Ajax lost their second game of the season in all competitions against Hajduk Split in Croatia in their first league phase game of the UEFA Conference League.

The home side took the lead in the first half before Davy Klaassen levelled the score in the 53rd minute. Ajax's joy was short-lived, though, as Hajduk Split restored their lead just minutes later.

After going 2-1 down, Ajax had a few decent chances to equalise, and Oscar Gloukh even hit the woodwork, but the Amsterdammers failed to convert those chances and had to settle for a defeat in Split.

Ajax are now winless in their last three games in all competitions. Michel Sanchez will travel with his team to the north of the Netherlands this weekend to face FC Groningen in the Euroborg.

While Ajax have had a turbulent start to the season, Aaron Bouwman has been impressive. The defender started all of Ajax's first four Eredivisie games before suffering an injury against PSV Eindhoven. He returned to action against NEC Nijmegen on Saturday, coming on for the last 17 minutes and returned to the starting line-up against Hajduk Split on Thursday.

Speaking on Ziggo Sport after Ajax's loss in Split, Frank de Boer praised Bouwman and drew comparisons between the Ajax defender and Virgil van Dijk in the early years of his career.

"At half-time, I already said that he was the only one who impressed me a little," De Boer said, speaking about Bouwman.

"He was calm, made good choices, and his first touches were often good. He creates situations where someone has to step out, so you can start an attack again.

"He's just doing well and he actually reminds me a bit of Virgil van Dijk in his younger years.

"He has the same presence, and he has the height too. I don't know about the speed yet, but he is still young. He does have a lot of potential, so let's hope he follows this path."

Bouwman has often played next to Youri Baas this season, as Daley Blind has not played in over two months due to an injury. De Boer believes, however, that Bouwman would only look better playing next to the experienced defender.

"Having Blind next to him gives him so much confidence, also in his intelligence, and that only makes you better."

Bouwman is still young and has aspects of his game that he must improve, but he has the ability to become one of Europe's best centre-backs and will likely be a crucial player for Ajax in the coming years.

On the ball, he is exceptional and very progressive. He is good under pressure and can carry the ball forward. He can also break lines and find players between the lines with his passing.

Out of possession is where most of his current weaknesses are. He sometimes makes careless mistakes and seemingly loses concentration in certain moments. He is only 19 years old, and that element of his game will only improve as he gains more experience.

Ajax signed Thilo Kehrer in the summer, but Bouwman should play the majority of minutes for Michel's side in the right centre-back position. Kehrer played at right-back against Hajduk Split and could play a lot of minutes in that position this season.