5 players sold by Ajax who later became world-class footballers
Ajax is a Dutch Football club which was founded in March 1900. Ajax is one of the three clubs in the history to have won three consecutive European Cup/Champions League titles. So far, Ajax has won 25 titles in the Dutch league, highest by any club in the league.
In 2017, The Ajax Football stadium, Amsterdam Arena, was renamed after Legend, Johan Cruijff. The Academy of Ajax in Amsterdam is based on three principles: Speed, Technique and Personality. Some of the players who left Ajax early in their playing career went on became star footballers elsewhere.
Here is a look at 5 players who left the club and later, became world class players.
#5 Edwin van der Sar
Edwin van der Sar is considered as one of the best goalkeepers in the history of Manchester United alongside Peter Schmeichel. He played nine seasons for Ajax till 1999 and appeared in 226 matches. He then joined Manchester United and kept 132 clean sheets in 313 Premier League matches for the Red Devils.
In his illustrious career, he won 3 Champions League trophies and 4 Premier League titles. He took the retirement from professional football in 2011.
#4 Jan Vertonghen
Jan Vertonghen was a hero during his time at Ajax and has become a club hero at Tottenham Hotspur. He started playing for Ajax in 2006 and appeared in 155 matches.
The Belgian defender joined Tottenham in 2012 and became an integral part of the club. He has performed consistently for the club and played 34 games out of 38, in his debut season. So far, He has appeared in 194 matches for Tottenham in the Premier League and has a tackle percentage of 78%.