The jury is very much out on one starlet in this fabled Ajax academy and one, who is very much being monitored closely and, with considerable intrigue.
When the son of a previously famous footballer starts emerging; especially if they are of a certain nationality or status, people start to pay close attention.
Just like his father was, Rafael, Damian Van Der Vaart very much appears to be enjoying life at Jong Ajax and, there is no doubt that he is a standout in this academy.
Whether this attention is justified, remains to be seen, though his name alone carries with it a certain weight of expectation, when you think about his dad’s achievements.
Raw Talent Is There
Certainly, anyone who has been paying close attention will know that Van Der Vaart junior has the talent to succeed, though, currently, he doesn’t appear to be on the same trajectory as his father was at the same age (19), so it is understandable that some may have doubts about whether he will reach the same level.
Of course, it takes time for some footballers to reach the highest level. For some, this happens during their late 20s while they even have to do it the ‘hard’ way and drop down a few leagues to work their way back.
While this is unlikely to happen with Van Der Vaart, it may take one or two more years before he becomes an established first team player. Primarily a right-footed, right sided winger, like his father, he has shown that he can play in the number 10 (attacking midfield) role, so time will tell what his natural position becomes.
He has also voiced that he wants to develop his own style rather than copy his father’s, though there are some similarities. With great technique (as is often the Ajax way, regardless of position), he has an eye for assists and is a talent from free-kicks, ironically, just like Van Der Vaart senior.
Could He Feel The Pressure To Succeed?
It will be interesting to see how Van Der Vaart junior handles the pressure and expectation to excel as a footballer and, indeed, what his level of ambition is.
Ajax have always been known for developing top talent and, currently in this Jong Ajax side, there are many to keep an eye on, while there are a couple out on loan. Rather like the Ajax senior side from quite a few years ago (which reached the Champions League semi-final) that had the likes’ of Frenkie De Jong and Mathjis De Ligt, who both rose from the youth sides, Van Der Vaart could have similar company that progresses with him.
All of these are talented players, so this may lessen the pressure on Van Der Vaart to succeed and, as such give him the headspace he needs to make it.
The next couple of years are going to be crucial for the player’s development and no doubt, he is already on the radar of many top European clubs who will be following his progress with intrigue.