Ajax have enjoyed a strong start to the season. They currently sit third in the table, level on points with Feyenoord and just one point behind league leaders PSV Eindhoven. The Amsterdammers have firmly established themselves in the title race.

Michel Sanchez's team have played very well in certain games. They have often dominated possession and created chances. That being said, there have also been games where they have played poorly, and it is clear that Michel still has a lot of work to do in order to get the system to where it needs to be.

One positive sign is that Ajax have found ways to win games even when they have not necessarily played well. Against Sparta Rotterdam, Ajax lost control of the game in the second half and conceded several chances, but they managed to hold on to their 1-2 lead to secure the three points. The same happened against AZ Alkmaar, where Ajax scored early on, but struggled to put Leeroy Echteld's side under any kind of sustained pressure afterwards. 

Winning when not playing well is a crucial quality of any title-winning side, especially in Ajax's case. They will likely go quite far in the UEFA Conference League, and as fatigue continues to accumulate throughout the season, they may struggle to always perform at their best.

Speaking on De Telegraaf's Kick-Off podcast, journalist Mike Verweij explained why Ajax are contenders for the Eredivisie title.

"Ajax really didn't play well against FC Twente," Verweij said.

"They didn't play against AZ, in the final stages against Sparta Rotterdam, or for a large part of the match against FC Midtjylland either, but you can see why Ajax is going to play a role in the title race.

"They are getting a lot of players back. Julian Brandt and Steven Berghuis. Daley Blind will eventually become a starter again... Abdellah Ouazane is still on the bench, and they are going to sign another winger in the winter."

Verweij's claim that Blind will become a starter again is very interesting. The defender has not played much this season, as he was sidelined for over two months after suffering an injury against Shelbourne FC in August, but he has recently returned to action.

In Blind's absence, Youri Baas has started the vast majority of games for Ajax on the left side of central defence, but Dies Janse has also started several games and has made a very positive impression.

Should Blind become a starter again, it could mean Janse would see his minutes reduced. Blind's best days are behind him, but he is still an exceptional player. He is technically excellent and has a great understanding of his game. 

Ajax have three quality left-footed centre-backs, and that means that the club should listen to offers for Baas in the winter transfer window. He is an excellent player, but Janse and Blind are more than good enough, and the money earned from Baas' departure could help Ajax improve the squad in other areas.

Baas attracted interest from Eintracht Frankfurt and FC Porto in the summer, and Barcelona are also said to have the defender on the radar as they look to strengthen their defence.