Standing at 6’5”, Dies Janse essentially epitomises the term ‘rearguard’ and the 19-year-old will no doubt become an integral part of Ajax backline in time.
Currently out on loan at FC Groningen, Janse is highly regarded in Amsterdam and one school of thought is that he could be the eventual heir to Virgil Van Dijk.
A left-sided centre-back, Janse is physically strong, a potent aerial threat and more than comfortable with the ball at his feet. Indeed, it is his impressive and accurate passing range that strikes comparisons with the Liverpool veteran, who has essentially won everything in the domestic game.
Particularly commanding and dominant, Janse has every advantage at his disposal to be successful and is clearly consolidating a great foundation to build on.
A Fit For The Ajax Model
Should Ajax decide that they want to keep Janse when he returns from his loan spell, the player certainly has the potential to become a key first team starter in time and his experience this season will do him no harm at all.
Whether Janse immediately becomes a starter remains to be seen; it may just depend on how he performs while out on loan, though he is more likely to be a squad player if anything.
Currently, there is a talented crop of youngsters at Ajax, including a couple in defence, so there is no reason why Janse can’t become part of a solid backline over the next few years.
Quality left-sided centre-backs are also somewhat of a rare breed these days in football as well, especially those who are tall and can play with the ball at their feet.
Being able to play out of the back is a key part of the ‘Ajax way’ and the age group that Janse is coming up in, when considering the quality around him, this can prove to be a key attribute, considering the talent of the players who will be on the pitch in front of him, should they also progress into the Ajax first team.
His vision in particular, is already proving to be a key asset; his ability to play long range, tactical passes has been irrepressible so far in his career.
While Ajax may currently not be performing as well as they have in previous years, there is the hope that with the crop of talented youngsters that are coming through their academy over the next few years, they are able to get back to the best.
Dutch Defenders A Premium
Known more for their attacking flair, Netherlands don’t produce many top quality centre-backs who can do it all. Even full-backs are more like wingers, though Janse appears to have everything that he needs to develop into one of the best.
While it is early days, he has shown that he has everything to excel at the highest level and could well turn out to be the heir to Van Dijk in the national team.