Owen Wijndal reportedly came close to leaving Ajax during the summer transfer window. Ajax were reportedly open to parting ways with the left-back, who is now in the final year of his contract at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.

Ajax also signed two left-backs during the summer. They signed Caio Henrique from AS Monaco, as well as Jofre Torrents from Barcelona. 

Henrique started the majority of games for Ajax before suffering a thigh injury against Excelsior in September. The Brazilian returned to the matchday squad against FC Twente, but did not come on.

Jofre Torrents has only made three appearances, and his only start came against Hajduk Split in the Conference League, where he produced a poor performance. He has only played once since, when he came on as a substitute against FC Midtjylland. Wijndal has started most games at left-back in Henrique's absence, and he has played well in several games.

Speaking to ESPN after Ajax's 2-2 draw against FC Twente in Enschede on Sunday afternoon, Wijndal spoke about how his game has changed under Michel Sanchez, who became Ajax head coach in the summer.

Often this season, Wijndal has played in the half space high up the pitch, making underlapping runs as opposed to overlapping runs to hold the width. 

"The coach really emphasises that," Wijndal said when asked about the underlapping runs he makes.

"If there is space in the half-space, I can receive the ball there and create something myself, or the winger can be played directly.

"It is unnecessary for me to overlap then, so it is better to make a run inside and pick up the ball there, or the winger can make a run on his own. I think we have been doing that all season, and it is working well."

Michel has profiled Wijndal very well, and the left-back is thriving. He will likely continue to be a very important player for Ajax this season, which many would not have expected at the start of the season.

A lot has been said about how impressive some of Ajax's new signings have been. The likes of Tolu Arokodare, Julian Brandt and Marc ter Stegen have been crucial to Ajax's success this season, but Michel has improved several players who were already at the club when he arrived at Ajax.

As mentioned, Wijndal has improved greatly. Jorthy Mokio was clearly always a top talent, but his game has also improved this season. Lucas Rosa, who has started most games at right-back this season, has also had a very strong start to the season.

Oscar Gloukh has been frustrating to watch at times this season due to his end product being poor, but he has also improved under Michel. He has already registered 14 goal contributions this season, just one less than he had last season, and in 18 fewer appearances. In the Eredivisie last season, Gloukh created 1,67 chances per 90 minutes. This season, he has created 2,96 chances per 90 minutes.

While Ajax have a much better squad than they did last season, Michel's ability to profile players correctly to get the best out of them has also played a massive role in the club's improved form.