Is Yves Bissouma a good signing for Ajax?
A new defensive midfielder during the summer transfer window was one of Ajax’s top priorities.
The Amsterdammers held talks over a potential deal to bring Edson Alvarez back to the club, but that deal did not materialise.
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In the final week of the transfer window, Ajax completed the signing of Sofyan Amrabat. The former Manchester United player spent last season on loan at La Liga outfit Real Betis, and his contract with Fenerbahçe was terminated towards the end of August. That allowed Ajax to sign him on a free transfer. The Moroccan midfielder signed a two-year deal with Ajax, keeping him at the Johan Cruijff ArenA until June 2028.
Following the departure of Youri Regeer, who joined Bundesliga club Werder Bremen on loan for a year, Ajax remained in the market for another midfield addition. Cruijff was reportedly monitoring the market on deadline day, but no deal materialised at the time.
Ajax therefore assessed the free agent market and has now confirmed the signing of Yves Bissouma. The midfielder, who was linked to Ajax even before the transfer window closed, has signed a one-year contract with Ajax, with various reports claiming that there is an option to extend for a further year. Bissouma provides Michel Sanchez with another player who can play as a no. 6, and he can also play as a no. 8.
Bissouma brings a wealth of experience with him to Amsterdam, having played over 200 Premier League games following four years at Brighton and Hove Albion and four years at Tottenham Hotspur.
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In an interview with ESPN, Amrabat explained why he decided to join Ajax in the summer, saying that technical director Jordi Cruijff played a crucial role in convincing him to move to Amsterdam.
“What appealed to me most is that he is very ambitious,” Amrabat said, speaking about Cruijff.
“He wants to win and compete on three fronts. I also really want to win and I am hungry.
“I think he has already proven himself. Of course, we still have to see where we stand at the end of the season. But I think he has put together a very strong team, with a very good staff. A big compliment to him.”
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Ajax now have a very strong midfield. Amrabat and Bissouma provide Michel with two quality and experienced defensive midfielders. Jorthy Mokio can also play there, although he is arguably more effective in a more advanced role.
In the no. 8 position, Ajax have Mokio and Davy Klaassen, who give Michel a nice blend of youth and experience, as well as two players with different profiles. Bissouma can also play there, as can Julian Brandt.
In the no. 10 position, Ajax have Brandt, who has quickly become one of Ajax’s most important players. Abdellah Ouazane, Oscar Gloukh and Rayane Boundia can also play there.
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Ouazane has had a great start to the season and looked bright in the minutes he has played. While he has predominantly played on the left wing so far, he can also play as a no. 10. In some games, perhaps Brandt as the no. 8 and Ouazane as the attacking midfielder could be a combination Michel chooses.
All in all, Ajax have multiple quality players in all three midfield positions. The squad depth is crucial as Ajax are aiming to compete on multiple fronts, both domestically and continentally.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
