Last updated on January 2, 2025
For those of you who don’t know, football has always been a huge part of my life. Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve been fascinated by the beautiful game—playing it myself from the age of 4 and cheering on my favorite team as they lifted the Champions League trophy in 1995. If the title didn’t already give it away, my favorite club is Ajax.
Ajax has always been a club with a proud history, but in recent seasons, they’ve struggled to meet expectations, leaving fans yearning for a much-needed rebuild. This summer, the club took a bold step by appointing young Italian coach Francesco Farioli to lead this transformation.
Now, as we have arrived at the midpoint of the season, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how things have unfolded so far. In this post, I’ll walk you through the triumphs, troubles, standout players, and what lies ahead for Ajax.
Triumphs
The first real triumph of this season is up for debate, but many might point to the penalty shootout victory at home against Panathinaikos as a defining moment of character. After a dismal previous season, Ajax faced the challenge of playing through the Europa League qualifying stages, forcing them to start their campaign earlier than usual.
In the second leg, Ajax found themselves trailing 0-1 after 90 minutes and unable to change the scoreline during extra time. The game went to penalties, and what followed was nothing short of extraordinary. The shootout ended 13-12 in Ajax’s favor, a testament to the players’ resilience and composure under immense pressure.
What made the victory even more remarkable was that Ajax had already squandered four chances to win during the shootout. Yet, they kept their cool and ultimately prevailed. When the final penalty hit the net, a wave of relief swept through the Johan Cruijff Arena. Players and fans united in celebration, savoring a moment that felt like a step toward redemption.
In terms of on-pitch success, the 4-0 victory against Besiktas at home stands out as the first true triumph. Ajax delivered a dominant performance over the full 90 minutes, showcasing a level of control and precision that fans had not witnessed in a long time.
This wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. Facing a strong opponent, Ajax not only secured the three points but also demonstrated what Francesco Farioli and his staff were capable of achieving. For the first time, fans caught a glimpse of the squad’s true potential under the new regime.
The performance wasn’t just about the result; it was a reminder of the attacking football and confidence that have long been hallmarks of Ajax’s identity. For supporters, this match rekindled hope and excitement for what might lie ahead in this rebuilding season.
But the biggest triumph of the season, as every Ajax fan would agree, came during the unforgettable week of October 27 to November 2.
It began with a narrow 1-0 win over Willem II, a game where coach Francesco Farioli made bold decisions by overhauling the lineup and switching from the traditional 4-3-3 formation to a 3-4-2-1. Despite securing the win, the performance was lackluster, leaving fans skeptical as Ajax prepared to face their fiercest rivals, Feyenoord, away, and reigning champions PSV at home within six days. Confidence among supporters was at an all-time low.
Ajax vs. Feyenoord: A Defensive Masterclass
What happened next was beyond anyone’s expectations. Facing Feyenoord, Ajax’s biggest rival, in Rotterdam, memories of last season’s humiliating 0-6 defeat loomed large. Yet, Ajax delivered a defensive masterclass, silencing Feyenoord’s attack and securing a stunning 0-2 victory.
Ajax capitalized on their chances, with clinical finishing and a resolute defensive effort that left Feyenoord unable to create clear opportunities. The team fought for every inch of the pitch, holding their ground and earning a well-deserved win. For fans, including myself, it was a moment of pure disbelief and euphoria.
Ajax vs. PSV: Character and Resilience
Three days later, Ajax faced another monumental challenge against PSV. This game was far more open, with PSV taking the lead early. In seasons past, Ajax might have crumbled under the pressure—but not this time.
Ajax displayed their newfound resilience, equalizing before halftime and refusing to give up, even as PSV regained the lead in the second half. Rather than folding, Ajax kept pushing and leveled the score once again. Then, in a moment of brilliance, Mika Godts scored the winner, securing an incredible 3-2 victory.
Ajax’s Statement Week
In the span of just six days, Ajax defeated both Feyenoord and PSV, showcasing not only tactical evolution under Farioli but also an indomitable spirit. These back-to-back victories reminded the football world that Ajax is on the road to reclaiming their rightful place among Europe’s elite.
Troubles
As much as I’d love for this section to be empty, every season comes with its share of ups and downs, and this one is no different. While we’ve witnessed many promising moments, there are still significant areas for improvement.
One reality we must not overlook is that the current squad isn’t drastically different from last season’s. While it’s fair to argue that the team underperformed last year—something I agree with—there’s still much work to be done to bring the squad to the level we, as Ajax fans, expect. Mixed performances are inevitable, with good moments still followed by inconsistencies. That said, the “bad” performances this season haven’t reached the depths of previous years, which is encouraging. However, expecting Farioli’s rebuild to be completed in just one season is simply unrealistic.
Another major factor impacting performance has been the congested schedule, partly due to police strikes that forced Ajax’s fixtures to be rearranged. This led to a grueling stretch of back-to-back matches, leaving little time for players to rest and recover. While we sometimes forget it, players are human, and fatigue inevitably affects performance, especially in the modern game.
This strain became evident as the first half of the season wore on, with performances noticeably dipping toward the end. It’s a stark reminder that while progress is being made, patience will be essential as the team continues to rebuild and adapt.
One hot topic, often seen as a trouble for Ajax this season, is Francesco Farioli’s rotation system. Many fans and pundits have criticized it, arguing that such extensive rotation is unnecessary. However, I find myself siding with Farioli on this one.
The issue of fitness has plagued Ajax in recent years. The team has struggled with long-term injuries to key players and lacked the physical conditioning required to play the high-intensity, pressing football that Ajax fans expect. Pressing the opposition is vital for the dominant style Ajax is known for, but it demands top-notch fitness across the squad. Without it, the team’s defensive structure becomes vulnerable, as was painfully evident last season.
Farioli’s history shows that he isn’t naturally inclined toward heavy rotation. At his previous clubs, he preferred a more stable starting lineup. His decision to rotate this season stems from necessity rather than preference. The squad as a whole is still far from reaching the ideal fitness levels required to sustain consistent performances.
Moreover, with Ajax’s congested schedule in the first half of the season, many individual players struggled to cope with the physical demands. Rotating the lineup became essential to manage workloads and avoid further injuries. I believe that once the team achieves the required fitness levels, we’ll see Farioli field his ideal starting XI far more consistently. Until then, this pragmatic approach may be the best way to balance performance with player well-being.
Standouts
When it comes to standouts, there’s no shortage of names I could include in this section. The first half of the season has seen many players step up and deliver memorable performances. However, to keep this post from turning into an epic novel, I’ve decided to focus on my top three standouts of the season so far.
Francesco Farioli
While not a player, our coach Francesco Farioli deserves a place at the very top of this list. He is the driving force behind Ajax’s resurgence this season and the main reason we’re standing where we are today. I firmly believe that if we continue to place our trust in him, he will lead us back to the top where Ajax belongs.
Heading into the season, I was cautiously optimistic about Farioli’s appointment. While I admired his potential, I couldn’t help but have a few doubts—it’s only natural when a new coach steps into such a high-pressure role. However, Farioli has erased those doubts with his tactical acumen, bold decision-making, and the way he’s inspired the squad to embrace his vision.
He’s shown us that he’s not only the right man for the job but also the cornerstone of Ajax’s rebuild. His ability to adapt, innovate, and instill belief in the team has made a world of difference, and I have no doubt he’s laying the foundation for future success.
Mika Godts
Mika Godts has been one of the standout players this season, showing remarkable growth and maturity on the pitch. Last season, he played second fiddle to Steven Bergwijn, but with Bergwijn’s departure, Godts stepped up and made the position his own. He has seamlessly filled the void, proving once again that Ajax’s philosophy of nurturing young prospects remains as effective as ever.
Godts’ dribbling and ball control are a nightmare for opposition defenders. His ability to take on players one-on-one makes him a constant threat, forcing teams to adjust their defensive strategies just to keep him in check. This, in turn, opens up space for his teammates, making him not only a dangerous individual player but also a key contributor to the team’s overall attacking play.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to see where his development takes him. Mika has all the attributes to become an exceptional winger, provided he stays free of major injuries. For now, let’s hope we get to enjoy watching him in Ajax colors for many more seasons.
Jordan Henderson
Last, but certainly not least, is our captain, Jordan Henderson. Before the season began, there was intense debate surrounding him—many questioned his salary, his performances, and whether he still had a place in the squad. Yet, Henderson has silenced his critics this season, proving why he remains pivotal for Ajax.
Under Francesco Farioli, Henderson has had to adapt to a new role, playing as the lone “6” in possession while often dropping into a third center-back position defensively. It’s a demanding and unfamiliar role, but he’s embraced it wholeheartedly. From the very beginning, his smile and body language reflected his trust in Farioli’s vision, and he has more than repaid that faith with consistent, mature performances.
Henderson’s influence goes beyond his technical contributions. On the pitch, he is a natural leader, constantly coaching and ensuring defensive stability. His presence allows others to thrive, often in ways that go unnoticed by casual observers. But not by me—players like Henderson are, in my view, the cornerstone of any successful team.
As the saying goes, “Good attack wins you games, but good defense wins you titles.” With Jordan Henderson anchoring the team, I believe Ajax can return to title-winning ways once again.
What’s Next?
By the time this short blog comes out, there will be only one week left before Ajax begins the second half of the season. So, let’s take a moment to look forward and share my predictions for what’s to come.
Most importantly, I think the focus should be on adding quality and depth to the squad. Especially on the wings, we lack the depth that’s needed to win titles. On the right side, you could argue there are more options, so the left side should be our priority. Luckily, rumors suggest that Ajax is already focusing on this. If they manage to bring in a few reinforcements while offloading some players who no longer fit, I believe we’ll be ready for the second half of the season.
The gap between PSV and Ajax in the league isn’t insurmountable, so, in theory, a title win is possible. However, I believe it may still be a bit too soon for this squad. My prediction is that PSV will finish the season as champions once again, but Ajax will secure second place. This would be a significant achievement, as qualifying for the Champions League would bring much-needed financial support to accelerate the rebuild.
As for the Europa League and the Dutch Cup, things become harder to predict due to the knockout format and the role of luck in these competitions. In the Europa League, avoiding the bigger teams early will be key. My prediction is that Ajax will make it to the top 8, with a minimum goal of reaching the quarterfinals.
For the Dutch Cup, I’m feeling bold: Ajax will win it this year. Despite a tough upcoming matchup away against AZ, I believe the team has what it takes to go all the way. A cup victory would be a massive boost—not just for the players, but for the fans and the club’s morale as a whole.
