Who is Axel Dongen: Ajax academy's wonder talent

A bright young talent under the Ajax development system.

Before entering the Ajax development system, Van Axel Dongen, an Almere native, played youth football with Zeeburgia and OSV Amsterdam. In September 2020, he agreed to his first professional deal with the team. He played up until halfway for the squad coached by Mitchell van der Gaag on May 7, 2021, in a 1-1 draw against De Graafschap, making his big break for Jong Ajax as a starter.

He also started the following game, which was also the season's final, a 1-2 away victory over Telstar. Van Axel Dongen opened the scoring just before halftime with a helper from Kian Fitz-Jim. He was replaced by Nordin Musampa in the 62nd minute.

Van Axel Dongen received the Abdelhak Nouri trophy as the top performer in the Ajax junior programme for the 2020–21 campaign. 

Future star Van Axel Dongen has long been predicted. He received Ajax's coveted Abdelhak Nouri Award in 2021, which is given to the academy's top potential. Ryan Gravenberch and Matthijs de Ligt, both ex-players of the club, were the previous winners.

He has played 46 times for Ajax across all age categories, tallying 17 goals and 7 assists. The 18-year-old, who was formerly on Chelsea's radar, prefers to operate on the left wing but enjoys cutting in onto his right foot.

Manchester United's top target

The summer transfer market will be hectic for Manchester United, and Erik ten Hag may be capable of using his contacts at Ajax to recruit a promising young player.

Ten Hag joined United last year after leaving the Dutch powerhouses, but he made most of his experience there to his benefit in the transfer window. United spent more than £140 million to get Lisandro Martinez and Antony from Ajax in the summer, and they have expressed interest in going back to Amsterdam this year to recruit further players.

Ten Hag is familiar with Amourricho van Axel Dongen since he oversaw his advancement from the club's academy to the main squad. The connection with Van Axel Dongen may prove advantageous to him during the summer transfer window.

Axel Dongen: Playing style

"He is quick, has a great technique and a fantastic vision. In particular, his ability to control the ball under pressure in small spaces makes him a very special player." Ouaali said during a summer interview with Ajax TV. 

However, Dongen is a young forward and has a long road ahead of him, but he will surely progress over time if he maintains his consistency and could be on the list of one of the best young forwards.