As Ajax look to export young talent, Real Madrid order it in
Dortmund’s Reus ruled out of CL clash with Spurs
AMSTERDAM, Feb 12, (RTRS): The Champions League last-16 firstleg match between Real Madrid and Ajax Amsterdam on Wednesday is an intriguing clash of two European heavyweights who have made young players central to their strategies, but for very different reasons.
Ajax, four-times European Cup winners who are in the knockout stages for the first time in 13 years, have enhanced their reputation as a talent factory due to the rise of homegrown Dutch players Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt.
Midfielder De Jong, 21, has agreed to join Barcelona next season for 75 million euros ($84.6
This strategy came under fire last year, though, during a miserable start to the post-Ronaldo era, with fans wondering why Perez had not reinvested the money from the sale of their all-time top scorer to Juventus in a world-class striker.
Real’s recent revival, led by Vinicius, has curbed scrutiny of Perez for now, even though the Brazilian’s rapid rise is a rare success story in the club’s concerted attempt to bring in the world’s most talented youngsters.
Dani Ceballos, a breakout player at Real Betis who chose Madrid over Barcelona, is yet to establish himself as a regular starter, and neither has right back Alvaro Odriozola, a 30-million-euro recruit from Real Sociedad last year.
Theo Hernandez, who made a made a controversial switch from neighbours Atletico Madrid, has been sent out on loan to Real Sociedad after a disappointing first year, while defender Jesus Vallejo has been plagued by injuries.
Even Marco Asensio, who developed into a leading Spain international after joining Real from Mallorca in 2014, has seen his stock fall.
“Market forces have changed from the ‘Galactico’ era and Florentino is now focused on searching the world for young Kakas,” said former Real player Jorge Valdano.
“The idea is good, the timing is not. These brilliant talents need protection, which Real Madrid cannot offer.” While Vinicius and homegrown 22-year-old defender Sergio Reguilon are likely to start against Ajax, the rest of Santiago Solari’s side are in their late 20s or early 30s.
Unless more young players follow in the footsteps of Vinicius, Real may struggle to convince future prospects that the Santiago Bernabeu is the best place to launch a successful career.
Borussia Dortmund captain Marco Reus has been ruled out of the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie at Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday due to a thigh injury, the club has said.
Reus, who has 17 goals for Dortmund in all competitions and is the club’s leading scorer, injured his thigh during their German Cup defeat by Werder Bremen last week and missed their draw with Hoffenheim in the league at the weekend.