Ajax have such an incredible academy set-up and model that when they lose a generational talent like Matthijs de Ligt, it doesn't affect them all that much.
Because more often than not, whenever they lose some of their best players, another player emerges from the ranks.
And after De Ligt joined Juventus in a £67.5 million deal, Ajax are almost definitely not going to splash big money on a replacement centre-back.
Instead, they will stick to their ethos by further integrating fellow 19-year old defender Perr Schuurs into the ranks. The former Fortuna Sittard man has made four appearances for Ajax having made his debut for the Amsterdam club as a substitute in October in 2018 but has been especially impressive in pre-season.
Perr Schuurs has really impressed me so far this pre-season.
Marc Geschwind, co-found of popular football account @EiFSoccer, posted a compilation of Schurrs' best bits in the friendly against Watford.
Advert
And while two minute clips don't always give a fully accurate representation, it's clear to see that the kid does carry resemblance to De Ligt in his imposing 6 ft 3 frame, composed reading of the game and ability on the ball.
Perr Schuurs vs. Watford Easily the Man of the Match, Schuurs is taking his chances now that de Ligt has left. After a good performance against İstanbul Başakşehir, Schuurs was flawless today. He picked out so many great passes and was always in the right spot defensively.
perr schuurs is gonna be the new de ligt. what a talent and potential he's showing during preseason
The son of a former Dutch international handball player and the sibling of a professional tennis player (Demi Schuurs) - the youngster would appear to have sport in his family.
Advert
And you'd have to say he's a natural-born leader because he was captaining Fortuna in the second tier of Dutch football when he was just 17 before he went on to play 29 times for Ajax's second team in the division a year later.
We're not saying he's going to surpass De Ligt but he's definitely one worth keeping tabs on in the coming months.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Matthijs de Ligt, Football, Eredivisie, Dutch football, Ajax, Netherlands, Juventus