Discover how Ajax rose to dominance and what led to their tactical decline in the Dutch league. Explore the shifts in strategy, personnel, and philosophy.
Ajax’s Rise and Fall: A Tactical Breakdown of Dutch League Dynamics
For decades, AFC Ajax has been a symbol of footballing excellence—not only in the Netherlands but across the globe. Known for its historic success, iconic academy, and revolutionary “Total Football” philosophy, Ajax has long stood as the gold standard of the Eredivisie. But in recent years, the club has faced a complex tactical evolution. After an impressive rise in the late 2010s and early 2020s, Ajax has struggled to maintain consistency in domestic and European competitions.
This article offers a tactical breakdown of Ajax’s rise and fall in recent years, examining how coaching philosophies, squad changes, opposition growth, and shifts in the MQM Bet league landscape have influenced the club’s fortunes.
The Rise: A New Golden Generation (2018–2022)
Ajax’s resurgence to European and domestic dominance started with a clear strategy: develop youth, play attacking football, and rely on tactical intelligence. Under Erik ten Hag, the Amsterdam club experienced one of its most tactically fluid and dynamic eras since the 1995 Champions League triumph.
Key Tactical Traits of the Rise:
1. Fluid 4-2-3-1 / 4-3-3 Formation
Ajax often alternated between a traditional 4-3-3 and a hybrid 4-2-3-1. Fullbacks pushed high, the midfield rotated fluidly, and the wingers provided both width and directness.
2. Vertical Passing & High Tempo
The emphasis was on quick vertical transitions from defense to attack, often bypassing midfield congestion. Frenkie de Jong was central to this, dropping deep to progress the ball.
3. High Press and Counter-Press
Ten Hag’s Ajax pressed aggressively, especially after losing the ball. This high-energy approach suffocated lesser Eredivisie teams and shocked European giants like Real Madrid and Juventus.
4. Positional Play and Overloads
Overloads on the flanks and midfield triangles helped Ajax dominate possession. Their players often played between the lines, forcing defenders into uncomfortable decisions.
Iconic Figures Behind the Rise
Ajax’s resurgence wasn’t just about systems—it was about players who fit the system perfectly.
- Frenkie de Jong – Deep-lying playmaker and press-resistant maestro
- Matthijs de Ligt – Commanding ball-playing center-back and captain
- Donny van de Beek – Late runner into the box and tactical connector
- Dusan Tadic – False nine, creative leader, and pressing engine
- Hakim Ziyech – Inverted right winger with left-footed brilliance
This group of players not only dominated the Dutch league but also reached the Champions League semi-final in 2019—an unforgettable campaign.
The Peak: 2018–2020 Champions League Run
In the 2018–19 UEFA Champions League, Ajax defeated Real Madrid and Juventus before falling to Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-finals. This run wasn’t built on luck—it was tactical discipline, bravery, and technical brilliance.
The world saw a Dutch league club dismantle European giants with a blueprint built on youth and philosophy. Ajax wasn’t just back—they were a model for modern football.
The Transition Phase: Loss of Key Players (2020–2022)
Success has a cost. Between 2019 and 2022, Ajax sold many of its key players:
- de Jong to Barcelona
- de Ligt to Juventus
- Ziyech to Chelsea
- van de Beek to Manchester United
- Sergiño Dest to Barcelona
- André Onana left for Inter Milan
Despite excellent scouting and replacements like Antony, Lisandro Martínez, and Ryan Gravenberch, Ajax couldn’t quite replicate the same tactical sharpness. The new recruits lacked the cohesion and chemistry of their predecessors, and the league became more competitive as other clubs improved.
The Fall: Tactical Instability and Management Shifts (2022–2025)
Following Erik ten Hag’s departure to Manchester United in 2022, Ajax underwent a period of tactical identity crisis. Multiple managerial changes and inconsistency in squad building led to uncharacteristic failures.
Tactical Issues Post-Ten Hag:
1. Inconsistent Pressing Triggers
While Ajax still attempted to press high, they often lacked cohesion in their pressing structure. Spaces opened up in transition, and opponents exploited this with counter-attacks.
2. Midfield Vulnerabilities
Without a press-resistant midfielder like de Jong or a controller like Gravenberch, Ajax’s midfield struggled to hold shape. Opponents in the league began dominating central zones more frequently.
3. Defensive Fragility
Frequent changes in center-back pairings and defensive tactics led to structural weaknesses. Ajax conceded more goals from set pieces and fast breaks than ever before.
4. Over-reliance on Youth
The academy pipeline continued producing talent, but young players like Kenneth Taylor or Devyne Rensch were thrust into key roles without experienced support.
Opposition Growth in the Eredivisie
Another reason for Ajax’s relative decline is the rise of Feyenoord, PSV Eindhoven, and even surprise challengers like AZ Alkmaar and FC Twente. These clubs invested in their squads, improved coaching infrastructure, and adopted data-driven tactics.
The Eredivisie landscape has changed:
- Feyenoord adopted a pressing game and intelligent recruitment strategy
- PSV developed a youth-focused pipeline with clear tactical identity
- AZ focused on possession-based football and analytics
Ajax is no longer a guaranteed winner in the Dutch league, and competition has pushed them to rethink their model.
Rebuilding the Identity (2025 and Beyond)
Ajax is now in the process of rebuilding—both tactically and structurally. The 2025 season has seen the return to core values:
- Promotion of academy stars
- Focus on Dutch-style positional play
- Improved scouting to find under-the-radar gems
They’ve also begun integrating data analytics into their coaching methods and recruitment. There’s a renewed emphasis on player roles, spatial control, and pressing synchronization.
Ajax’s technical director and coaching team are aiming to re-establish tactical clarity and patience in player development, hoping to return to the top of the league pyramid.
Ajax and the Importance of Tactical Philosophy
Ajax’s story in the last decade is a powerful reminder that tactics are not static—they evolve. A successful system must be adaptable, and a club must have a deep-rooted philosophy to fall back on when the cycle of success ends.
From 2018 to 2022, Ajax built an identity that inspired a new generation. The decline afterward shows how fragile success can be without stability and clear succession planning.
Yet, even in a period of tactical struggle, Ajax remains one of the most important clubs in European football—not just for their history, but for their courage to do things differently.
Conclusion
Ajax’s rise was based on identity, youth, and tactical clarity. Their fall was not sudden but a culmination of player exits, managerial turnover, and growing league competition. However, the club’s foundational philosophy remains intact.
In 2025, Ajax is working hard to build the next era—an era that blends tradition with innovation. The tactical blueprint may evolve, but the heart of Ajax football beats on.
As Ajax regroups to reclaim its position, the support of fans has never been more crucial. Whether you’re an Eredivisie loyalist or a football purist, stand behind the clubs that dare to create rather than copy.
Support your club. Support your youth. Support your league.
Because football with philosophy is what keeps the game beautiful.
