Julian Brandt joined Ajax on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund, and the midfielder has quickly become one of the most important players in Michel Sanchez's squad.

In the Eredivisie this season, Brandt has registered eight goals and two assists, and he has also found the back of the net twice during UEFA Conference League qualifying.

While Brandt has been used as the No. 10, he has quite a free role and often drops next to Ajax's deepest midfielder, and he also sometimes drifts out onto the wing to allow the winger to move into the half-space.

Brandt has created 33 chances in the Eredivisie this season. Only Anis Hadj Moussa, with 34, has created more. Brandt, however, has created 4,1 chances per 90, while Hadj Moussa has created 3,5 chances per 90.

Against AZ Alkmaar, Brandt was substituted off in the first half due to an injury. Michel Sanchez has rotated his starting lineup frequently, but Brandt has started in all of Ajax's last 13 games in all competitions.

In an interview in his post-match press conference after Ajax's 1-0 win against AZ Alkmaar on Saturday night in Amsterdam, Ajax head coach Michel spoke about Brandt's injury after the midfielder was taken off after 38 minutes and replaced by Oscar Gloukh.

"He started experiencing discomfort early in the race," Michel said, speaking about the German midfielder

"He felt he had to slow down as soon as he wanted to sprint; otherwise, he could sustain an injury. He therefore requested a substitution. He knows his own body best, but it does not appear to be a serious injury."

The fact that Brandt has started in Ajax's last 13 games shows how reliant the Amsterdammers are on him. As the season goes on and fatigue begins to accumulate, the midfielder will need to be rested in certain games to limit the chance of injury and keep him fresh.

Gloukh replaced Brandt when he came off against AZ Alkmaar, but while Gloukh is the type of player who often makes things happen, his decision-making and end product are often very poor. 

Abdellah Ouazane could also play in the No. 10 role. He has mainly played on the left wing this season, but often played more centrally for Jong Ajax.

Rayane Bounida has not played much this season, but Michel has previously said that while he can play in wider areas, he sees him predominantly as a no. 10. He had a solid season last year, registering two goals and nine assists in all competitions, playing in an Ajax team that was often quite dysfunctional.

Bounida should be seen as a serious option in the No. 10 position, but he has played very little this season, and it takes time for him to find match rhythm.