Ajax is currently miles away from the other Eredivisie clubs, the analysts conclude ESPN in the broadcast of This was the Weekend. Erik ten Hag’s team officially became champions of the Netherlands on Sunday, playing those rounds before the end of the season. The talk show reflects on the progress that Ajax has made along the way.
“If you go back in time and consider how often they have played with Labyad in the forefront, or with Traoré… That is of course a completely different team than what it now says”, analyst Kenneth Perez points out. During the season Ajax played regularly with Labyad as a striker. The arrival of Sébastien Haller in January created a different dynamic. “That is also the strength that Ajax has financially. We are missing something during rush hour, shall we spend 22.5 million euros on Haller? Yes lets do that.“
“That is of course the strength, the fuck-you-finger to the rest of the Eredivisie. we can also do that for a while, if we feel like it. The difference is just huge at the moment. That can only be broken if another club also enters the Champions League. “Arnold Bruggink also sees another potential catalyst for change.” Or if Ajax is disrupted at the top. When Overmars and Van der Sar go somewhere else. Then there will also be a new situation. At least something will happen. “
“It may also be the case that there will be a better situation, with people who have different ideas. It doesn’t just have to get worse”, Perez countered, who states that Ajax has earned its position of power itself. “They have ensured that they become champions and therefore earn a lot of money in the Champions League. They have of course taken a lot of risks. The salary ceiling was always one million euros and was suddenly increased to five million. They have paid high transfer fees for players. They took the risk and now they are reaping the benefits. “