A few years ago, Ajax looked to have lost their way. Their romanticised identity as European football’s most dependable breeding ground for the most technical, naturally-gifted young players in the game was, generally speaking, a thing of the past. Something chronicled only in the history books alongside the likes of Johan Cruyff, Dennis Bergkamp, and Frank Rijkaard. Then came Frenkie de Jong. In truth, Ajax’s renaissance’s predated the rise of de Jong, with the Amsterdam outfit making the final of the 2016/17 Europa League just as the young midfielder was making a first-team breakthrough. He sat on the bench for that game against Manchester United in Stockholm as fellow bright, young talents Davinson Sanchez, Kasper Dolberg, Matthijs de Ligt, Bertrand Traore and Hakim Ziyech played from the start. It wasn’t long before de Jong fully came to the fore, though. At just 21 years old, he is a central figure for both club and country, already tallying 50 appearances for Ajax. Physically imposing, technically able on the ball, comfortable at taking on opponents, mature beyond his years, prudent with possession… it’s easy to see why so many consider him the future of the Dutch game. Having missed the last two major tournaments (Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup), this is good news for the Netherlands. They need someone to build their next great team around and de Jong fits the bill. Ronald Koeman has already installed de Jong as a central pillar of his side, calling the youngster up for Netherlands' Nations League opener against world champions France last month. He didn’t appear overwhelmed by the occasion, but right at home among such company. Kylian Mbappe even made a point of asking for his shirt after the full-time whistle. De Jong is a distinctly modern sort of midfielder. Versatility, something that is instilled by Ajax in the majority of their youngsters, is one of his best qualities. De Jong even played as a centre back for a spell at the start of last season. This has resulted in a debate over what his position truly is.