Team Summary
Surprise qualifiers from a ‘Group of Death’, AFC Ajax might be struggling domestically but have shined on big European nights, especially under the lights in Amsterdam.
A talented blend of teenagers and experienced steel have made De Godendochters an extremely fun watch for the neutral and they will be hoping to give another bloody nose to an established name.
Road To The Knockouts
After comprehensively dispatching Dinamo-BGU and Zurich, Ajax were placed in a tough group alongside fellow Champions FC Bayern Munich and AS Roma, as well as French Runners-Up PSG. However, the Amsterdam outfit were not deterred and stunned Paris on the opening night at the Johan Cruyff ArenA to win 2-0.
A comprehensive 3-0 loss away at Roma and a draw in Bayern left qualification hopes lurching before a tight 1-0 win against the Bavarians put them back in control of their destiny. A surprise 3-1 loss away in Paris threatened to de-rail these hopes, but a dramatic final matchday 2-1 comeback at home to AS Roma knocked the Italian Champions out and saw Ajax progress.
Key Player: Romée Leuchter
One of the finest young striker talents in the game, Romée Leuchter has scouts across the globe sitting up and taking notice. A blistering centre-forward who has the lot, Leuchter has already netted 9 times in the UWCL this season (including qualification) and is the key focal point for a fluid and exciting Ajax attack.
It’s not just her ability to finish that makes her so prodigious, despite her young age. Leuchter is adept at playing with her back to goal and bringing teammates into play too, and already has notched up 5 assists in the Vrouwen Eredivisie to go alongside her 15 goals in just 14 matches.
With her contract expiring this summer, these UWCL matches present yet another chance for Ajax’s home-grown superstar to write another chapter into her already impressive career and potentially propel her towards another European heavyweight. Goalscorers are a rare and precious commodity and aged just 23, Leutcher has time on her side to establish herself as one of the best Dutch players in history.
Tactical Insight
Ajax have been a favourite of neutrals due to their positive and progressive style of play. Adopting the Cruijff principle of ‘Total Football’, they play with a very fluid, high-energy style pressing opponents relentlessly and capitalising on mistakes, whilst also dominating possession with quick and incisive passing and movement.
Regina Van Ejik’s ball-playing ability as the goalkeeper allows Ajax to build from the back, and despite the absence of influential captain Sherida Spitse, Kay-Lee de Sanders is also an adept passer. Dahlia de Klonia and Isa Kardinaal have been the breakthrough stars this season at fullback and offer real attacking impetus, whilst also working very hard to ensure there is limited space in behind.
The midfield is another area where starlets are shining, with Rosa Van Gool and Lily Yohannes showing maturity and composure beyond their years. Their metronomic passing ability and incisive qualities allow them to help Ajax keep control in the centre and maintain strong pressure against their opponents. The more experienced, but equally industrious Nadine Noordam is always up for a real battle in the centre of the park and does chip in with important goals too.
The front line is particularly potent for Ajax. Romée Leuchter through the middle is capable of damaging even the best defences in world football with her elite striking qualities, whilst Tiny Hoekstra has shown an uncanny knack of stepping up in key moments in European competition. The final jewel in the crown is Chastity Grant. Ajax’s maverick winger has found her feet this season with regular goals and assists for the Dutch Champions.
Predicted XI (4-3-3):
Regina Van Ejik
Isa Kardinaal-Kay-Lee de Sanders-Milicia Keijzer-Dahlia de Klonia
Nadine Noordam-Lily Yohannes-Rosa Van Gool
Chastity Grant-Romée Leuchter-Tiny Hoekstra
Future Star: Lily Yohannes
At just 16 years old, Lily Yohannes has the world at her feet. After starring on her UWCL debut against Paris Saint-Germain, the Dutch-American midfielder has gone from strength to strength and established herself as a key fulcrum in Suzanne Bakker’s midfield.
She has an immense eye for a pass, capable of threading through the eye of the needle, but is also increasingly taking a more proactive role from an attacking point of view, with 7 goal contributions already this season in the Vrouwen Eredivisie. With maturity and composure that far belies her tender years, it is no surprise that Emma Hayes singled out Yohannes for praise in the build-up: “There’s no denying, Lily has tremendous talent and to play for a top European team at the age of 16 in the centre midfield position just shows how much faith the coaching team has in her.”
With an inevitable national team wrangle on the horizon between two international powerhouses, Yohannes herself looks set to become one of the outstanding midfielders in the game. She might even already be well on the way there.
Watch Ajax vs Chelsea in the UEFA Women’s Champions League live for free on DAZN.