This guide is compiled of my own experiences with Ajax over past FM editions and studying the team on the Demo. It is also taken from extensive viewings of the Eredivisie last season and intense studying on the way they play and train. This in no way reflects the exact truth, just my opinions on the matter.
Right, so first i think its important to establish what sort of system you can play as Ajax. From past experiences on FM i have always found 4-1-2-2-1 to work well as does 4-2-3-1 as both allow heavy involvment from the wingers. For FM08 i think i will go for a 4-2-3-1 system as it is obvious that the AMC will play a huge role in this edition and hence we need to utilize this and use it to our advantage.
Next i will outline what i think is the best starting XI for Ajax on the game.
GK: Stekelenburg (Very strong GK for Ajax. Reliable and a great shot stopper,
imo it isn't a close call between him and Gentenaar, however some people insist Gentenaar is the better option.)
RB: Heitinga (I think this is a close call between John and George Ogararu as both have decent stats for a RB, however Johns vast experience in the Eredivisie makes him first choice
imo. Gabri could be retrained there and i think could do a good job considering is no his natural position but it depends on what system you will play, in my 4-2-3-1 system there is no natural position for Gabri to fit in so retraining him looks best option.)
LB: Emanuelson (Only other real option would be putting Vermaelen there but he isn't really that effective, lacks the pace
imo. This is a position that needs strengthening. Urby is good but he is still only 21 and lacks experience. I think it would be safe to bring in a decent LB to challenge for this position.)
CB's: Stam + Maduro (In Stam you have a born leader who will organise the defense superbly. Maduro is still quite young but a great defensive player nonetheless. His high teamwork makes him a good team player and i feel these 2 could strike up a great bond and partnership. However it is clear these CB's lack pace and this could be a real problem as Vermaelen has low pace also. I think maybe bringing in someone like Ignashevich would bolster the defence and add a little pace to it.
MC Defensive: In the system i play it is important that you have 2 MC that work well together and have an understanding that one sits and protects the back 4 and the other joins up with the AMC through the middle. For the defensive MC position i would go with Maduro or Davids, both have high teamwork and workrate stats and both are good tacklers and distributors of the ball which is essential.
MC Attacking: This is a real problem position for me. On 07 it was a position Sneijder made his own but now Ajax lack real depth here. This is a position i will definately look at strengthening. Vertonghen could do a temp job there but isnt good enough to play there permanently.
AMR: This is a strong position for Ajax as you have 3 decent prospects: Delorge, Kennedy and Rommedahl.
Imo i would go for Kennedy as he is a better allround player
imo. However Rommedahl has the pace to make real impacts on games so i will save him for sub appearances. Delorge is a decent player and with the right training could turn out well.
AML: Another position that doesnt lack depth or quality for Ajax. I would go for Leonardo as he has lightening pace and agility. When he gets to the byline he is a masterful crosser and looks like the player to get alot of assists for me. I personally dont like the idea of playing Luque there as i dont think he is strongest playing on the left (as we saw at Newcastle) i would go for Suarez over him as backup.
AMC: Another real problem position for Ajax. I definately need to strengthen through the middle of the park. Not quite sure who i will look at just yet but none of the promising youngsters look quite read for first team football just yet.
FC: Huntelaar (Obvious choice really when you have arguably the best Dutch forward around at your disposal. Great target man as he is dominant in the air and also strong. From Leonardo and Kennedy's crosses i think i can score quite a few with Huntelaar. Will be hard to keep him at the club though. Urzaiz provides decent backup and is another decent target man. I dont rate Manucharyan and will most probably look at getting rid of him or atleast loaning him out for him to get some experience under his belt. I think both Luque and Suarez provide more decent backup and both could be used as strikers in my system.
Just a little guide there to all thinking of playing as Ajax. Dont feel at liberty to go along with what i said, just my opinions and thoughts on Ajax for FM08.
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