Through the turnstile, down the tunnel and on to the hallowed turf of the Johan Cruijff Arena, the birthplace of the Dutch football giants known as AFC Ajax. Founded in 1900, Amsterdam's very own has been an immovable feature of the game in the Netherlands since its inception. Indeed, with dutiful regularity, they flex their might and etch their name high up in various competitions.
It would seem that the coffers of this illustrious club are rarely short of funds, since, according to Transfermarkt, the Ajax squad touts a total market value of roughly £163m. With such riches at their disposal, they are hardly novices in the art of infusing quality into their ranks.
Casting an eye over the numbers, the Ajax squad comprises a keen blend of youth and experience, with an average player age of 26. Their squad of 19 players, young and old, join forces to uphold Ajax's esteemed name with great potency.
Ajax, being a team of grand status, is not one that shies away from competitions. So, in this season, they have already left their mark in two distinct arenas. Firstly, their prowess is discernable in the Eredivisie, with them placing comfortably in the 4th position. Secondly, they made their presence known in Europe by taking part in the Champions League, successfully navigating to the League Phase. It would be fair to say that Ajax is a footballing behemoth that commands respect in any competition they venture into.
