Ajax youth player Giovanni de la Vega made his mark during the ABN Amro Future Cup 2017 when he scored the only goal against Benfica in the second group-stage match. The 3 points collected from that match helped Ajax progress to the knock-out stages of the tournament. After a difficult match against Anderlecht, the Ajax U-17 squad reached the final of the tournament. The final of the ABN Amro Future Cup saw Ajax gain an early lead as Giovanni de la Vega managed to convert Bakker’s cross into a goal. Subsequently, a second Ajax goal quickly followed. The 2-0 lead proved enough for the Amsterdammers to clinch the title as Bayern did not manage to score during the remainder of the match. De la Vega’s input proved invaluable as they lifted the ABN Amro Future Cup once again. As a player, the ABN Amro Future Cup is not the first silverware De la Vega has put his hands on as he was crowned Dutch Champion with both Ajax U-14 and Ajax U-15 respectively 3 and 2 years ago.
As a Player
De la Vega arrived at Ajax in 2013 at the age of 13. Born on the 22nd of February in 2000, the left-footed Ajacied is a technically gifted attacking midfielder who can play as a winger as well. Standing 170 cm tall, aerial duels and defensive prowess are not his strongest suits. De la Vega describes himself as a playmaking midfielder who likes to play through-balls to launch a winger or striker from the centre of the park. He frequently practices this in training and this resulted in some excellent performances in the ABN Amro Future Cup. On occasion, De la Vega has exhibited a powerful strike in his left foot, capable of doing some serious damage from outside the box.
What the future holds
De la Vega’s father is of Chilean descent, thus allowing him to play for either the Chilean national team or Oranje in the future. Although he played a few matches already for Oranje U-17, he is currently representing both national teams having made his debut for Chile U-17 last December. De la Vega has recently been informed that he will progress to Ajax A1(U-19) next season. De la Vega himself is looking forward to continue his development and compete with the youngsters of the A1. His ultimate goal is to ensure his future at Ajax by signing a contract and make his debut for the senior team afterwards. At what position that may be? “Anywhere except as a defender, reaching the senior side is my goal. When that happens, I must be content with whatever position the manager decides” De la Vega concludes.