Ajax dropped their first points of the Eredivisie on Sunday against SC Heerenveen.

The Amsterdammers led 2-0 after roughly 30 minutes thanks to an own goal from Bernt Klaverboer and a wonderful strike from long range from Abdellah Ouazane.

Heerenveen pulled a goal back at the end of the first-half before Maxence Rivera levelled the scoreline after around 80 minutes of play.

Ajax failed to respond after that and had to settle for a point in their first home game of the Eredivisie season.

While his best days may be behind him, one thing is clear: Marc ter Stegen is still an excellent goalkeeper. 

He did play a slightly misplaced pass, which led to Heerenveen winning the ball back for their first goal, but his overall performance with the ball at his feet was outstanding.

His ability to help Ajax play through or over the opposition's press is of immense value, and he will be crucial to Ajax's dominance this season. His pass to Caio Henrique, which led to the first goal, is a perfect example of what he can offer Ajax.

Ouazane scored his first goal for Ajax's first team on Sunday, and it was a very impressive one. He did well to keep the ball when pressed, showed good strength to hold off the defender, and, from a distance, found the top corner. It's still very early in the season, but it's probably safe to say there won't be many better goals than that scored in the Eredivisie this season.

Ouazane has typically played more centrally throughout his career, but has started both Eredivisie games so far on the left wing. With an overlapping full-back, which is a role Henrique can play, Ouazane can move into more central areas where he excels. 

Whether it's as a No. 10 or left winger, it is obvious that he should be getting a lot of minutes this season.

Ajax have signed Tolu Arokodare and Marcos Leonardo this summer, but Kasper Dolberg was the striker Michel opted to start with vs Heerenveen. Leonardo has looked very poor in his first few games, and it seems Michel prefers to bring Tolu on later in games, as opposed to starting him.

Dolberg, however, should not be starting games for Ajax. The club also want to sell him, so it's quite odd that Michel picked him to start a game. He was very poor in the game vs Shelbourne FC in Amsterdam despite scoring, and he once again looked way off the pace vs Heerenveen.

While he was excellent during his first spell in Amsterdam, his return has not gone to plan, and it is in everyone's best interest to part ways before the transfer window closes.

Ajax were defensively poor on Thursday night vs Shelbourne and were once again not good enough in that regard vs Heerenveen. Ajax's left-hand side in particular seems to be quite vulnerable, although the entire defence in general has looked quite unstable in the last two games.

There's a good argument now to be made that Ajax need to sign a right centre-back, or potentially play Youri Baas and Daley Blind together. Aaron Bouwman is immensely talented, but is still young and has a lot of developing to do. Dies Janse was brilliant on loan at FC Groningen last season, but it's unclear if Michel's sees him in his plans.

Josip Sutalo and Ko Itakura are players Ajax want to sell.

A new defensive midfielder who is dominant out of possession, is physical and can protect the back four is also crucial, and Ajax ideally need to sign a player in that position before the next Eredivisie game.

Michel took over a squad last season that had three managers and had no identity. Ajax also finished 28 points behind champions PSV Eindhoven. He will therefore need time to get his team up to speed, especially with so many new players who are still adapting to a new league and a new environment.

Over the first few games of the season, there are clear problems visible, but there have also been many positives. Michel simply needs time and support from the club and fans as he tries to get things in order. It's not a quick fix and won't happen overnight.