A sensational XI of Ajax academy graduates playing elsewhere in 2022

Ajax have put together another brilliant team and in 2022 are set to go deep in the Champions League as well as snatch another Eredivisie title. So just imagine what they’d do if they could keep hold of all their academy graduates.

The Dutch giants have long been known as one of the most productive clubs in Europe when it comes to young talent.

Following the playing ideals Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels instilled at the club, Ajax’s youth coaches train up technically proficient footballers quicker than Disney churns out Star Wars spinoffs.

As well as the brilliant youngsters they’ve currently got at the club – the likes of Ryan Gravenberch, Jurrien Timber and Noussair Mazraoui spring to mind – there are players forged in the Ajax fire plying their trades at top clubs all across Europe.

We’ve picked out some of the best and brought them together into an XI that would give any side in the world a run for their money. We’ve even been able to cobble together a pretty incredible subs bench.

The first on this list and – let’s be honest – the least well known. Bizot is not a superstar like some of his fellow Ajax academy graduates, but he’s been a solid performer this season for Brest, who currently sit comfortably mid-table in Ligue 1.

He made his Netherlands debut in 2020 and he’s even got an assist for Brest this season, so he definitely merits his place.

Dest’s Barcelona future is somewhat uncertain with the ancient-but-not-yet-decrepit Dani Alves having usurped him in Xavi’s starting XI, but the Dutch-born USA international remains an outstanding talent, with his lightning speed and attacking incision.

Ajax – who sold Dest to Barca for €20million in 2020 – are reportedly considering a deal to take him back to Amsterdam,