Ajax completely overhauled their squad in the summer, making 12 new first-team signings, and one of the top priorities for the Amsterdammers was signing a new defensive midfielder.

Ajax's defensive midfield was a big problem last season. In the summer of 2025, Ajax signed James McConnell on loan from Liverpool, but his time at the Johan Cruijff ArenA didn't go to plan, and he returned to Anfield in January after just seven appearances. Youri Regeer and Jorthy Mokio were the two players who covered in defensive midfield most often last season.

In the final week of the summer transfer window, Ajax completed the signing of Sofyan Amrabat. The former Manchester United midfielder spent last season on loan at Real Betis, and his contract at Fenerbahçe was terminated in the summer, allowing Ajax to sign him on a free transfer.

Following the departure of Youri Regeer, Ajax were also in the market for an extra midfielder and signed Yves Bissouma on a free transfer. The Malian midfielder has been a free agent since his contract at Tottenahm Hotspur expired in the summer, which allowed Ajax to sign him even after the transfer window had closed.

Since moving to Ajax, Amrabat has made four appearances, but only started one game as he continues to adapt to life in Amsterdam.

In an interview with Voetbal International, Amrabat explained what Ajax head coach Michel Sanchez expects from him.

"The coach wants to play attacking football, so you need a number 6 who understands the game," Amrabat explained.

"When should you speed up, when should you slow down? When should you join the attack, when should you let go?"

"As a number 6, you have to ensure your team plays better, with and without the ball.

"Moving the game, switching sides, those are the things he expects from me.

"I am not someone who has to provide the final pass or score. And I am no Lionel Messi, who dribbles past three or four people, but I know what I can do," Amrabat said. 

Given the fact it is Michel Sanchez's first season and that Ajax signed so many new players during the summer, it was to be expected that there would be a few hiccups at the start of the season as Michel implementded his new system and as all the new signings adapted.

Ajax have had a few disappointing results so far, but the performances are improving quickly, and Ajax have been very dominant in recent games.

The three games before the international break provide a lot of reason for optimism. Ajax were outstanding against Fortuna Sittard and Willem II, winning both games 5-1. The 2-2 draw against Excelsior was a disappointing result, but Ajax were by far the better team and deserved to win.

Going forward, Ajax have been exceptional, averaging over three goals a game in all competitions so far this season. Julian Brandt and Tolu Arokodare have been particularly impressive so far this season, and Oscar Gloukh also found form before the international break.

From a defensive point of view, Ajax must improve if they want to win the Eredivisie this season. They don't concede many chances, but in both UEFA Conference League qualifying and the Eredivisie, Ajax have conceded goals which were fairly preventable.