FM11: Official AFC Ajax thread: Let's get that third star!

[joe__the__man]

Got Emanuelson to tutor him. Mainly in order to progress his teamwork.

That's not how tutoring works.

[Draakon]

I know it doesn't work like that, though I've noted that tutoring increases mental skills faster than in 'normal' way during experience gaining process.

[GavinLP1987]

Looks like my tactic is slowly starting to get found out. With the AM options I have I don't really want to change formation.

Like you Draakon, I might consider dropping the three AM's to CM.

[GavinLP1987]

Signed on a free transfer. Looks a beast.

[GavinLP1987]

Brilliant results with the new formation...

[Draakon]

Good defense. I've struggled defensively in the 2nd season, always conceding a goal every game. Still winning though, results like 4-1, 3-1, 2-1 in a row, but I'd like to see clean sheet for a while.

[GavinLP1987]

What formation do you play Draakon?

[Draakon]

4-5-1 with single striker and 2 wingers. Touted as 4-3-3 in my personal page (favorite formation or smth.). Suarez playing as AMR inside forward. Sulejmani is first choice to left winger spot. El Hamdaoui/Suk/Cvitanich up front.

I believe the problem in my defense is not a formation or tactics, it's just Boilesen's inexperience. He's my main DC next to Alderweireld and in beginning of 2nd season he made some poor games, but has improving a lot, both ratings and attributes.

[GavinLP1987]

I'm retraining Boilesen as a LB to cover Anita. Didn't have the patience with him at CB and I have Vertonghen, Alderweireld and Hubschman there so there's not much room for him.

It's taken me three seasons, but I've finally got past the 1st knockout round of the CL! Beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 AET. Lost 1-0 away, won 1-0 at home and scored the winner in the 118th minute. Loving life.

[Draakon]

It's a waste, Gavin. Boilesen has decent speed for DC, but he lacks offensive skills e.g. crossing, creativity which are essential for full-back. I play Emanuelson and Anita as DL, Emanuelson is my first choice. He has provided 7 assists in 15 league games in 2nd season. That's a big impact considering he's not taking any free kicks or corners.

Although, in previous FM-s I've struggled too with determining best position Boilesen, his mental skills make him a great DC. A bit short of height of course, but good anticipation, decisions etc.

[Draakon]

January 2012. Signed Daryl Janmaat (£1m from Heerenveen) as a cover for DR position and one 17 year old DC from Morocco (new scout roaming in Africa starting to pay off already).

African Cup of Nations is about to begin, so I'll lose Aissati and El Hamdaoui for couple of weeks.

[ReggaeBwoy]

Ajax such a good example of how a team should be with their promotion of youth, good football and on top of it trophies. Does anyone have a screenshot of how Eriksen has developed and how good is Boileson and is he in anyone's starting 11? Also what formation do you recommend that I use, 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 wide?

Thanks

[Draakon]

Lost 0-1 to Vitesse in Dutch Cup quarter final... bitter disappointment as they missed a lot of players, but I just couldn't create anything in attack. Bounced back with a win against Utrecht in Eredivisie, but Alderweireld picked up his 5th yellow card in a season and next game against RKC it's a moment of truth - Boilesen and Schenk partnership in my central defence.

I talked about my promising striker from youth team... well, he got a nasty injury (torn hamstring) in autumn and was out for 6-8 weeks. Came back to training in January, played 11 minutes in youth game when was injured again - broken ankle this time with 3 months out. This lad just doesn't have luck...

Another good youth player, definitely has some scoring skills.

Eriksen and Boilesen in 2012:

Note that I play with 11.2 database. I let Ooijer successfully tutor Boilesen.

[ReggaeBwoy]

How comes your playing with 11.2 data? Icann see the difference with Eriksen though in the two datas. Much more better in 11.3. Well done on Boileson though, has started a lot of games, keep it up

[Draakon]

I started my save before 11.3 update came out and didn't want to start all over again (besides, I still have Suarez in my team and that's a big loss compared to 11.3). Don't know much about other players though, should check them out in 11.3 - especially the ones that have broken into Ajax first team IRL - Ebecilio, Öbzliz etc.

[ReggaeBwoy]

I started my save before 11.3 update came out and didn't want to start all over again (besides, I still have Suarez in my team and that's a big loss compared to 11.3). Don't know much about other players though, should check them out in 11.3 - especially the ones that have broken into Ajax first team IRL - Ebecilio, Öbzliz etc.

They both have decent potential, amazing at the completely unknown players that they bring through the team irl and make an impact. In 11.3 Ebecillo and Obzliz look very exciting. Jody Lukoki is another very exiting prospect to look out for irl and the game aswell on 11.3 so have a look I know about Suarez but although he is a wonderful player he is old news now, time to move on and progress with the other talents they have or add to the squad

BTW, are you an Ajax fan, Draakon?

[Draakon]

Yeah I've been Ajax fan since 90-ies when I was a little boy and saw them losing to Juventus in Champions league final in penalty shoot-out. I felt sorry for them cause they played so well and were unfortunate to lose, players like Davids, de Boer, Kluivert, Seedorf etc. were part of this side. I even remember that van der Sar actually guessed the side right every single time in penalty shoot-out, practically touching the ball on twice occasions, but still couldn't save a single penalty.

Next year they were back in final to win the title.

But it's hard to be Ajax fan because every other year you feel that we have good team and it's possible to win at least Eredivisie again and then influential players like Vermaelen, Huntelaar, Suarez will be sold as usual to give chance to younger players but lately it hasn't turned off good enough for title ambitions. This year after a while Ajax has a chance already.

I like the system, though, and I try to follow it in FM management too - get the young players your own youth system gives to you, perhaps buy 1-2 U-21 youngsters to positions that need backup and sell your star players when money is good and they're ready for big league football. I think I'd be a very profitable manager IRL. I remember in FM08 I reached to 2014/15 season and we won champions league and the board still took some £30-40m dividends every year before that. I spend virtually nothing on transfers and try to take maximum out of my young team.

There are downsides too of course. In FM11 2nd season I played CL group stage and then I felt for 1st time this year that this young team is not ready for champions league football. Boilesen may be talented and everything, but at the age of 19 he's just not ready to compete against strikers as Berbatov or Rooney. When Suarez is out, my right wing is obsolete, as Mitchell Donald is not a serious threat for big clubs (although he scored at Old Trafford). So my success at certain times have come just through crossing my fingers and hoping for best, avoiding injuries and long suspensions etc.

What bothers me, when you look at Ajax squad in FM is that there is very very little cover on the right side of the pitch. After selling van der Wiel I used Blind as right-back, which is not his natural position (although he did OK there). Suarez is only good right winger (although he too is more of the striker than winger, I miss Kennedy who was perfect for the role in FM10). On the other hand, left side has been excellent for years, to the point where you have already too many talented players for AML position (Sulejmani, Aissati, Cvitanich, Eriksen...). Same continues in U-19 side - you have some players with decent potential on left side of the pitch (Denswil, van der Horst, Zeegelaar etc.) but nothing on the right.

[ReggaeBwoy]

Yes, that must be really frustrating, especially for players that have come though the academy, however they have held on to Vertonghen and Van Der Wiel for a considerably long time and hopefully the main rate dplayer Eriksend oes not leave as well. I'm the same, normally I follow the normal club principals.

Understand your fears about the CL but you never know whether he will be good for the game against Manu (Noileson), he may just be a blessing in disguise. BTW, how do you play El Hamadaoui as he is a prolific goalscorer but don't no what role to play him in. IRL started of brilliant for Ajax but seemed to fall out of favour for some reason

Just amtter of interest for irl, how comes Ajax sell many of their best players and irl is the formation 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1?

[Draakon]

I use El Hamdaoui as complete forward. He can both score and supply in this role. If I play 4-5-1 then both wingers are set to 'normal' wide play, so they cut inside and behind defensive line and with decent passing striker can feed the through ball in. It often appears that wingers score more than striker itself, but El Hamdaoui has scored 8 goals so far (February 2nd season). He's now in ACN with Morocco squad and missed some league games because of that (scoring for NT as well).

[GavinLP1987]

It's a waste, Gavin. Boilesen has decent speed for DC, but he lacks offensive skills e.g. crossing, creativity which are essential for full-back.

Not the way I play. Their main job for my side is to run the line and pull the full back away from the AM's, giving them more space. Boilesen actually has more assists that Anita this season for me...

Just beat Inter 4-2 in the CL Quarter final. Got Real Madrid in the Semi's. Whatever the result, we've massively outplayed our expectations this season, and I have no doubt that we'll improve again next season. Players like Kovacic, Lukaku, Babacar, Eriksen, Lodiero, etc are only gonna get better.

[ReggaeBwoy]

I use El Hamdaoui as complete forward. He can both score and supply in this role. If I play 4-5-1 then both wingers are set to 'normal' wide play, so they cut inside and behind defensive line and with decent passing striker can feed the through ball in. It often appears that wingers score more than striker itself, but El Hamdaoui has scored 8 goals so far (February 2nd season). He's now in ACN with Morocco squad and missed some league games because of that (scoring for NT as well).

Thanks for the help, maybe I will try that but Ajax have fast wingers so with wingers I prob will have them to hug touchline.

BTW what is "NT"?

[ReggaeBwoy]

Not the way I play. Their main job for my side is to run the line and pull the full back away from the AM's, giving them more space. Boilesen actually has more assists that Anita this season for me...

Just beat Inter 4-2 in the CL Quarter final. Got Real Madrid in the Semi's. Whatever the result, we've massively outplayed our expectations this season, and I have no doubt that we'll improve again next season. Players like Kovacic, Lukaku, Babacar, Eriksen, Lodiero, etc are only gonna get better.

Well done on beating Inter, what was the score on aggregate and what season you in?

[joe__the__man]

BTW what is "NT"?

National team.

[ReggaeBwoy]

National team.

Ohh my bad, thanks

[Robert the Spud]

Do Ajax have the Suarez money to play with on 11.3?

[ReggaeBwoy]

Do Ajax have the Suarez money to play with on 11.3?

No, the budget is the same for some reason

[Draakon]

February 2012. 9 points clear of PSV in the table. Magnificent scoring form in couple of last games - beat RKC 7-1 and Den Bosch 6-0. Not the strongest teams, of course, but I don't score 6+ goals in a game very often. Eredivisie is anyway the only thing left for me this season, so effort has to be there 100%.

[ReggaeBwoy]

February 2012. 9 points clear of PSV in the table. Magnificent scoring form in couple of last games - beat RKC 7-1 and Den Bosch 6-0. Not the strongest teams, of course, but I don't score 6+ goals in a game very often. Eredivisie is anyway the only thing left for me this season, so effort has to be there 100%.

Briliant news Draakon, as a matter of interest who is the leading scorer and assists on your team?

[Draakon]

Today's game - smashed Twente 3:0 away, hat-trick from Sulejmani (Twente have done some excellent job in transfer market in my save, snapped up van Bommel on free transfer, David Alaba on loan from Bayern, couple of brazil talents (Gabriel, Lucas), argentinian Carlos Luna has scored 12 goals from 16 games from them etc.). They have invested some £15m into new players this season, but still sitting on 3rd place after me and PSV.

My top scorers: Suarez 12, Alderweireld 11 (corners and headers from free kicks), Cvitanich 10, Sulejmani 9, El Hamdaoui 8, de Jong 8. Pretty much everybody up front can score.

Assists: De Zeeuw 11, Emanuelson 11, Lodeiro 8, Eriksen 6, Suarez 5, Cvitanich 5

[ReggaeBwoy]

Wow @Alderweild, Eriksen should be the main playmaker though, De Zeeuw as more assists than him

[Draakon]

Thing is, I don't fancy Eriksen that much. Sure, he's young and talented, but he has lot of weaknesses. I don't play with AMC, I use MC with attack orders and this place on the pitch is divided between Lodeiro, de Jong and Eriksen. De Zeeuw, by the way, plays whether on DMC or 2nd MC (CM support role) and has gathered his assists from there.

Now, the rankings for this spot are usually 1) Lodeiro 2) de Jong 3) Eriksen.

Lodeiro is a key player in my formation. That's because:

1) He has enormous work rate. He's not played as ball winning midfielder, but he still runs more than anyone else in my team, he covers more than 12 km in 90 minutes average. Only 3 players in Eredivise do that (Lodeiro, Silberbauer from Utrecht and Noor from Groningen).

2) Next to my fullbacks, he's often the best tackler in midfield. Quite often he gets more than 5 successful tackles in the game. That's a big defensive support from this position. In comparision, Eriksen can't tackle at all

3) Long shots. AMC can do better without long shots ability, in MC position it takes away one scoring option

4) Lodeiro is my free kick and corner taker. Ajax don't have much set piece specialists, so having Lodeiro on the pitch helps in this department too.

Next, de Jong is also more all-round midfielder than Eriksen. Yes, his not so strong mentally than Eriksen/Lodeiro, but his creativity is excellent and he has proved he can score too.

So, I've been using Eriksen more on AML position with inside forward orders, but the thing is - he lacks a bit composure and finishing skills that Sulejmani have. He can dribble with ball, he can pass it and create opportunities, but he's not so dangerous without ball as Sulejmani, who's constantly a threat behind opposition defensive line. So Eriksen is 2nd choice at best in this position too.

The bottom line is - he's still very very young. Plenty of time for him to break through and prove himself. I'm not counting him off by any means.

[ReggaeBwoy]

Thing is, I don't fancy Eriksen that much. Sure, he's young and talented, but he has lot of weaknesses. I don't play with AMC, I use MC with attack orders and this place on the pitch is divided between Lodeiro, de Jong and Eriksen. De Zeeuw, by the way, plays whether on DMC or 2nd MC (CM support role) and has gathered his assists from there.

Now, the rankings for this spot are usually 1) Lodeiro 2) de Jong 3) Eriksen.

Lodeiro is a key player in my formation. That's because:

1) He has enormous work rate. He's not played as ball winning midfielder, but he still runs more than anyone else in my team, he covers more than 12 km in 90 minutes average. Only 3 players in Eredivise do that (Lodeiro, Silberbauer from Utrecht and Noor from Groningen).

2) Next to my fullbacks, he's often the best tackler in midfield. Quite often he gets more than 5 successful tackles in the game. That's a big defensive support from this position. In comparision, Eriksen can't tackle at all

3) Long shots. AMC can do better without long shots ability, in MC position it takes away one scoring option

4) Lodeiro is my free kick and corner taker. Ajax don't have much set piece specialists, so having Lodeiro on the pitch helps in this department too.

Next, de Jong is also more all-round midfielder than Eriksen. Yes, his not so strong mentally than Eriksen/Lodeiro, but his creativity is excellent and he has proved he can score too.

So, I've been using Eriksen more on AML position with inside forward orders, but the thing is - he lacks a bit composure and finishing skills that Sulejmani have. He can dribble with ball, he can pass it and create opportunities, but he's not so dangerous without ball as Sulejmani, who's constantly a threat behind opposition defensive line. So Eriksen is 2nd choice at best in this position too.

The bottom line is - he's still very very young. Plenty of time for him to break through and prove himself. I'm not counting him off by any means.

I understand where your coming from, I remember last season's one, Lodeiro was very good for me and Eriksen was used as rotation. I think I am raving on about Eriksen too much due to his astonishing performances irl, however he has presumably improved greatly in patch 11.3. I never also realised that Eriksen is fast, he has got an acceleration rating on patch 11.3 with 17, he is close to being a complete player but I do think you will maximize his strenghts if you playin him in the attacking-mid role as IMO he dictates tempo more than any other player in the team.

As with real life what has happened with Lodeiro, havent heard of him recently

[Draakon]

IRL Lodeiro was part of Uruguay national team that reached to semi-final in World Cup this year. He got some playing time as sub, although his most remarkable achievement was stupid red card in one game.

Anyway, he hasn't got much (if any?) playing time in Ajax this season. I don't know why, perhaps injury? Of course, IRL Ajax have many versatile players, especially in midfield. Anita who is normally left-back was used in midfield last game. AMC spot is the most crowded - Eriksen, de Jong, Sulejmani, Lodeiro, De Zeeuw can all play there. There's some variations in tactical setup and formation too, so sometimes AMC is AMC as we understand it in FM, sometimes its MC with attacking orders as in my FM tactics described in above posts. Mainly formations are switched between 4-4-2 and 4-2-3-1 as far as I understand.

Ajax management is not afraid to introduce new players to squad. Bonevacia, Özbiliz, Ebecilio etc. have all made their way into IRL first team and to be honest - when you look at them in 11.0 database, Ebecilio and Özbiliz are pretty much crap. Some players get chance to prove themselves and then drop back to Ajax 2. Mitchell Donald has disappeared from Ajax rotation this season, for example.

As all players are very young, it often happens that players are switching positions during the season. Ajax management is not afraid to test them in different roles and sometimes it doesn't match with roles FM database suggests. E.g. Siem de Jong was used as striker in recent weeks, I think in FM he's marked as 'competent' in ST position.

Years ago Anita was DMC/MC in FM, now he's more of DL. Daley Blind was DC/DMC in previous FM versions, now he's DMC, but accomplished to DR role too. Vertonghen was definite DMC in my FM08 save, now he's pure DC. Luis Suarez once started on AML position. Then was switched more to AMR. Now he's more of pure striker type of player. Sulejmani is AML/AMC, although in reality all Ajax wingers are able to switch sides between each other and Sulejmani has played as AMR too, nevertheless, FM game doesn't think so

[ReggaeBwoy]

I noticed that about many of Ajax players irl. Thanks for the info, but with all these exciting players at Ajax test out 11.3 now, Ebecillo and Ozbiliz are very improved and I think Ebecillo on the odd times faces interest from clubs like Arsenal. TBH, in FM, Wesley Sneider younger brother, Rodney has always looked a player with huge potential and still does but I never have seen him appear for the first team irl.

Apart from that keep me updated on how your save is coming along

[Draakon]

Troubles with El Hamdaoui. In January transfer window Liverpool and some others showed interest and I rejected some bids between £3-5m. As a result his agent was knocking on my door next day, asking for improved contract. Fair enough, I promised him that new deal will be offered soon. El Hamdaoui went to African Cup of Nations and his Morocco side was victorious, winning the title with El Hamdaoui playing and scoring well throughout the whole tournament. I was a tad late with my offer - he got upset that Ajax hadn't offered him a promised new contract and handed in transfer request. I declined and offered him a new contract.

Now, everything is sorted out in negotiations, wage, appearance fee etc. but due to increasing interest from other clubs his agent demands that minimum fee release clause has to be added - £3,8m. That's just crazy. I'm not going to let him go for that. It's just insulting. I thought OK, minimum fee clause itself is reasonable, but let's set it to £8-10m. His agent was stubborn and insisted £3,8m. Finally I just walked away. El Hamdaoui contract lasts until 2014 (2,5 years) and I believe I can sell him for £10m during this period even when he won't sack his stupid agent. I would have offered hims £23,500 p/w while he now earns somewhere between £11-12,000 p/w.

Fighting over minimum fee release clause when contract offer that doubles your salary and extends your existing offer just for 1 season seems fairly stupid for me. His loss.

Apart from that, I beat ADO Den Haag 4:1 yesterday (goals from Sulejmani, Alderweireld, Suarez and El Hamdaoui). Next 3 games will be more testing - Feyenoord, Heerenveen and Groningen in a row.

[ReggaeBwoy]

Troubles with El Hamdaoui. In January transfer window Liverpool and some others showed interest and I rejected some bids between £3-5m. As a result his agent was knocking on my door next day, asking for improved contract. Fair enough, I promised him that new deal will be offered soon. El Hamdaoui went to African Cup of Nations and his Morocco side was victorious, winning the title with El Hamdaoui playing and scoring well throughout the whole tournament. I was a tad late with my offer - he got upset that Ajax hadn't offered him a promised new contract and handed in transfer request. I declined and offered him a new contract.

Now, everything is sorted out in negotiations, wage, appearance fee etc. but due to increasing interest from other clubs his agent demands that minimum fee release clause has to be added - £3,8m. That's just crazy. I'm not going to let him go for that. It's just insulting. I thought OK, minimum fee clause itself is reasonable, but let's set it to £8-10m. His agent was stubborn and insisted £3,8m. Finally I just walked away. El Hamdaoui contract lasts until 2014 (2,5 years) and I believe I can sell him for £10m during this period even when he won't sack his stupid agent. I would have offered hims £23,500 p/w while he now earns somewhere between £11-12,000 p/w.

Fighting over minimum fee release clause when contract offer that doubles your salary and extends your existing offer just for 1 season seems fairly stupid for me. His loss.

Apart from that, I beat ADO Den Haag 4:1 yesterday (goals from Sulejmani, Alderweireld, Suarez and El Hamdaoui). Next 3 games will be more testing - Feyenoord, Heerenveen and Groningen in a row.

Yes, that it is loss, the agent is a real ****** for wanting £3.8m in his release clause, that is a complete joke, must think you're some kind of easy selling club. I agree with you, just keep being stubborn until the agent realises how stupid his negotiations are, tbh I wouldn't sell him for even £10m, i would hold out for £15m, his goalscoring prolifics is amazing

[Draakon]

March 2012

PSV has chased me down a bit and my lead is now just 6 points. Recent games.

Ajax - Feyenoord 4-1 (especially sweet because in the beginning of the season i got my first and only defeat in Eredivisie against them).

Heerenveen - Ajax 2-1 (well, that's the 2nd defeat in a season... it had to come some time, nothing to do about that)

Ajax - Groningen 0-0 (even game where perhaps I could have scraped a victory, but all together pretty fair result).

Next game will be against AZ and Suarez suspended after 5th yellow card. Pretty rough series these four games. Still about to meet with PSV yet in this season.

What else. I talked to my board and asked them to improve youth facilities. They agreed, so let's see about that.

Talked with Ooijer and asked him to reconsider his plans to become manager and try as a coach instead. He now considers taking up coaching with view to become manager.

Asked De Zeeuw to tutor Bonevacia.

Won U-19 Cup beating Feyenoord U-19 5-1 in the final.

[ReggaeBwoy]

Sounds a good tital race, espec beating Feyenoord and regarding Hereenveen, good things always come to an end so unlucky on that and you also beat Feyenoord in the U19s, good news, I always take them cups seriously for some reason

[Draakon]

Ajax - AZ Alkmaar 3-0 (Cvitanich, Sulejmani, De Zeeuw)

Even game, but my finishing was clinical, although AZ had 57% possession. They ruined 2 ccc-s, I used 2 of my 2. Suarez was suspended, I used El Hamdaoui on right flank with same orders as Suarez (inside forward), he was a threat throughout the game, giving one assist and constantly running and giving quality crosses. De Zeeuw played poorly recently, especially against Heerenveen and my assman suggested dropping him due to poor form. I started with Lindgren in MC position and De Zeeuw came in as a sub on 2nd half, only to score beautiful curling shot from 20 meters out. Nice work.

I really don't know what to do on with AML position. Sulejmani has been brilliant, but I just don't like the idea of Aissati rotting on the bench. Perhaps should sell somebody for good money during Summer.

Alderweireld is the hardest one to keep in my team over Summer transfer window. I have now even 3 decent youngsters coming from behind (Boukhari, Schenk, Denswil), but none of them are good enough to replace Alderweireld and they need at least 1 more season to work in training.

[ReggaeBwoy]

What I would say then is don't sell Alderweirld at any price, keep him, even if it means upsetting him

[Draakon]

April 2012

Ajax - VVV Venlo 5-0

NAC Breda - Ajax 1-4

VVV is actually making tremendous season, predicted to become 18th by media they have ended up in 9th place in April and are ahead of Feyenoord, for example. VVV also reached to Dutch Cup final and will play against Vitesse, so I'd say they have a real chance to grab Cup this season.

PSV has lost some points and now I'm again 11 points ahead with 4 games to go, so PSV have just theoretical chance. NAC Breda manager however felt it was a good time afer their loss to point out that he feels Ajax won't be good enough to take title this year and 'he feels the title will drift away from us with future games' or something like that. Well... talk about sour grapes and strong math skills

Anyway, next game against PSV (away). Would fancy a chance to secure title in PSV home ground.

What else. Vermeer was at goal in these 2 games and did well, although didn't have too much work. Stekelenburg is back in training, but Vermeer has a chance to prove himself against PSV too, let's see then how he handles more pressure to our goal.

Rafa Benitez has been frequent visitor at Amsterdam Arena, scouting for Alderweireld, Boilesen and El Hamdaoui. I consider reserving a permanent seat for him, perhaps naming it "Rafa's spot"

[ReggaeBwoy]

Well did you beat PSV?

Lol, yh get him the "Rafa spot". but that is very good if a club like Inter Milan are checking on your players. Especially, Boilesen must be making huge progress

[Draakon]

PSV - Ajax 0-4

In front of PSV fans (and, of course, Rafa) we beat PSV in their own turf to retain Eredivisie title. El Hamdaoui ripped PSV defence apart by scoring superb hattrick (Benitez certainly felt it was worth to come and see this) and Sulejmani added one more up front. Vermeer managed to keep clean sheet although PSV only had one really good chance.

[ReggaeBwoy]

Excellent 4-0, I guess Stekelenburg is going to have more problems getting back in the team El Hamdaoui seems to be on fire for you, how many goals has he got now, surely you can't sell him at any price

[Draakon]

Excellent 4-0, I guess Stekelenburg is going to have more problems getting back in the team El Hamdaoui seems to be on fire for you, how many goals has he got now, surely you can't sell him at any price

I don't think Vermeer seriously threatens Stekelenburg's position. Stekelenburg has given several great performances throughout the season with over 8.0 rating, Vermeer had 3 relatively easy games where defence didn't make any significant mistakes and he didn't make any remarkable saves.

El Hamdaoui is well in form. He has 13 goals in 21 games now in Eredivisie (15 in all games). He played well in August-September, then just suddenly couldn't score anymore, then was in African Cup of Nations, came back and found his scoring ability at the right time in Spring again.

[ReggaeBwoy]

Well, patience is a virtue as they say , the good thing he is scoring for you! Who has got more goals Suarez or El Hamdaoui for you and regarding the end of season, how many games you got left?

[Draakon]

End of season. June 2012

Won Excelsior 4-2, drew with Vitesse 2-2 and smashed NEC 5-0. 88 points in Eredivisie, and 99 goals. One short of 100

Top scorers all competitions: Suarez 18, El Hamdaoui 16, Alderweireld 16, Sulejmani 12, Cvitanich 12, de Jong 9

Den Bosch and RKC relegated, Heracles and Almere City (!) promoted.

ManU made a bid for Stekelenburg (any real-life associations?), Rafa tries to get El Hamdaoui to Liverpool (but doesn't want to pay fair price) and Chelsea is lurking for Suarez. I sent Suk on loan to Heerenveen and offerend Xandro Schenk new contract. It's Euro 2012 time and many players are with international squads - Holland (Stekelenburg, Emanuelson, De Zeeuw, de Jong) and Denmark (Eriksen). So now when friendlies start I have good chance to play youngsters.

What's else is happening in Eredivisie - PSV board have decided to go for the title next year and they are willing to spend money to achieve that. They bought Croatian midfielder Milan Badelj for £8m and Dries Mertens from Utrecht for over £7m. Looks dangerous. Feyenoord snapped brazilian AML from Santos for £4,4m

Utrecht decided to replace Mertens with Bas Dost from Heerenveen, paying some £4,5m, and Heerenveen found cover in ST by loaning Suk from me.

Edit: July 2012

Sold Vurnon Anita to Schalke for £6,25m. Too generous offer for no. 2 left-back to turn down. Big clubs have made £8-9m offers for Suarez - not good enough.

[Draakon]

Summer 2012 - it's a good time to take another look to Ajax youngsters and how they have progressed during these 2 years. By position better young player I have with age.

GK - Sergio Padt (22) - rated as potentially 2* goalkeeper. Spent last 6 months on loand with AaB. Decent backup for the future.

DR - nobody. I have pretty young first XI players in this position (Vanden Borre, Janmaat, Blind), but no youngsters. Even youth intake didn't give anybody this year.

DL - also nothing. Boilesen and Denswil can provide necessary cover.

DC - Xandro Schenk (19) - got some playing time last season and did well. Getting better and probably is ready for breakthrough season this year. Has no weaknesses, just needs some experience to increase his mental attributes.

DC - Aziz Boukhari (20) - my Moroccon regen. Model professional personality. Not first XI yet but on the verge of breakthrough. I rely on him and Schenk in case I need cover for Alderweireld and Boilesen.

DC - Nicolai Boilesen (20) - first XI player. Played over 30 games last season with average rating of 7+. Increased his mental stats well (anticipation, positioning etc.). Can cover for DL as he possesses 16 pace. Signed contract extension this Summer to end his transfer rumors.

DC - Stefano Denswil (19) - home-grown centre-back. I extended his contract last season. He's good, has no obvious weaknesses (jumping is a bit poor for DC, he's similar to Boilesen about that feature). Needs playing time to progress and probably will be loaned out.

DMC - Roly Bonevacia (20) - very exciting prospect, unfortunately got nasty injury last February that kept him sidelined for 3 months. Still very good substitution for Eyong Enoh in DMC position if necessary. Is tutored by De Zeeuw at the moment.

MC - Oasim Bouy (19) - his progress stood still for a while, but now he has finally got some attribute changes. I put Lindgren to tutor him to get his determination up, but probably needs to get some playing time on loan in the 2nd half of the season. When I retain my other midfield players he's not going to get much playing time.

MC - Christian Eriksen - went to Euro 2012 with Denmark squad and played well there in Denmark first XI. I hope to use him better this season than I did last year.

AML - Kai van der Horst (17) - regen left-winger, search for picture in previous posts. He turned 17 in July and earned his professional contract. Has progressed even better since then. Now possesses better pace, passing, dribbling etc. Emanuelson tutored him so he pickud up some PPM's. Huge player for my U-19 last year, scoring 17 goals and adding bunch of assists. This year plays for Ajax2, but then let's see what's in him. Has very similar playing style as Sulejmani has in my team and doing it as effectively.

AMR - Florian Josefzoon (21) - spent last year on loan at Den Bosch and got plenty of playing time. Scored 3 goals in the league and gained experience. Now he's ready to substitute Luis Suarez on right wing.

AMR - Terrell Ondaan (19) - similar to Bouy, didn't show much progress until Spring, then suddenly seems that all training is paying off. He developed in all key areas and even put in some excellent performances in pre-season friendlies. Probably need to loan him out to get maximum out of him.

ST - Davy Klaassen (19) - I have let Tom Boere and Jip Bartels go, so Klaassen is the only initial youth striker left. Similar player to Bouy - performances are better than attributes might show. Although he has developed in key areas such as pace, technique, finishing and composure. He can finish 1-1 situations and that necessary for lone striker. It's probably better to loan him out, Almere City (they won Eeerste Divisie and were promoted) would have welcome him as 'valuable player' but I for unknown reasons he didn't want to go on loan there.

[ReggaeBwoy]

Well done on Boileson. Has he broken into the Danish national team yet and what about Jody Lukoki? He looks good, you didnt mention him and btw did you see Ajax game on the weekend against Excelsior? Eriksen, Boilesen and Ebecillo were fantastic

[Draakon]

Boilesen is still in Danish U-21. I'm playing with 11.2 database, so no Jody Lukoki.