Ajax completed the signing of Sofyan Amrabat on a free transfer after his contract with Fenerbahçe was terminated in the summer.

Amrabat has made nine appearances for Ajax this season and has started in all of Ajax's last five games. He is quickly becoming a key player in Michel Sanchez's midfield, and he and Jorthy Mokio, who often plays as the No. 8, complement each other well.

Out of possession, Amrabat has been quite impressive. He covers ground and contributes a lot defensively. In the Eredivisie this season, he has averaged more defensive actions per 90 minutes than any other Ajax player.

In the Eredivisie this season, he has won possession back 6.50 times per 90 minutes, which is the most of any Ajax midfielder. He averages 2.4 tackles per 90 minutes and 1.80 interceptions, the most of any Ajax player.

On the ball, there is still room for improvement. In certain moments, he is too slow on the ball and needs to increase the tempo. He does have a good passing range, though, and he averages more line-breaking passes per 90 minutes than any other Ajax player in the Eredivisie this season.

Speaking on ESPN's Voetbalpraat show, former Ajax striker Kenneth Perez said that while Amrabat is doing well, especially out of possession, he would use Daley Blind in defensive midfield due to his qualities in possession.

"I think at number six," Perez said when talking about where Blind should play.

"Amrabat is doing well; at least he runs fast and is everywhere on the pitch, but I prefer someone who brings more composure on the ball.

"Someone who plays the ball to teammates and breaks lines. I consider the number six position the new number ten. Your number six gets your team playing football."

Blind has played in midfield at times throughout his career, but he is no longer mobile enough to cover the ground that a defensive midfielder needs to cover. He is far better suited to playing in central defence, where his strengths are maximised and his weaknesses are minimised. 

In central defence, he still plays a crucial role in build-up and can help his team progress the ball up the pitch.

Amrabat is not yet at his best, but he is gaining confidence and finding rhythm. He strengthens Ajax significantly, and as the data shows, he is quite progressive on the ball. He just needs to play at a faster tempo at times.

Ajax have gained real momentum over the last three games, and apart from the second half against Sparta, they played quite well across all three games. Michel opted to start a midfield three of Amrabat, Mokio and Julian Brandt in all three games. Those three midfielders complement each other well; they are playing well together, and there is therefore no need to make any big changes to it.