Ajax Amsterdam

Ajax
Ajax have not won the Eredivisie since 2004 and in the meantime coach after coach exited the Amsterdam ArenA, many expensive foreign imports have flopped, a new chairman has been appointed and the Champions League group stages have regularly been missed. In the last two seasons however, the dawning of a new era of talented youngsters seems to have arrived, led by stars like Gregory van der Wiel, Siem de Jong, Toby Alderwiereld and Christian Eriksen. Last season these young stars were mixed in well by coach Martin Jol with established performers like Luis Suarez and Martin Steklenburg. Ajax finished last season just one point behind FC Twente, despite an excellent second half of the season. Jol knows that this time Ajax need to hit the ground running and with a squad undoubtedly stronger than last season, the coach simply cannot fail.

Key arrivals: Mounir El Hamadaoui (AZ Alkmaar); Daniel de Ridder (Wigan); Daley Blind (loan return); Darko Bodul (loan return)

Key departures: Marko Pantelic (released); Gabri (Umm-Salal); Dennis Rommedahl (Olympiacos); George Ogararu (FC Sion); Kerlon (Inter – loan return); Kennedy Bakircioglu (Racing Santander)

Prediction: 2nd