Football Season Guide

Ajax U21 had one of their more disappointing seasons in recent years the last time out, finishing as low as 16th and mustering just 40 points all season. Given that they finished top of the standings and also made the top four on a few other occasions in the last five or six years, it felt like a regression from the team. Of course, Ajax U21's main aim is to develop players for the first team and not focus on results but there is certainly expectation to improve and become more solid in the coming months. Johnny Heitinga moved from the coaching staff of Erik ten Hag to take the role as a U21 manager this season and the former defender will look to make the side more resilient and at the same time bring balance in midfield. The likes of Kenneth Taylor and Naci Unuvar were the standouts from last season but the pair should see more first-team action this season and are less likely to be involved on consistent basis with the U21s. Youri Regeer will look to build on a good season last year too, having become the skipper while still being only 17, and players like Giovanni and Christian Rasmussen will look to grow and prove the trust given them in the number 9 position. Overall, Ajax U21 are unlikely to be among the teams competing in the upper half of the table but they always have the capacity to surprise.