4 Ways Ajax Could Replace Barcelona-bound Frenkie De Jong

Ryan Gravenberch

Ryan Gravenberch is the most promising talent in the Ajax academy today

After Frenkie De Jong, Ryan Gravenberch is the next biggest talent from Ajax’s academy. Not only has the youngster established himself in the starting XI of Ajax, he also broke the record of becoming the youngest player to play for the club in the Eredivise at the age of 16 years and 130 days, surpassing Clarence Seedorf.

Despite his age, the young Dutchman shows immense maturity in terms of technique, physique and decision making. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch, Gravenberch looks nothing like a kid as his strong, commanding figure gives him a significant advantage. Adding to this, he is extremely good on the ball, especially in terms of ball control, passing, dribbling and creativity.

When the Dutchman dribbles past players with his burst of pace and splits the defence with a through ball, one cannot help but notice a similarity with Paul Pogba. Akin to the midfield maestro in Manchester, Gravenberch possesses the X-Factor that could give Ajax the energy and directness to move into the final third from central midfield.

The only decision Ajax really need to make is about the timeline to integrate Gravenberch into the starting XI. He is still only going to be 17 in the summer. So if Erik Ten Haag can manage the development of this Dutch diamond in the right way, then it wouldn’t be long before Ajax receive yet another 90 million bid from one of the European giants.