. However, the plans have not been developed that far."

There has been speculation about Ajax centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, 19, the other Amsterdam-based player who has been strongly linked with a move to Catalonia at the end of this season.

It's possible an influx of players from the Camp Nou is a bargaining tool for Barca to aid their pursuit of De Ligt, the teenager already capped 15 times by his country.

The Godenzonen, like Barcelona, have long been renowned for the strength and productivity of their academy, of which De Ligt is the latest star to emerge with genuine world-class promise:

Ajax don't often make a habit of loaning players from other teams. They've loaned four players in the past four seasons, and it's usually the Eredivisie side who farm their own young out for experience.

That being said, they have a history with Barcelona in particular and signed former Blaugrana prodigy Bojan Krkic in 2013-14. They loaned winger Isaac Cuenca from the Camp Nou the season prior to that.

Barcelona purchased De Jong for €75 million (plus €11 million in add-ons), and De Ligt could fetch an even greater price if he leaves the Johan Cruyff Arena this summer. 

That being said, writer Simon Kuper commented on how the Dutch dynamos were compromised during a recent 3-2 defeat to Germany in UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying:

Ajax are having their best European season since 2003 after they beat Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League round of 16, but progress will be difficult in the near future should they sell both De Jong and De Ligt.

Per Storer's report, former Barcelona academy goalkeeper Andre Onana was linked with a move back to the Camp Nou, only to spurn their interest and sign a new contract:

Ajax are within two points of the Eredivisie summit after beating leaders PSV 3-1 on Sunday, and they can temporarily climb to the top if they win away at 17th-place Emmen on Wednesday.

Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt has said he is not distracted by the consistent rumours surrounding his future and is focusing only on playing for his club and the Netherlands national team. 

The 19-year-old centre-back has been linked with some of Europe's biggest clubs, including Barcelona, Juventus, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, per Sacha Pisani of Goal.

It seems likely the 2018 Golden Boy award winner will leave Ajax in the summer, along with his club and country team-mate Frenkie de Jong, who has already agreed to join Barca.

But, with Ajax fighting for the Eredivisie title and preparing for a UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie against Juventus, De Ligt has said he is only thinking about the present, per Esporte Interativo (h/t Pisani):

"I play my game, focus on football and we'll see where I end up. It is not something that worries me. I am currently playing for Ajax and the national team, so that is what I'm focusing on. I'm gaining experience and I like it."

De Ligt is widely considered one of the brightest young talents in European football and has enormous potential:

Given the relative dearth of top quality young centre-backs available on the transfer market, it is little surprise he has been linked to such huge clubs.

Barca are reportedly leading the race to sign him:

And De Ligt would be a fantastic long-term replacement for Gerard Pique, now 32, at the Camp Nou.

The Netherlands international looks perfectly suited for the Blaugrana as he boasts fantastic ability with the ball at his feet as well as excellent defensive attributes:

Juventus could also be competitors for De Ligt's signature as their back line is ageing, with Giorgio Chiellini now 34 and Leonardo Bonucci nearly 32.

Ajax are interested in securing the returns of Tottenham Hotspur centre-backs Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen.

The Eredivisie club's sporting director, Marc Overmars, revealed he's asked about the availability of both defenders but called for patience when assessing the chances of bringing the pair back to Amsterdam this summer.

Overmars spoke to AjaxTV (h/t Fox Sports and Metro): "We have to be patient and see what the future holds."

It may not be long before Overmars and Co. find out what is in store for Vertonghen and Alderweireld. Both are under contract until the end of the 2019/20 campaign, but the latter's deal contains a clause making him available for £25 million this summer.

Alderweireld continues to be linked with Tottenham's Premier League rivals Manchester United.

While Overmars may be prepared to take a wait-and-see approach, even a hint Ajax are targeting two of their former players will generate excitement among the fanbase. Belgium international teammates Alderweireld and Vertonghen both enjoyed productive spells at the Johan Cruyff Arena earlier in their careers.

Vertonghen, 31, won two league titles and a pair of KNVB Cups with Ajax. He partnered Alderweireld at the heart of a capable and versatile back line.

The two eventually reunited in north London where they have become key figures for Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino. He still relies on their experience, aggression and technique to underpin a talented squad yet to make the jump to consistent trophy winners.

A lack of silverware could prompt Tottenham's most-experienced central defenders to move on ahead of schedule. Ajax would likely welcome both as Overmars gets ready to refresh a squad set to lose some young stars this summer.

Frenkie de Jong, 21, has already agreed to join Barcelona at the end of the season. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Matthijs de Ligt is also being heavily linked with the Blaugrana.

Barca are set to meet with Overmars on "Monday or Tuesday" to discuss a player also wanted by a host of top clubs, including Juventus, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, according to Mundo Deportivo (h/t MailOnline's James Dutton).

While Ajax are likely going to have a need for defensive reinforcements, Pochettino will be in no rush to let Vertonghen and Alderweireld go. Davinson Sanchez, another former Ajax stalwart, is ready for a bigger role, but doubts may persist about Juan Foyth's ability to make a similar step up.

Ajax left-back Nicolas Tagliafico said "it's great" to hear of interest from the likes of Barcelona, but he is not thinking about the future as he is "enjoying life" with the Dutch club. 

Per MailOnline, the Argentinian is rumoured to be a target for Barca, Arsenal and Atletico Madrid.

On the Catalan giants' interest, he told Mundo Deportivo (h/t MailOnline): "It's great that they talk about me, because that means things are going well. But I can only focus on the present."

However, he added: "I am enjoying life and football. We are privileged as footballers. Our work is something fascinating and something we love to do. I enjoy playing for the national team and my club. I can't think of what's coming, that's disrespectful to my club."

Tagliafico has caught the eye since he moved to Ajax in January last year, and he has continued to impress with the Dutch side this season after being one of Argentina's better performers at the FIFA World Cup.

StatsBomb offered some insight into how he's fared in the Eredivisie, where he's helped Ajax to second place after 26 matches:

He has five goals and as many assists in all competitions this season, with three of his strikes coming in the UEFA Champions League.

Tagliafico put in a strong showing over two legs as Ajax knocked out Real Madrid in the round of 16, and his performances on the European stage will have only enhanced the interest in him.

TalkSport's Lee Roden believes Atletico could be a viable destination:

At the Camp Nou, Tagliafico would have the unenviable task of unseating Jordi Alba to become Barcelona's first-choice left-back.

That would seem unlikely in the near future, so he'd have to be content with a back-up role at least in the short term. 

Alba turned 30 on Thursday, so there could be some scope for taking over further down the line, and in the meantime Tagliafico could provide depth and some competition for his position.

As for Arsenal, Nacho Monreal is now 33, while Sead Kolasinac is much more convincing going forward than he is at defending, so there's plenty of room there for Tagliafico to nail down a starting berth.

As their sensational performance inside the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday sinks in, so too does the realisation that we only have a couple of months to enjoy this wonderful Ajax side.

Such is the club model in Amsterdam, stars are born...and then sold. It's all part of the club philosophy—they take as much pride in seeing their homegrown talent flourish elsewhere as they do when they break into the Ajax first team.

That 4-1 UEFA Champions League round-of-16 second-leg victory over Real Madrid will go down in the history books. Even for a club that has won the European Cup/Champions League on four occasions, it was extremely special.

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But the simple truth is that the team is going to be broken up over the summer. Midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who was mightily impressive in Madrid and left 2018 Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric on his backside, was the first to be sold and others will follow.

De Jong agreed a move to Barcelona in January, and now we wait to see how many others follow him through the exit door.

"Ajax fans have come to expect their players to leave and they are prepared for several key players going this summer," explains Michael Bell, founder of Dutch football website Football-Oranje. "There is a sense of pride around the De Jong move to Barcelona, and the same will be felt when Matthijs de Ligt goes.

"The realism is that Ajax can't continually compete with the money they can receive abroad, and fans know this. As long as they stay for a few years and give their all, then fans are happy for them."

So which players are most likely to leave?

Matthijs de Ligt

Barcelona lead the race for Ajax's brilliant central defender and captain, and the fact that he could team up with De Jong makes it all the more enticing. According to sources in Holland, the player has his heart set on a switch to the Camp Nou but is trying not to become distracted by the dream. If it doesn't work out, Liverpool are keen—but there are doubts about whether they will pay the £75 million required for a 19-year-old defender.

Nicolas Tagliafico 

He is being watched by many clubs, and Real Madrid have been linked with the 26-year-old Argentinian left-back—but Bleacher Report understands that Arsenal scouts have also made checks on him in recent months, as there are some fears that Nacho Monreal may depart. Tagliafico is almost certain to leave.

Donny van de Beek

Donny van de Beek shines almost every week in his midfield role, yet he does not get the same headlines that some around him do. He has caught the eye of Everton, who shelled out £23.6 million on Ajax midfielder Davy Klaassen in 2017. Klaassen was a disappointment and was sold a year later to Werder Bremen after making just seven Premier League appearances for the Toffees, but they do not appear to be put off by that.

There is interest from Serie A too, which may be a better fit. All the top clubs from Italy have dispatched scouts to watch him, but AC Milan have seemed most serious about their intent. 

Hakim Ziyech

He's been watched by Leicester City, who saw him as a Riyad Mahrez replacement thanks to his wand of a left foot, but now bigger clubs are wondering whether to take a punt. Morocco international Hakim Ziyech joined from FC Twente in 2016 and has proved himself as a consistent creator of goals. B/R sources at Liverpool suggested he is on their watch list, while Borussia Dortmund and AS Roma have both made serious enquiries.

There are going to be transfer rumours around Dusan Tadic too, who was the star player in Madrid. He is being monitored by Bayern Munich, but the player seems happy in Amsterdam and has indicated to club officials he would like to stay for next season.

"Ajax actively encourage their young players to play and develop in the first team, which leads to them being aware of their responsibilities on the pitch at a very young age, and that in turn stands them in good stead for the remainder of their careers," explains Dutch football expert James Rowe.

"It is realistic that the club could reject potential bids for other players in the summer. In recent seasons, they turned down a bid from AS Monaco for Kasper Dolberg, and Hakim Ziyech was targeted by Dortmund in January 2018. The club always try to hold out for the best possible fee. Selling is part of the model but they also realise that they have a duty to remain competitive both at home and abroad hence why the current crop of players have remained together."

With such talent and unity in the team, it seems strange from the outside that any player would want to go anywhere else right now—even if it is expected of them.

There is also the high-profile case of 19-year-old Justin Kluivert to serve as a warning siren. He left to join Roma last summer in a bid to push himself forward but has seen his progress stunted after starting just 12 games. 

"There is an argument that some should stay, and they only have to look at what's happening with Kluivert at Roma for sure," said Bell. "But there is only so much these players can learn playing teams like ADO or Emmen each week, teams that sit back and defend in their own half.

"The quality of the Eredivisie means they need to leave in order to progress fully. The Champions League ties are a bonus and they offer a great incentive for players to join the club, but until the Eredivisie improves, young talents will always be looking abroad."

Never fear, though: Ajax will not stand still. They have already begun to look at up-and-coming stars who would slot into their format. One of those on the radar is Martin Odegaard, according to B/R sources.

Odegaard, 20, is on loan at Vitesse Arnhem in the Eredivisie from Real Madrid, and though he will return to the La Liga side in the summer, his head may be turned by the prospect of a big stage to play regular first-team football.

There is more young talent ready to come through from the Ajax academy too.

"In terms of young players who are looking good ahead of next season, I would say Perr Schuurs is one to look out for—he's a central defender who was signed from Fortuna Sittard in 2018," says Rowe. "He also captained Fortuna at the age of 17 before arriving at Ajax, and I believe that he would further his development in being promoted to the Ajax first-team squad.

"He is similar to Matthijs de Ligt in terms of poise and composure in defence.

"Also, Dani de Wit is one to look out for—he is a very quick midfielder who often makes surging runs forward to open up an opposition's defence."

That incredible night in Madrid may prove to be the undoing of this wonderful side, but there will always be new talent to replace them—that's just the Ajax way.

Dusan Tadic earned a rare perfect rating from French newspaper L'Equipe following his performance for Ajax against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, joining a select group of players to receive the mark that includes Lionel Messi and Neymar. 

The Serbia international was sensational in the 4-1 win for the Dutch giants, helping them earn a 5-3 victory on aggregate in the last-16 tie. He set up two goals in the first period—the second of which came after a stunning piece of skill and run—before netting himself with a pinpoint effort from outside the area in the second.

So good was Tadic, he joined a small stable of players to earn a rating of 10 from L'Equipe, as Jonathan Johnson of ESPN FC relayed:

As evidenced above, while Tadic was given top marks, there were some low scores for some Real Madrid players. Casemiro was given just one, while Toni Kroos and Thibaut Courtois picked up twos.

French football journalist Rich Allen noted just how rare it is for the French newspaper to dish out a perfect score:

Here are some of Tadic's best moments from his incredible display (U.S. only):

Few will argue that Tadic deserved this individual mark, as he was the key man in Ajax producing one of the biggest shocks in Europe in recent years.

While they performed well in a 2-1 loss to Madrid in the first leg of the tie, few anticipated the Dutch side would be able to turn things around at the Santiago Bernabeu. After all, Real have won the last three Champions League titles in a row.

However, early goals from Hakim Ziyech and David Neres put the Amsterdam giants in control of the contest, before Tadic's goal made it 3-0. Madrid did threaten to rally after Marco Asensio reduced the deficit, although Lasse Schone made the game safe with a free-kick.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said it was a performance reminiscent of some of the great Ajax sides:

"This is probably the best game of football I've ever played," Tadic said afterwards to Veronica TV (h/t Sacha Pisani of Goal). "... We have a very good team and we play nice football. [Zinedine] Zidane was always my favourite player. Maybe I was watching too many of his clips."

Following a transfer from Southampton in the summer, Tadic has been exceptional for the Eredivisie outfit:

While usually an attacking midfielder, on Tuesday he lined up at the point of the Ajax attack, with Ziyech and Neres either side. From there, Tadic dropped into space and was able to turn and drive at the opposition defence frequently.

The night was the high point of Tadic's career, and Ajax supporters will be hopeful there is still more to come. After all, on this evidence there aren't many sides who will relish going up the Dutch outfit and their inspired attacking lineup.

Ajax sporting director Marc Overmars has conceded that his club will "have no choice" but to sell Matthijs de Ligt in the summer, and he backed the centre-back to "go to a top club."

The 19-year-old defensive star is already Ajax captain and is widely considered to be one of the best young players in the world. Back in December the Dutchman won the 2018 Golden Boy award, given to the best player under the age of 21 in Europe.

De Ligt has been linked to a number of Europe's biggest clubs, including Juventus, Manchester City, Manchester United and Barcelona, who have already snapped up his team-mate and compatriot Frenkie de Jong. 

Overmars, a former Barcelona player, said Ajax are not happy about having to let their best young players go, but he understands the widespread interest in De Ligt, per AS (h/t Football Italia):

"Matthijs can play anywhere, he can easily play for one of the six best teams in the world. He has incredible gifts: he has strength, mentality and heart. If I worked somewhere else, I’d do anything to sign him.

"We don’t need to sell him. We don’t need money, but I know he’ll go to a top club. Selling our best players? We don’t want to, but we have no choice. My job is to manage a top team, but we can’t keep our players if Real Madrid or Barcelona, who can afford to keep [Jasper] Cillessen on the bench for four years, come knocking."

Ajax face a huge challenge on Tuesday to overturn a 2-1 deficit in the UEFA Champions League last 16 against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.

In the first leg at the Johan Cruyff Arena last month, the Dutch outfit levelled through Hakim Ziyech after Karim Benzema's opener, only for Marco Asensio to score an 87th minute winner to put Real in control of the tie.

De Ligt will be key to Ajax's attempts to turn the tie around. His excellent performances in the Champions League this season have been indicative of just how mature a player he already is:

Ajax have already enjoyed their best Champions League campaign of recent seasons as they made it out of their group for the first time since the 2005-06 campaign.

Real are the three-time defending champions and have won the famous trophy a record 13 times. However, it is not out of the question that Ajax might cause an upset.

Real have been a long way from their best this term after losing manager Zinedine Zidane and star player Cristiano Ronaldo, and they are currently reeling after back-to-back home defeats to Barcelona.