Dutch side Ajax have probably one of the best football academies in the world, regularly producing quality players who go on to become world-class superstars. This year, which has seen Ajax reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League as well as leading in the Dutch league, has seen more youth academy products from Ajax’s conveyor belt of talent become household names.
The three stars of Ajax this season have been midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who has secured a move to Barcelona, central defender and captain Matthijs de Ligt, who is on the wish-list of some of the biggest clubs in the world, and midfielder Donny van de Beek who has been instrumental for the Dutch side from midfield.
The Daily Mail are reporting that the 22-year-old midfielder could also leave the Dutch club in the summer, with Tottenham the latest club to be linked with a move for the talented midfielder.
Will van de Beek fit under Pochettino?
van de Beek plays at the heart of the Ajax midfield, operating either behind the striker or in a central midfield position. The Dutchman, who has 5 caps for the Netherlands since making his debut in 2017, is a player that passes the ball well on the ground, being the perfect link between the midfield and attack. His short passing would be a great fit under Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham, where he has employed a high-press and short passing game.
The 22-year-old midfielder is also lethal with his late runs into the opposition box to score or assist. van de Beek has scored 15 goals in all competitions this season, while also completing 11 assists for the Dutch side. Goals from midfield is what Spurs have sorely lacked this season with the likes of Eriksen and Dele Alli not being able to breach the 10-goal mark in the 2018-19 season, which could be remedied with the signing of van de Beek.
With reports emerging that Spurs midfielder Christian Eriksen has had negotiations with Real Madrid over a move to the Bernabéu in the summer, van de Beek could be his perfect replacement in the Tottenham midfielder.
Ajax will be willing to let go of the Dutch midfielder for £45 million in the summer but Spurs have competition from Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, who are also interested in signing van de Beek.
