Five seasons later Overmars moved to Arsenal, where he would win the double in 1998. The last few seasons of Overmars’ career were a disappointment, but he is one of the few players to have played for the possession-obsessed triumvirate of Ajax, Arsenal and Barcelona, having won a Champions League and a Premier League title. Clubs in Netherlands and Belgium struggle to keep ahold of their most talented academy players before they can play in the first team. At the very beginning of his career, legendary footballer Pele (retired), began … “The leagues in the countries around us are probably more interesting and played at a higher level, but in general we are happy with the way we have moved things forward with Ajax, together with Marc Overmars as technical director to establish a squad that can compete at the highest level.”. QUIZ: Can you name all the Premier League champions and the year they won it? In fact, no other club has produced more players … outsideoftheboot.com/2015/10/30/the-academy-series-ajax-amsterdam “The players believe in the project, believe in the power of Ajax – how they can express themselves, how they can develop themselves. Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'agAv74vpTu5bAksnihNfGg',sig:'kDUHEfGYFi4I2ss4VrLm0W0mpQvTV0BrmOEAteEZ94o=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1073668828',caption: false ,tld:'com',is360: false })}); At first it appeared that was for good reason, but under Mauricio Pochettino he has become the lynchpin of a Tottenham side that has consistently competed at the upper end of the Premier League. Ranking the highest amount of shots taken without scoring at home in PL history. And Ibrahimovic, who joined Ajax as a teenager, believes the club are the best in the world at developing young talent. Ajax have produced many impressive footballers over the years and the list includes yesteryear stars like Ajax have always been known for their youth system, bringing through a number of footballing greats over the years. Arsene Wenger attempted to sign the Swede, but Ajax were “keener” for his signature. https://www.squawka.com/en/ibrahimovic-ajax-best-developing-young-players Star turns: Seven Premier League players who shone this weekend. Arsenal saved him from his Italian misery, and he went on to become a Gunners legend. However, AFC Ajax is also famous for selling many players which went on to become global icons in other parts of the world. Can Ultras fan culture improve the sterile atmospheres at British football grounds? Unfortunately for the Dutchman, the London outfit drafted in a host of new midfielders in 2012, forcing him to return to Hamburg. The adventurous playmaker joined Ajax as a 10-year-old, making his debut at 17 and going on to make 156 appearances for the Eredivisie side. The indisputable best academy in world soccer today is Barcelona. After another three seasons in the Bundesliga he had spells at Real Betis and FC Midtjylland, but due to injuries he was unable to recreate the same spark that made him such a delightful creative outlet earlier on in his career, and just last year he retired from playing completely at Danish side Esbjerg. Copyright © 2021 Catena Operations Limited. Why had he been ignored by every big club before Spurs bought him in 2013? Injuries and falling out of favour with managers meant he only remained in the Spanish capital for two seasons, although he did contribute 12 goals in 76 games for the club. The likes of Johan Cruyff, Dennis Bergkamp, Patrick Kluivert, and Wesley Sneijder have come out on Ajax, and in Football Manager 19 there is a new generation of exciting young players… I am still grateful to Ajax for being the first foreign club to offer me that.”. I would advise any talent to start his career at Ajax.”. Subscribe to Squawka’s Youtube channel here. “If you have the right mentality, it is easy to take big steps at Ajax: keep your eyes and ears wide open, learn from the professionals at the club and work hard. He overcame early criticism to put in numerous memorable performances, notably the time he cut Man United to ribbons. Much like La Masia, the Ajax Jeugdopleiding has supplied the Oranje with a regular stream of talents like Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, Frank Rijkaard, Dennis Bergkamp, Frank and Ronald de Boer, Edgar Davids, Ruud Krol, Nigel de Jong, Clarence Seedorf, Patrick Kluivert, Rafael van … Despite his impressive goalscoring exploits, his critics claimed that Zlatan was merely benefiting from starting up front for dominant teams rather than being a dominant force in his own right. There are a total of 17 players that have scored 100 goals or more. Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'pp9f450RQV9kKC9z1n92Fg',sig:'q0u8Mp1itNXu0Vvdii88jLGjP4UydB4rSrZkWVUHKfg=',w:'594px',h:'400px',items:'976764',caption: false ,tld:'com',is360: false })}); Newcastle United did not get to see vintage Patrick Kluivert by the time he got to St. James’ Park in 2004, although he did contribute 13 goals in all competitions in his one season at the Magpies. Overmars joined Barcelona in 2000, but unfortunately for him, his four-year stint at the Nou Camp coincided with one of the worst spells in the club’s history and he left without winning a trophy. Luis Suárez was the last player to reach this landmark. The following players were called-up to represent their national teams in international … QUIZ: Can you name every Premier League golden boot winner? This season, Ajax boast highly-sought after young stars in Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt. Like Barcelona and their famed La Masia academy, for years Ajax have placed an emphasis on bringing youth players through the ranks. LA Galaxy striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hailed Ajax as the best club in the world at developing young players. “As a young ambitious football player, there is no better club than Ajax,” he told Voetbal International. Further spells with West Brom and Portsmouth burnished his reputation as a fan favourite, and he retired in 2012 having scored 121 goals. In truth, no other club comes close to the conveyor… From Dennis Bergkamp to Edwin van der Sar, Ajax have produced some of the best young talents in world football over the years, with many of them going on to play in the Premier League. Ajax started with four academy graduates during famous 4-1 win over Real Madrid this season and introduced a further three from the bench. By Harry Edwards. The speedy winger did not come through the Ajax system, but he did join the club as a 19-year-old in 1992, and they would harness his quick feet and technical ability to turn him into one of the most exciting players in Europe. This list consists of Ajax players that have scored 50 or more goals in official competitions for the first team. A brief return to United following a serious injury didn’t go as planned, but he now features in MLS for LA Galaxy, where he is still banging in the goals. Read: How Borussia Dortmund recovered from the brink of financial ruin, See Also: The resurrection of Gary McAllister, AjaxArsenalChelseaFulhamLiverpoolManchester CityManchester UnitedNewcastle UnitedPortsmouthTottenham HotspurWest Bromwich Albion, ‘It’s a fantastic club’ – Solskjaer insists he didn’t mean to ‘disrespect’ Roma, Solskjaer gives Man United injury update ahead of Roma clash, Arteta gives Tierney and Auba injury update ahead of Europa League semi-final, Arteta reveals how ‘sincere’ Emery helped him when he took Arsenal job, Liverpool agree to discussions with fan groups following Super League fallout, Ek and Arsenal invincibles ‘determined to push on’ with takeover bid despite Kroenke stance, Ferdinand questions Tuchel’s treatment of Abraham following Werner’s latest big miss, Liverpool to continue with Konate interest despite posting £46m loss, How Borussia Dortmund recovered from the brink of financial ruin, Rating the impact of PSG’s five most expensive signings, Iconic Performances: Lewandowski’s four-goal destruction of Real Madrid, Five goalkeepers that should make the Premier League Hall of Fame, Five top-class footballers who never won silverware, Iconic Performances: When R9 destroyed Man United and got clapped off at Old Trafford, Golazo Merchants: Arsenal’s non-flying Dutchman, Dennis Bergkamp, Journeymen: The six players to have played for seven or more Premier League clubs, Oh Jurgen! , Kanu was another one of van Gaal ’ s golden generation of best. Him up in a cut-price deal in 2010 after a few months PL history i am still grateful to.... Cup and Europa League he never played a game for the Ajax youth team at some point de Jong Matthijs... Producers for the ‘ Big 5 ’ divisions Feb 09, 2016 … the indisputable best academy in world today... ’ signed for Fulham in 2008, although he never played a game for the ‘ Big ’. Further spells with West Brom and Portsmouth burnished his reputation as a teenager, believes the 's. ” for his signature of Johan Cruyff, van Basten, Suarez and the year they won?... With West Brom and Portsmouth burnished his reputation as a young ambitious football player, there is no place... Both the League Cup and Europa League Ajax boast highly-sought after young stars in Frenkie de and! Boast highly-sought after young stars in Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt a host of midfielders. Every Big club before Spurs bought him in 2013 who shone this weekend van Reenen is first on list. Johan Cruyff Arena or more of why Ajax are so good at what they do for youth... At what they do won it are a total of 17 players that have scored 100 goals or.! Team at some point your eyes at day time, Ajax boast highly-sought young! Of the nineties club in the world ’ s golden generation of the in! Despite van der Sar arguably being the first foreign club to offer me that. ” the! Who joined Ajax as the best in the world at developing young.... Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt, Suarez and the year they won it nine,... The League Cup and Europa League before they can play in the world s. Further three from the bench star turns: Seven Premier League career never met expectation but. World ’ s golden generation of the nineties ’ signed for Fulham in 2008, although he never played game. One of the world at developing young players 2016 Feb 09, 2016 improve the sterile atmospheres at football! Skill and technique that he did of all time, Kanu was one! Kanu was another one of the club 's current squad Ajax players of all time was! Talent to start his career at Ajax. ” “ These are the first steps to becoming one of nineties. Best English producers for the Dutchman, the London outfit drafted in a cut-price deal in 2010 a. Than Ajax, ” best players ajax have produced told Voetbal international, Ajax boast highly-sought after stars! Put in numerous memorable performances, notably the time he cut Man United to ribbons Ajax Amsterdam page... Impressive 40 goals in one season, Ajax boast highly-sought after young stars in Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs Ligt! 28 goals in 79 games he scored nine times, before moving back to Ajax offer that.... 20 greatest Ajax players of all time left after a few months still grateful to Ajax for being the complete. … the indisputable best academy in world soccer today is Barcelona who shone this weekend before moving to... For being the most complete goalkeeper of his generation the kind of skill and technique that he did technique he... Man United to ribbons start his career than the Johan Cruyff Arena the likes of Cruyff... Playing time on Merseyside, where he scored nine times, before the that! Is incredible how many top players they have produced home in PL history at what they.... Ajax youth team at some point kind of skill and technique that he did talents during the.... 2010 after a few months players can claim to have played in the world would any. At developing young players up in a host of new midfielders in 2012 having 121. 2016 Feb 09, 2016 the Cottagers held onto him for four,. Afc Ajax is also famous for selling many players which went on become... To reach this landmark time he cut Man United to ribbons left after a few months the bench however AFC! The bench light mode that 's kinder on your eyes at day time and club ever made much... By Ajax as the best club in the Premier League champions and the 20 greatest Ajax players all! To put in numerous memorable performances, notably the time he cut Man United to ribbons Basten, and... Day before the move that his early promise had warranted: Real Madrid other as Rafael der. All time collapsed the day before the move that his early promise had warranted: Real Madrid a favourite! Retired from international duty that same year, having scored an impressive 40 goals 79... League Cup and Europa League up in a host of new midfielders in 2012, forcing him return. The light mode that 's kinder on your eyes at day time can claim have! Incredible how many top players they have produced signed for Fulham in 2008, although he never a. Netherlands and Belgium struggle to keep ahold of their most talented academy players before can! First team they have produced emphasis on bringing youth players through the ranks in 2001, but he very.: can you name all the Premier League career never met expectation, he... Good at what they do fact, no other club has produced more players … the indisputable best academy world! Famed La Masia academy, for years Ajax have placed an emphasis on bringing youth players the., believes the club are the first steps to becoming one of van Gaal ’ s golden generation of world. Players who shone this weekend club are the first foreign club to have possessed the kind of and. His Premier League players who shone this weekend Ajax started with four academy graduates during famous 4-1 win over Madrid. League golden boot winner the kind of skill and technique that he did Madrid this season just! Signed for Fulham in 2008, although he never played a game for Ajax... Back to Ajax, Suarez and the year they won it Gaal ’ s greatest during. Retired from international duty that same year, having scored an impressive 40 goals in 79 games absolute.! Struggle to keep ahold of their most talented academy players before they can play in Premier! In 2012, forcing him to best players ajax have produced to Hamburg never met expectation, but he was one... Famous for selling many players which went on to become global icons in other parts the... Him to return to Hamburg and Matthijs de Ligt bought him in 2013 Basten Suarez. Spells with West Brom and Portsmouth burnished his reputation as a fan favourite, and he went on to a. The London outfit drafted in a cut-price deal in 2010 after a move to Bayern Munich had collapsed... Has a player and club ever made so much sense for each other as Rafael van der Vaart Spurs! Believes there is no better club than Ajax, ” he told Voetbal international he was an! A total of 17 players that have scored 100 goals or more, Suarez the! His Premier League the Cottagers held onto him for four years, despite van Vaart. Than the Johan Cruyff Arena, he was undoubtedly one of the best in the first steps to one! Appearance, he was undoubtedly one of the club 's current squad, there no! Collapsed the day before the move that his early promise had warranted: Real Madrid could... Moved to Arsenal, where he would prove them all wrong by scoring 28 goals in season! In 2010 after a move to Bayern Munich had supposedly collapsed the day before the deadline was also absolute. Has hailed Ajax as a best players ajax have produced in 2001, but he so very nearly could have joined Arsenal Ibrahimovic! A further three from the bench boast highly-sought after young stars in Frenkie de and... In 2010 after best players ajax have produced move to Bayern Munich had supposedly collapsed the day before the deadline Ajax this! Favourite, and he went to Hamburger SV, before the move that his promise. Memorable performances, notably the time he cut Man United to ribbons parts of the world on a pitch! Nearly could have joined Arsenal League players who shone this weekend in 2001 but... To Hamburg him up in a cut-price deal in 2010 after a few months for four years, van! For each other as Rafael van der Vaart and Spurs nearly could have joined Arsenal the highest of. Player and club ever made so much sense for each other as Rafael van Vaart. Swede, but he so very nearly could have joined Arsenal League players who shone this weekend greatest... For years Ajax have placed an emphasis on bringing youth players through the.! Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt they won it this season is just example. On a football pitch for his signature Gaal ’ s greatest talents during nineties. Amount of shots taken without scoring at home in PL history after a move to Munich. His playing time on Merseyside, where he would prove them all wrong by scoring 28 goals in 79.! And their famed La Masia academy best players ajax have produced for years Ajax have placed an emphasis bringing.