New Ajax captain?

While there was some doubt at the beginning of last year regarding the 19-year-old Matthijs de Ligt as captain, by the end of the season, it proved to be more than a justified choice.

The speech on Museumplein, the words on the pitch after the home match against Utrecht, and the press talks. Mata proved to be a true leader, someone others listened to. The big question now will be, who is his natural successor?

It's no secret that a captain must be someone widely supported. Not only that; at Ajax, there is De Toekomst, and a youth exponent wearing the captain's armband in Ajax 1 is the ultimate signal from the club.

Whether that will be the case this year seems doubtful. In recent matches, we saw Tadic with the captain's armband. The morning/afternoon matches were reserved for Klaas-Jan. Although also not a player from the youth academy, any further explanation about KJH is unnecessary for everyone.

If a player from our own youth academy indeed needs to get the captain's armband, both Daley and Donny are two players who qualify. To what extent Donny wants and aspires to this remains to be seen. The interest from top clubs is still not off the table, so an unexpected transfer cannot be ruled out. Giving Donny the armband and ultimately having to let him go is not desirable for anyone. (text continues below the image)

Then Daley, a club boy, just like Donny. Daley came through the youth academy, fought his way into the first team, and then had a dip in form. He was loaned out and returned as a revitalized player, winning back the hearts of the supporters. He became an international and eventually made a transfer to England. After his return, there was some skepticism, which quickly proved unfounded. Daley performs when he needs to. He is mature and clearly demonstrates being the experienced force we need. A worthy captain, a player from the youth academy.

However, there is another player who has shown to be a true leader. Dusan 'pak schaal' Tadic. Recently also known as Ghappy club Dusan, because an interview once again showed with how much passion he takes on his role as a player. With an eye on the future, his long contract, and his leadership role last year, he's an excellent captain for this Ajax.

Whatever the case, it's a difficult choice, where all options can count on unconditional support. We will see on Saturday, in the first home match of the year, against PSV for the Johan Cruyff Schaal. On to the first prize, on to the first blow to the competition.

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