Ajax had to settle for a point against Excelsior on Saturday night, and now sits 5th in the Eredivisie after seven games, five points behind AZ Alkmaar, who are currently at the top of the league.

Against Excelsior, Michel Sanchez decided to start Jorthy Mokio as the defensive midfielder, in a midfield three alongside Davy Klaassen and Julian Brandt.

Sofyan Amrabat, who joined Ajax on a free transfer late in the summer transfer window to play as the no. 6, was benched for Mokio and came on only for the final 15 minutes against Excelsior.

Amrabat has now made four appearances for Ajax, but has only started once, which was Ajax's 1-5 win against Fortuna Sittard in Limburg.

Mokio also started as the no. 6 against Willem II, with Amrabat having started on the bench. 

In his post-match press conference after the game against Excelsior, Michel explained his decision to start Mokio instead of Amrabat.

"I ultimately chose Mokio because I knew they would play very aggressively. I wanted to respond to aggression with aggression," Michel explained.

"I don't know if we would have conceded the goals with Amrabat. He has my full confidence as well."

It is quite interesting that Michel has started using Mokio as the deepest midfielder, as before Amrabat was signed, Youri Regeer was starting for Ajax as a no. 6. The midfielder ended up leaving Ajax on loan to join Werder Bremen, but Michel continued to pick him, even though he was very clearly struggling. 

Since Regeer last played for Ajax, Mokio has started as the no. 6 in games against Telstar, PSV Eindhoven, Willem II and Excelsior. This indicates that Michel sees the young midfielder as a genuine option for the defensive midfield position.

Mokio is an outstanding player, but he is more of a no. 8, as opposed to a no. 6. He likes getting up and down the pitch and is not the kind of player who sits deep all game, protecting the back four. He likes to get forward when he has the chance.

Amrabat should start as many games as possible. He adds a wealth of experience to the starting line-up, and he is a quality footballer. He is very comfortable on the ball, is progressive in possession and knows how to control the tempo of games. From a defensive standpoint, he is also very good. He can cover a lot of ground and is a good ball-winner. He is a relatively complete player, and from a defensive point of view, he definitely strengthens Ajax.

Mokio should predominantly be used as a no. 8, with Amrabat and Yves Bissouma the two players who Michel should use in the no. 6 position.