Champions League 2022: Results, Top Scorers After Wednesday's Round of 16 Games
Feb 23, 2022
LISBON, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 23: Sebastien Haller of Ajax looks on during the UEFA Champions League Round Of Sixteen Leg One match between SL Benfica and AFC Ajax at Estadio da Luz on February 23, 2022 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
The Champions League round of 16 is halfway over after the last four clubs began their knockout stage runs on Wednesday.
Atletico Madrid and Manchester United finished with a 1-1 draw while Ajax and Benfica ended even at 2-2 in the first leg for each tie. The squads will look to clinch a spot in the quarterfinal in the return matches on March 15.
The latest matches were also important in the race for the top goalscorer in this year's competition with Sebastien Haller continuing to lead big names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Antoine Griezmann and others who were in action Wednesday.
Here is the latest in the hunt for the golden boot.
Sebastien Haller entered the day leading the competition with 10 goals, but made what was seemingly his first mistake of the tournament with an own goal in the 25th minute against Benfica:
◉ Most goals scored in first two games (5) ◉ Most goals scored in first five games (9) ◉ Most goals scored in first six games (10) ◉ Most goals scored in first seven games (11)
Sébastien Haller has scored more goals in 7 Champions League games for Ajax (11) than he did in 48 Premier League games for West Ham (10) 😳 pic.twitter.com/XylcNzEhFY
Anthony Elanga produced a great finish on his first touch after a perfect Bruno Fernandes through ball. It was the seventh assist in UCL play for Fernandes, who leads all players in the competition.
Bruno Fernandes has 7 assists in 6 #UCL games this season:
🅰️ vs Young Boys 🅰️ vs Villarreal 🅰️🅰️ vs Atalanta 🅰️ vs Atalanta 🅰️ vs Villarreal 🅰️ vs Atletico Madrid
6 - Bruno Fernandes is the first player in Champions League history to assist in six consecutive appearances while playing for an English club, breaking the record held by David Beckham (for @ManUtd) since 1998. Creator. pic.twitter.com/y92qBMZas8
The one assist was enough for Manchester United to have much more confidence heading into the second leg.
The goalscoring competition should also remain a good one throughout the knockout stages with Robert Lewandowski's Bayern Munich and Mohamed Salah's Liverpool both a threat to make a deep run.
Sergino Dest Faces Huge Transfer Decision over Bayern, Barcelona, PSG
Jun 23, 2020
MUNCHEN, GERMANY - OCTOBER 2: Serginho Dest of Ajax U19 during the match between Bayern Munchen U19 v Ajax U19 at the FC Bayern Campus on October 2, 2018 in Munchen Germany (Photo by Erwin Spek/Soccrates/Getty Images)
It has been an amazing 12 months for Sergino Dest. Last July he made a full debut for Ajax and then quickly established himself as one of their key first-team players thanks to a fearlessness in possession and determination to succeed.
The modern day full-back is fast becoming one of the most interesting roles in the game, and Dest's rise quickly led to a decision over which national team to represent, with the 18-year-old opting for the United States over the Netherlands in October. He now has three U.S. international appearances to his name.
But Dest has a new dilemma: What does he do with his club career? Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are all being linked with Dest, and he has to consider how he builds the next step of his career.
At this stage, Bayern are clearly making the first move to sign him. He was first linked with a switch to Bavaria in May, and sources in Germany have confirmed to Bleacher Report that the Bundesliga champions are actively pursuing him ahead of next season.
"He is the No. 1 target in that position, and there is a real belief that the deal can happen," our insider explained. "But at the moment, no agreement is close."
A prime reason for that is that Bayern have tried to open up the potential of a loan move, but Ajax are not interested. Dest can leave the Dutch champions, but only at the right price.
Sources indicated to B/R that Bayern have also been monitoring AS Monaco's Benjamin Henrichs as a new option at right-back but are looking at Dest as a more realistic option because there is a feeling Henrichs is close to agreeing a move to RB Leipzig.
How would Bayern work out for Dest at this stage?
Marc Geschwind is a football analyst for EIF Soccer and a lifelong Ajax supporter who has watched Dest's emergence closer than most.
"Dest would provide Bayern with play similar to what they're getting from the other prodigal North American, Alphonso Davies," Geschwind says. "He's quicker, more technical and better going forward than Benjamin Pavard. He may not necessarily beat him out—even though I'm sure Dest would fancy his chances—but he'd be a terrific alternative, and the club would likely see him as a better option in games Bayern are expected to dominate, presenting more chances for minutes.
"Plus, he might think there's an added opportunity for minutes at left-back. David Alaba has moved to centre-back, and their other left-back, Lucas Hernandez, is a better central defender, so they might even see Dest as a back-up option to Davies on the left side. That would give him another chance to earn more minutes over the course of a long season."
The development and role of Canada international Davies is indeed one of the factors Bayern are using to entice Dest to Germany, sources told B/R.
A key factor here, though, is the interest of Barcelona—Dest's childhood team. He adores the club, and his dream is to play for them, figures close to the player say. The bond between Ajax and Barcelona thanks to Johan Cruyff suggests it would be a promising path to take, as Frenkie de Jong has recently experienced.
But is that likely? Holding out for Barca and ignoring Bayern's overtures could be risky, as the Spanish club have limited funds available for transfers this summer.
They have touched base with agent Joes Blakborn in the past but no firm offer has yet landed.
Unless they manage to offload players and Nelson Semedo is one of them, Dest is unlikely to get the offer he wants.
As for PSG, they are beginning to look at Dest's valuation and how he fits in with their current setup. It will take more than €20 million to sign Dest, and Ajax are willing to listen to serious offers. Strengthening both flanks of the team at PSG is going to be a priority, sources say, and there is little doubt Dest would thrive in Ligue 1.
Still, at the age of 19, there is a thought that Dest is happy to stay in Amsterdam a while longer.
Geschwind has seen plenty of examples where upcoming talents opt for an exciting transfer but then struggle to adapt: "Young players need consistent minutes in order to develop, and that's what he'll continue to have at Ajax. He's been brought up in the youth academy, he knows the system, he knows the players and he has Erik ten Hag's trust. He's just won young player of the season, and he'll only keep growing from here.
"I don't think any youngster, whether at Ajax or elsewhere, should really look to leave after one full professional season or less. Leaving too early can be hugely detrimental to individual growth as we've seen over the years with the likes of Ryan Babel, Roysten Drenthe, Renato Sanches and others because you aren't guaranteed those unbelievably crucial minutes. It's hard to move to a new country and new team, and it's hard to displace proven internationals who have played well for years. So, it's a big risk.
"Some thrive, but others don't. And while I love Dest's ability, sometimes even the best and most talented can fail when moving to a big club."
Dest is undoubtedly one of U.S. Soccer's most exciting players, and he has the potential for a long career at the highest level, but the decision over his next club is going to be crucial.
Sources say there is every chance he could stay at Ajax a little longer—but there is also an awareness that few 19-year-old footballers are pursued by clubs as big as Bayern, Barca and PSG at the same time
Turning down any of them will be difficult.
Ex-Ajax Star Abdelhak Nouri Wakes from Coma After 2 Years and 9 Months
Mar 26, 2020
FILE - This is a Tuesday, May 23, 2017 file photo of Ajax's Abdelhak Nouri as he kicks a ball during a training session at the Friends Arena in Stockholm, Sweden. Ajax midfielder Abdelhak Nouri who collapsed due to an irregular heartbeat during a friendly game in Austria on Saturday July 8, 2017 has suffered
Former Ajax player Abdelhak Nouri has awoken from a coma after two years and nine months, according to the Dutch site AD (via beIN Sports).
The 22-year-old initially suffered a cardiac arrhythmia attack on the pitch during a July 2017 friendly, causing brain damage while leaving him in a coma.
It took about seven minutes after Nouri had collapsed for medics to act, perMartin Mazurof BBC Sport. He was taken to hospital, where it was later revealed he had suffered serious brain damage.
Ajax later admitted in astatementthat the on-field treatment was "inadequate."
"We recognize our responsibility and liability for the consequences of this," the club said.
Nouri has now emerged from his comatose state, although he can only "eat, sleep and frown" while remaining heavily dependent on care.
Nouri was considered a promising prospect for the Dutch club, making his way to the senior team at just 19 years old while appearing in 15 matches for Ajax.
Ajax Boss Erik ten Hag Talks Up Move for Tottenham Defender Jan Vertonghen
Feb 10, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 22: Jan Vertonghen of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 22, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Ten Hag told Ziggo Sport (h/t Joe Krishnan at the Evening Standard) that the Eredivisie side could look to bring 32-year-old Vertonghen back to Amsterdam:
"Jan has a history at Ajax. Of course we are following his situation very closely, but you also have to look at the position in which someone plays. If that comes together, the availability and the position in which he plays, then he is an option. There is no question of any age limit here. If someone is good enough, it doesn't matter how old he is."
Vertonghen came through the youth academy at Ajax and won two league and cup titles with the club before moving to Spurs in 2012.
The centre-back's future at the club is uncertain as he is out of contract in the summer and would be available as a free agent.
His emotional reaction to being substituted early in Tottenham's FA Cup win over Southampton on Wednesday prompted fresh speculation his time at the club may be coming to an end:
#thfc Uncharacteristic reaction by Vertonghen to being replaced – walked around the pitch very slowly & looks absolutely gutted on the bench. Does he sense his time is nearly up?
Jan Vertonghen almost crying on the touchline is a heartbreaking scene.
He's been one of the best defenders in the Premier League over the last few years. He, like everyone else, knows that his time is up. Will go down as a Tottenham legend regardless.
Vertonghen's agent, Tom De Mul, told Het Laatste Nieuws (h/t Tommaso Fiore at Sky Sports) that there is a "lot of interest" in the defender but that he is "not ruling out" agreeing a new contract at Spurs.
The Belgium international is a reliable presence at the back for Jose Mourinho's side and has made 22 appearances for the club in all competitions in 2019-20, but he will turn 33 in April, which may deter Spurs from offering fresh terms.
Indeed Vertonghen could be deemed surplus to requirements if Spurs decide to bring in another defender when the transfer window reopens.
The club are interested in Bournemouth's Nathan Ake, who may be sold if the Cherries are relegated, according to The Athletic (h/t Adam Powers at the Daily Express).
A return to Ajax may appeal to Vertonghen as he heads towards the end of his career. The defender already knows the club well and would add experience to Ten Hag's youthful team, which is top of the Eredivisie table.
Sergino Dest Leaves Ajax Camp in Qatar for Amsterdam After Iran's US Base Attack
Jan 9, 2020
United States defender Sergino Dest moves the ball against Canada during the second half of a CONCACAF Nations League soccer match Friday, Nov. 15, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
United States men's national team member Sergino Dest left Ajax's training camp in Qatar over his concerns regarding the tensions between the United States and Iran.
According to Joe Prince-Wright of NBC Sports' Pro Soccer Talk, Ajax released the following statement supporting Dest's decision to go back to the Netherlands: "Sergino Dest asked if he could leave the training camp of Ajax in Qatar. He didn't feel comfortable. Ajax understands his request and has responded to it. The right back returns to Young Ajax in Amsterdam."
After the U.S. killed Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani in an air strike on Friday, Iran retaliated by launching missiles at an airbase in Iraq that was housing American troops. No casualties were reported.
Prior to Dest's request to leave Qatar, the USMNT postponed plans to hold a training camp of its own in Qatar this week ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The 19-year-old Dest was born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and American father, and he chose to represent the United States at senior level, as he did throughout his youth international career.
Dest has appeared in three matches for the USMNT after playing in five games for the U17 team and 10 matches for the U20 squad.
This season is Dest's first with Ajax after spending the 2018-19 campaign with Jong Ajax in the second tier of Dutch soccer. In 14 appearances for Ajax this season, Dest has two goals, both of which came in a Dutch Cup match in December against second division team Telstar.
Dest was scheduled to take part in two friendlies for Ajax in Qatar during the Eredivisie winter break, but he will instead train with the reserve team.
Inside the Hype, Ambition and Drive of Sergino Dest—USMNT's Most Wanted Man
Oct 8, 2019
United States' Sergino Dest controls the ball during the second half of a friendly soccer match against Uruguay Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019, in St. Louis. The game ended in a 1-1 tie. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Sergino Dest's route to the United States men's national team has not been conventional. Until five years ago, the Ajax starlet had never even been to the country.
Born and bred in the Netherlands, he visited New York with his father—a U.S. serviceman—in 2014. Dest was mesmerised.
"We were on a shuttle bus and, as we came out of a tunnel, we were in the middle of the city," he said in an interview with the USMNT-focused Scuffed podcast. "My eyes were instantly open."
Fast-forward to today, and Dest is one of the most talked-about names in U.S. soccer. After making his senior team debut in September in a friendly against Mexico, the full-back is now helping to open other people's eyes to a style of play they have been yearning for.
Dest, 18, is quick, technically excellent and skilful. He shows a fearlessness on the ball that is rare in someone so young.
Yet the U.S. now have a battle on their hands to keep him in the stars and stripes.
Dest, who has a Dutch mother, represented the Netherlands in younger age groups but began featuring for the United States' youth teams at under-17 level through to under-20, playing in two underage FIFA World Cups. However, the Netherlands are now interested in him again, having witnessed his progression into an Ajax first-teamer.
He played twice for the USMNT in the last international break but is not involved this time around. Playing in friendly matches is one thing, but if he features in a competitive match, that will be him set for the rest of his career. So he's stepping back for a moment.
Even though it is the United States who have shown most faith in him, he understandably can't dismiss the country he has known his entire life. The country in which he learned his trade. A country who, let's face it, have a better pedigree in the game than the U.S.
So what will he do?
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 17: Sergino Dest of Ajax Amsterdam controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League group H match between AFC Ajax and Lille OSC at Amsterdam Arena on September 17, 2019 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by TF-Images/G
America has become a huge part of Dest's life. The opportunity to represent them cropped up by chance when former U.S. under-20 assistant coach Dave van den Bergh, who played for Ajax in the 1990s, touched base with his former club about a different player, before asking if there were any players he should be aware of with dual nationality.
Since then, Dest has been part of the U.S. soccer set-up, accepting the chance to represent them at the U17 World Cup in 2017. He was also named in the team of the tournament in November's CONCACAF U20 Championship after the U.S. beat Mexico in the final. He was impressive, too, in May's U20 World Cup.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxcXVx0jOxo
His development over the past 12 months has been meteoric. He has evolved from a young man in Ajax's youth academy, playing under-19 and under-21 football and training a handful of times with the first team, to a regular in a side regarded by some as the most entertaining in Europe. He made his Eredivisie debut in August and now has 13 senior appearances to his name, including UEFA Champions League outings against Lille and Valencia.
Dest is a phenomenon, the latest off a conveyor belt of talent in Amsterdam. Earlier this year, their latest gems, Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt, left the club to sign for Barcelona and Juventus, respectively, for a combined $190 million, per Forbes. It is reasonable to expect that Dest will eventually follow them to one of Europe's very top clubs.
B/R sources indicate that Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are already tracking his performances with a view to a future move to sign him. The player himself may not be so keen on such a prospect, though.
"I want to play at Barcelona, Real Madrid..." he told Scuffed. "The Premier League is good, but I don't know if it fits my style. It is very physical."
Adam Belz is one of the few USMNT soccer fanatics lucky enough to have grabbed time with Dest to understand how his mind works. He runs the Scuffed podcast and interviewed the teenager in January, just as Dest was preparing for his big breakthrough.
"I was struck by his combination of confidence and humility," Belz told B/R. "He came across as a player with big ambitions, but one who knew it would take hard work for him to realise those ambitions.
"The traits that really stood out were his candor and a clear-eyed assessment of himself. I asked him what he needed to improve and he gave a long list of specific things: fitness, left foot, passing, first touch, shot. 'I want to be a complete player,' he said. 'I want to be good at every single part.'
"He also admitted he played scared on the ball at the 2017 Under-17 World Cup, and said he regretted that. He vowed not to play that way in the 2019 Under-20 World Cup. That impressed me—and he made good on that vow in May."
The podcast's interview with Dest is fascinating, and you can hear it here.
Jan Verdonk has supported Ajax since 1991 and has spent a long time watching the club's youth teams. He's witnessed Dest's growth from boy to man.
"The first time I saw Dest playing was when he was 14 years old," he tells B/R. "He was very small, not special at all in my view, and I never thought he would make it all the way to Ajax senior team. But he started to change when he was around 16.
"He grew physically in this period, and although he was a right back, he played at several other positions as well in this phase. He impressed me several times as a winger, where he showed great technical skills. The thing was, wherever he was playing, he did well. He proved to be extremely aware of his tasks, and eagerness to learn and improve.
"This great mentality might be the American side of his genes, but it was impressive.”
Dest said last night that he hasn't decided and is taking his time when it comes to choosing USA and the Netherlands.
Would expect Berhalter to visit him.
Almost feels like college football recruiting. Oct. 23 makes sense with Ajax facing Chelsea in the Champions League.
Dest is not the finished article; there is still room for growth, and he knows it. But he's doing everything he can to improve day by day. As part of his push to become a complete player, he made the most of resources offered by Sanjiv, a devout U.S. Soccer fan and analyst who runs the Twitter account @USMNTvideos. Sanjiv often collates "highlight reels of up-and-coming players."
"My first time watching him was at the Under-17 World Cup," Sanjiv tells B/R. "I have periodically talked to him for about a year now. He would send me Jong Ajax games last year and sometimes tell me he's playing a game and ask for me to make a video.
"I sent him videos I made of him at first, and I think he liked to get the videos for his own viewing. But he posted one on his Instagram once of his CONCACAF Under-20 performance.
"I think his ability to forget mistakes and move on is one of the many special qualities he has. As any young defender is prone to, he will make mistakes."
Sanjiv notes the first goal against Ukraine in the U20 World Cup as an example of this. "After that mistake, he was still not at his complete best," he explained. "But shortly thereafter, he made up for it by combining and creating the [United States'] equaliser. As a person, I like his attitude in showing no fear and having confidence in himself.
"After he was nutmegged by Jesus Corona (which led to a goal) in a match between USMNT and Mexico, Dest reacted similarly, saying: 'It's just a great action from him. I don't think I played a bad game, just that moment was crucial. I have to learn from it.'"
Sanjiv adds: "You can see the confidence he has but also the ability to move on. As a USMNT player, he can serve as a vital piece to our back line—whether that be at right-back or at left-back."
GDYNIA, POLAND - JUNE 08: Sergino Dest of USA controls the ball during the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Quarter Final match between USA and Ecuador at Gdynia Stadium on June 8, 2019 in Gdynia, Poland. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
Marc Geschwind is a football analyst and Ajax expert, watching every game at senior and youth level.
"I first noticed him during the 2017-2018 UEFA Youth League, which is when I typically start to look for the next wave of Ajax youth talent," he told B/R. "He played as a full-back and as a winger, and I immediately noticed how quick and skilful he was.
"From his speed and fearlessness to his fast feet and skilful dribbling, there's a lot that stands out when you watch Dest, but if I had to pick one thing that impresses me the most, it's his combination play and overall comfort on the ball.
"It's not that rare to see a fast full-back who's a good dribbler, but it's a lot more rare to see a full-back who is so relaxed on the ball and can offer so much in possession. That's what makes him Dani Alves- or Marcelo-esque.
"The best teams in the world need full-backs confident and competent enough to find their own solutions when there seemingly are none, and that's exactly what he does."
Geschwind adds: "I think it's hard to say he should play for either USMNT or Netherlands...but being valued is often the most important thing for a player, and I think Sergino recognises how much the United States believe in him.
"At the end of the day, it'll be his decision to make, and I don't think any parties involved can be too upset no matter the outcome."
It is time to believe the hype around Dest. This teenager is the real deal, and a battle for his services is well worthwhile.
Various sources close to Dest have been contacted by B/R to get guidance over his decision, and most on the U.S. side of the picture seem very relaxed over how the future will now shape up. They have quiet confidence he will stick with them after getting a taste of life in their ranks.
But those in the Netherlands hold hope, too. They know Ajax's commitment to bringing him through is appreciated, and they also feel he is excited by the crop of players the national team currently have coming through.
Sources also believe he has a determination to play at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, so he has to weigh up that situation.
Now, as Dest takes his time to make the biggest decision of his career, we must wait for the outcome.
Listen to Dean on the B/R Football Ranks podcast. New episodes every Wednesday.
Donny van de Beek Rules Out Leaving Ajax in January amid Real Madrid Rumours
Oct 2, 2019
Donny van de Beek of Ajax during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Ajax Amsterdam and Fortuna Sittard at the Johan Cruijff Arena on September 25, 2019 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek has ruled out leaving the Eredivisie side during the January transfer window amid speculation Real Madrid are interested in his services.
He told Voetbal International (h/t Marca) that he does not want to change clubs in the middle of a season but may reassess his future next summer.
"I don't want to leave during the January transfer window," he said. "I'll play here until the end of the season; I'll finish the year at Ajax. That gives me peace of mind. We'll see what happens later. Do they know that in Madrid? Surely everyone knows. I don't like the idea of changing teams midseason."
Van de Beek told Fox Sports (h/tCarlos Forjanesof AS) in August that "Real Madrid are interested in me," but a move to the Santiago Bernabeu failed to materialise.
Los Blancos decided to put the transfer on hold but will renew their interest next summer when the transfer window reopens, according to Forjanes.
The 22-year-old has shone at Ajax as part of Erik ten Hag's talented young team that claimed a domestic league/cup double last season.
The team also beat Real Madrid and Juventus on their way to reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
The midfielder racked up 12 goals for Ajax in 2018-19 and was also the top midfielder in the league when it came to assists:
Donny van de Beek: Registered more assists (10) than any other central midfielder in the Eredivisie last season
Ten Hag made it clear he wanted to keep hold of Van de Beek amid interest from Real:
Erik ten Hag on Donny van de Beek: "We'll do everything in our power to keep Van De Beek, but when clubs like Real Madrid come into the picture it's difficult." pic.twitter.com/eANM9COiTz
Ajax plan to hand the Netherlands international an improved deal to reward him for his performances, but "the length of his contract will not be extended beyond 2022," according to Voetbal International (h/t AS).
The Dutch side lost Frenkie de Jong to Barcelona and Matthijs de Ligt to Juventus in the summer transfer window, and it would be no surprise if Van de Beek were the next player to be snapped up by one of Europe's biggest clubs.
Ajax 'Not Sad' About Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong Exits, Says Dusan Tadic
Sep 17, 2019
ATHENS, GREECE - NOVEMBER 27: Dusan Tadic of Ajax celebrates 0-2 with Frenkie de Jong of Ajax, Matthijs de Ligt of Ajax, Klaas Jan Huntelaar of Ajax, David Neres of Ajax during the UEFA Champions League match between AEK Athene v Ajax at the Olympisch Stadion Spyridon Louis on November 27, 2018 in Athens Greece (Photo by Erwin Spek/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Ajax sold two rare prospects when Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong left this summer, but club captain Dusan Tadic has said the team "were not sad" after they joined Juventus and Barcelona, respectively.
Tadic, 30, took the armband following De Ligt's departure and is already off to a flying start this season. He spoke to the Telegraph's Luke Edwards ahead of Ajax's UEFA Champions League group-stage opener at home to Lille on Tuesday:
"We were not sad De Jong and De Ligt left. We will miss them, but it's the next step for them and Ajax likes to support their players who feel the time is right to move on.
"They have both gone to big clubs, nobody was surprised. The nice thing is, there were a lot of other players who could have left and decided to stay because they are having their best days here. This is important.
"It will be harder without those two, but not impossible. We still have a good team. We can still win trophies. We can still do well in Europe, and there are more young players coming through who will make their impact."
Player turnover is traditionally frequent at the Johan Cruyff Arena. Ajax are renowned for their ability to produce and develop talent—both foreign and those local to the Netherlands—before selling for big profit.
Tadic continued: "Ajax have sold big players before, that is the way of life for us, so it is up to the young players to stand up and take more responsibility. They will have a chance, there are so many of them coming through."
The Serb already has eight goals and five assists in 10 appearances this season, recording 10 direct goal contributions (five goals, five assists) in five Eredivisie matches alone.
Squawka noted his importance to Ajax's pressing tactics during last term's run to the Champions League semi-finals, when they exited on away goals after drawing 3-3 with Tottenham Hotspur on aggregate:
OFFICIAL: The most sprints on average in the Champions League in 2018/19 by players with at least six games. Dušan Tadić is the only player to average over 60 per game. 💨 pic.twitter.com/FqQ4Y5iPfF
Tadic isn't in doubt as to the quality De Ligt and De Jong provided—Ajax won a domestic double last term. But the new captain has faith in the fresh team taking shape under manager Erik ten Hag.
Ajax received €75 million from Juve and Barca for each of De Ligt, a club product, and De Jong—who joined in from Willem II in 2015 for €1 (plus 10 per cent of his future transfer fee), according to 433 (h/t AS). The Amsterdam giants brought in another €20 million (£18.2 million) when they sold Kasper Dolberg to Nice in August.
The club reinvested a combined €22 million to sign centre-backs Lisandro Martinez (€7 million) and Edson Alvarez (€15 million), per Bobby McMahon of Forbes.
Winger Quincy Promes also arrived from Sevilla for a reported €16 million, while the club did well to keep hold of players like Donny van de Beek, Nicolas Tagliafico and David Neres.
Tadic—who recently extended his contract to 2023—is one of the veterans in the team, but he has enjoyed a resurgence in the Netherlands since he joined from Southampton in 2018, via BT Sport (UK only):
Who else but Dušan Tadić? 🔥
The Serb hammers home to seal Ajax's place in this season's Champions League group stage...
De Ligt and De Jong have each encountered struggles early on in Turin and Catalonia, respectively. The former has been guilty of some noteworthy mistakes in Juve's defence already, while De Jong hasn't had quite the calming effect Barcelona hoped for.
Many will wonder about the gaps left at Ajax after that star pair left; Tadic is more interested in who is ready to break through at Ajax in their places.
Real Madrid Transfer Target Donny van de Beek Hints at Ajax Stay in 2019-20
Aug 14, 2019
Donny van de Beek has said there is "a very good chance" he will stay at Ajax despite interest from Real Madrid.
The 22-year-old recently confirmed to Fox Sports (h/tCarlos Forjanesof AS) the Spanish giants "are interested" in signing him.
He has emerged as a midfield target for Los Blancos after moves for Manchester United's Paul Pogba and Tottenham Hotspur's Christian Eriksen failed to materialise.
But it now looks as though Real could miss out on Van de Beek also after he said he could well remain at Ajax, per Ziggo Sport (h/t Goal's Joe Wright):
"[Real are] a fantastic club, but Ajax are too. I've nothing to complain about in that regard. There's a very good chance I'll continue playing here, but nothing is certain yet."
The Dutchman added that he hopes his future will be resolved soon as he is "a bit fed up with all the questions about it."
Van de Beek played a key role in Ajax's superb 2018-19 season, where they won the Eredivisie for the first time since 2014 and made the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League:
Real Madrid are reportedly close to agreeing a deal for Ajax midfielder Donny Van de Beek.
❌❌❌
The Dutch midfielder turned heads with his performances in the Champions League last season 👌pic.twitter.com/KNfe5d9Men
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 2, 2019
He netted nine goals and provided 10 assists in the Dutch top flight last season, and he has started the new campaign in similarly fine form:
Donny van de Beek created 5 chances vs. Vitesse, no player created more on the opening weekend of the Eredivisie season.
Ajax manager Erik ten Hag has lost some crucial players over the summer, most notably midfielder Frenkie de Jong and centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, who have joined Barcelona and Juventus, respectively:
De Ligt - Gone De Jong - Gone Schone - Gone Van de Beek - Possibly going... Ziyech - STAYING ✅
Ajax have tied talented winger Hakim Ziyech down with a contract extension to 2022 🙌 pic.twitter.com/rklnN47D7H
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 9, 2019
If the Amsterdam giants keep hold of Van de Beek, though, it will be a big boost for their ambitions in 2019-20.
They do not necessarily have any need to sell the Netherlands international as he is contracted to the club until 2022, and if he has another fine campaign at Ajax, he will likely only be worth more next summer.
