Ajax finished the season in third place, a position that allows us to consider this season as a failure. Despite that, a lot of players from Ajax had top of the class performances in their respective positions. To understand their individual impact to the team, we present the average ratings of the players in a Back 4, the type of defense used for the whole season. In addition, this players must meet the necessary minutes requirement to be considered (minimum 450 minutes played in the season in a type of predefined defense: Back 4 or Back 5).
Ajax’s eleven with the most minutes played this season (Eredivisie).
Star Player:
- Dušan Tadić (CF& M&W) – 9.13 & 7.89
With the highest average rating in this squad, Ajax’s Tadić was one of the main reasons for the results archived this season. Ajax’s dynamics require Tadić’s play to function properly because of his enormous consistency in the final third in addition to the relevent presence in intermediate and finishing process. The last seasons further emphasise the importance of Tadić for the squads where he is present.
Other Key Players:
- J. Timber (CB) – 8.05
- E. Álvarez (M&CB) – 7.94 & 8.76
With several players having above average seasons, we need emphasise the average rating obtained by Álvarez at two different positions: Midfielder (M) – 7.94 and Centre-Back (CB) – 8.76.
Additional information regarding the team (Eredivisie).
With the same number of wins at home and away (10 Home Wins & 10 Away Wins), it is possible to consider Ajax a similar team at home and away. Besides that, the positive goal difference highlights the ability to score goals (2,53 goals per game) with a not so good defensive setup (1,12 goals per game).
Ajax’s eleven and subs with the most minutes played in the Champions League (Minimum 270 minutes played in this competition).
With another presence in the Group Stage of the Champions League, Ajax finished in third place and was “demoted” to the Europa League (where they lost the first knockout round). In terms of the Champions League performances, Kudus was the best performing player.
Position most in need of strengthening:
- M
In a postion without the quality required or the appropriate depth, Ajax’s Midfield (M) were the biggest weak spots during this season. To be competitive, Ajax needs to strengthen, primarly, this position.
Meaning of the used abbreviations:
- G – Games
- W – Wins
- D – Draws
- L – Loses
- P – Points
- GS – Goals Scored
- GA – Goals Against
- GD – Goal Diference
- HW – Home Wins
- AW – Away Wins
Data from FBref.