Whether you call it a football talent factory or a one-of-a-kind hotbed of football gems, Ajax Amsterdam has always been praised for its youth academy and countless prodigies.The list is endless and jaw-dropping… Johan Cruyff, Frank Rijkaard, Marco van Basten, Denis Bergkamp, Clarence Seedorf, Patrick Kluivert, Edgar Davids, Frenkie de Jong, etc.No surprises here – the most profitable football academiesHowever, even that well seems close to drought, which has already affected Ajax’s results in Europe and Eredivisie this season. At one point, they were even flirting with the relegation zone, which is unbelievable for the giants of their size, especially in the Netherlands. In the meantime, they’ve risen to the fifth place, but it’s still 31 points below the table-toppers and their archrivals PSV Eindhoven.For the first time in 29 years, there are ZERO Ajax players in the Dutch national team. 🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/6jXwqU5zU0— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) March 18, 2024 As if that was not enough to highlight the crisis the Dutch outfit has been going through, the latest squad announcement for the international friendlies has put Ajax under the spotlight worldwide. Believe it or not, Ronald Koeman’s 26-men Oranje squad hasn’t got a single Ajax player! 📋🦁 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐋𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 for March!Say hello to Quinten Timber! 🌟Welcome back, @Memphis, @GWijnaldum & @Marco_Bizot1! 💪#NothingLikeOranje pic.twitter.com/QR4pTm5gU8— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) March 15, 2024 Such a bizarre outcome is happening for the first time in almost 30 years. Back in 1995, there were no Ajax players, but due to a boycott following issues between the club and the Dutch football federation following their Champions League win. Then-national team coach Guus Hiddink called up eight players of Louis van Gaal’s side, and the only reason no one showed up was that mentioned dispute.AjaX files – the chronicles of the giant’s fall, Steijn got what was comingBut ever since, there has been at least a handful of Ajax players in the Oranje shirt for the international duty.Injuries to players like Brian Brobbey, Steven Bergwijn, and Steven Berghuis, who might have been considered for selection this time, have further complicated matters.He used to win trophies – and nowadays, he wins throw-insAnyhow, there will still be one Ajax player in action in the upcoming days, as experienced Jordan Henderson was called up by Gareth Southgate for the Three Lions’ friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.##NAJAVA_MECA_7968377##
