Team Focus: New Midfield Partnership Key to Unbeaten Start for Ajax

Not a day goes by without the word 'philosophy' being uttered. And for good reason, identity is everything in football, which brings us to Ajax; an institution that has influenced the modern game to a degree that few other clubs have. It's no surprise then that custodians of the 'Amsterdamsche School' view its teachings as sacrosanct as well as the be-all and end-all. However, within the confines those in power have been given room for manoeuvre and Frank de Boer – current incumbent of the Ajax hot seat - has taken advantage, deviating away from an orthodox 4-3-3 (unthinkable not so long ago) in his quest to win a fifth championship in six seasons.

It's a case of finding a new and pragmatic way of controlling football matches, subsequently reducing the odds of defeat, rather than fixing what's not broken. Maintaining possession for long spells gets a bad press in some quarters but it's essential to how De Boer's side operate – averaging 57.3% per game. They're not exactly built to soak up pressure and launch wave after wave of counter-attacks. It also plays into his obsession of being the one in control, in this respect greatly influenced by Louis van Gaal, who he spent many years learning under. If there's one thing the current Manchester United manager taught him – borrowing the words of Simon Kuper – football is "a kind of dance in space, with players constantly changing positions". 

For this to work continuous ball circulation – no team has averaged more short passes per game (424) – is paramount. Keeping possession also conserves energy, allowing Ajax the best chance to win the ball back once they have lost it as the opposing player is vulnerable having wasted energy to win it. Subsequently each attack is built patiently – and, yes, that includes passing sideways and backwards if there's no forward movement – controlling the ebb and flow until a goal scoring opportunity arises, with the desire to finish with a sweeping move.

The theory is sound, but what's been problematic is showcasing it on a consistent basis to the frustration of supporters, and partly due to the youthful nature of De Boer's squad. This coupled with criticism of his midfield lacking bite and resourcefulness last season has led to an alternation of the basic shape of his line-up. Up until now it had been a single controller in front of a back four with two playmakers ahead. The current system in place is utilising a mobile double pivot with a 'number ten' pulling the strings (captain Davy Klaassen). In possession they morph into a 3-4-3 diamond as one centre-half moves into midfield behind the central axis of Riechedly Bazoer, a midfielder for all seasons, and Nemanja Gudelj. The latter joined from AZ in the summer and is currently the club’s best performing player (8.09) according to WhoScored.

A successful partnership is built on trust and communication, and early indications suggest a promising collaboration between the two. Both have started in all of Ajax's matches to date and while not quite the second coming of Davids–Seedorf, in this current incarnation of Ajax they can make all the difference. They are essentially two sides of the same coin, which has made their relationship work, operating as the classic 'number six and eight' tandem. Gudelj, who sees himself more of a 'number eight', wins possession and effectively distributes (averaging 47.9 passes per game), Bazoer likewise, either through impeccable tackling or good positional sense.

Controversially joining Ajax's youth set-up from rivals PSV aged 16 in late 2012, Bazoer has made giant strides in a very short space of time. Once destined to become a central defender par excellence he is a throwback to an old-fashioned robust box-to-box midfielder. He is a threat in the opposition half (1.4 shots per game and 2 assists) and a presence in his own (2 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game).

Every facet of his game is continuously improving, for example his passing (so far averaging 48.9 per game), which is integral given how much rapid ball circulation is central to Ajax's doctrine. But what sets him apart is the engine he possesses, which enables him to cover ground – from deep he makes his now trademark runs – a trait valued by De Boer as it is useful in their pressing and positional game. He's been favourably compared to Frank Rijkaard whilst himself citing Patrick Vieira as a reference, stating, "He was calm on the ball, physically strong and technically proficient. These are qualities I can also develop."

The slightly more experienced Gudelj in the middle third has had a galvanising effect on his teammates. The Serbian international is a calming presence and brings a different dimension. He, more than Bazoer – who nominally plays between the forward and midfield lines – is the conduit between defence and attack. Gudelj's energy and athleticism compliments his razor sharp brain, allowing him to fulfil his duty, balancing the side, transitioning between defence (2.7 tackles and 2.3 interceptions per game) and offence (3 goals from 13 shots and 2 assists from 11 key passes). A multi-functional central midfielder, his technical ability and intelligence could enable him to become Ajax's fulcrum, the kernel around which the rest of the side's panache can be constructed.

It's too early to make any sweeping judgements, but like the aforementioned partnership, everything's coming up roses. Ajax, after seven league fixtures, boast the best return in front of goal (18 goals), with Anwar El Ghazi doing his utmost to succeed Memphis Depay as the league's most valuable player, and meanest rear-guard (2 goals conceded and 6 clean sheets). In regards to the latter the presence of Bazoer and Gudelj cannot be underestimated, though if anything it symbolises the slick collective spirit De Boer has forged: his goalkeeper is the first attacker and forwards are the first defenders.

Ominously for their rivals, there's still more to come from Ajax. It's clear from watching they're nowhere near their optimum best. As things are the Amsterdammers are yet to taste defeat – the last remaining unbeaten record. Incidentally the only club to go an entire Eredivisie season without losing was their all-conquering class of 1994/95, in which De Boer was ever-present. It’s a feat that is unlikely to be repeated; nevertheless they've given themselves a fighting chance. If they were to manage the improbable it would be somewhat poetic seeing as the club was named after the mythological Greek warrior-king who died unconquered.

Can Ajax go unbeaten this season and repeat the feat of the 1994/95 title-winning campaign? Let us know in the comments below