Erik Ten Hag’s Ajax: In-Depth Tactical Analysis for the 2020-21 Season
Since Erik Ten Hag’s appointment as head coach in December 2017, Ajax have experienced a resurgence in both domestic and European competitions. Under his guidance, the Dutch giants have reclaimed the Eredivisie title, re-established themselves on the European stage with a memorable run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, and displayed a consistently dominant playing style. Ten Hag’s transformative influence has produced remarkable win rates—74% since his tenure began, increasing to a staggering 81% in the 2020-21 season, with Ajax standing 11 points clear at the top of the league. Let’s break down the tactical concepts powering Ajax’s impressive run.
Tactical Framework: Flexible 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 Systems
Central to Ajax’s success is their flexible approach to formation. While their official setup is often listed as a 4-3-3, in practice the structure fluidly shifts to resemble a 4-2-3-1, particularly in midfield roles. The central midfielder—occupied by players such as Donny van de Beek during earlier campaigns and Zakaria Labyad in 2020-21—operates high up the pitch, often contributing directly to attacking moves rather than anchoring the midfield as a traditional ‘6’.
Flanking this role, the right-sided central midfielder, typically Davy Klaassen, brings energy as a box-to-box presence, while the left-sided midfielder, currently Ryan Gravenberch, provides composure and technical excellence, similar to his predecessor Frenkie de Jong. The constant interchange between these midfielders, unbound by rigid ‘6’, ‘8’, or ‘10’ labels, creates a dynamic and unpredictable core, linking defensive build-up directly with attacking fluency.
In the forward line, the arrival of Sebastien Haller has introduced a classic number nine, transforming the attack. Haller quickly accumulated 7 goals and 5 assists from his first 12 appearances, offering a focal point Ajax previously lacked. Dusan Tadic, returning to a natural position on the left wing, boasts a remarkable 26 goal involvements in 27 games, while winger Antony, signed from Sao Paulo, contributed 8 goals and 8 assists. When Antony’s form waned, David Neres stepped up, highlighting the squad’s depth and adaptability.
Defensively, Ajax rely on versatile players. Lisandro Martinez, Edson Alvarez, and Daley Blind shift seamlessly between centre-back and holding midfield positions. Perr Schuurs, at just 21, solidified his role alongside Blind. On the flanks, Nicolas Tagliafico and Noussair Mazraoui maintain width and defensive stability. Andre Onana’s consistency in goal provides further confidence, having secured 9 clean sheets in 20 league appearances at this stage.
Building From the Back: Possession and Constructive Progression
Possession-based football is at the heart of Ajax’s philosophy, with no Eredivisie side surpassing their passing and possession statistics. Their approach to building from the back is highly methodical, orchestrated often by Daley Blind and supported by Ryan Gravenberch, who drops deep to facilitate progression—echoing the style of former lynchpin Frenkie de Jong.
Martinez and Schuurs also contribute with assured passing out from central defense, ensuring Ajax can advance through the thirds with patience or intensity, depending on match context. The hallmark of their build-up play is versatility: Ajax frequently deploy short, sharp ground passes with rapid ball circulation, actively seeking optimal spaces to progress.
Most Dutch league opponents utilize similar 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formations, which allows Ajax to consistently apply their preferred play-out patterns. Against teams pressing in a 4-4-2, Ajax often create advantageous 4v2 situations at the base, enabling a midfielder—frequently Gravenberch—to find pockets of space between lines and drive the ball forward. When the press attempts to track the movement of their ‘six’, the centre-backs freely recycle possession or find fullbacks/advanced midfielders in space.
The incorporation of Sebastien Haller brings additional options—Ajax can play more directly through a true target man when required, diversifying their attacking potential without sacrificing possession-based principles.
Exploiting Overloads and Zig-Zag Patterns
Advancing upfield, Ajax utilize carefully coordinated overloads to break down defensive lines, especially against teams defending in low or mid-blocks. Their approach often involves stacking numbers on one side, notably the left where Blind and Tagliafico collaborate. Here, Ajax employ a staggered, zig-zag passing motif—using direct, one-touch combinations to unbalance opponents and penetrate defensive structures.
In such overloads, Ajax’s left-sided center-back may initiate play to the fullback, allowing the fullback to then feed the ball into midfield or wide areas, depending on the opposition’s defensive response. This setup forces defenders into difficult choices—pressing the ball risks freeing up space behind them; holding shape grants Ajax time to advance purposefully.
A key aspect is the positional intelligence of fullbacks and midfielders. Blind, with his technical acumen, frequently joins midfield exchanges and attacks from deep, compounding the opposition’s marking dilemmas and providing new passing lanes. Meanwhile, the opposite fullback and midfielder remain high and wide, stretching the defensive shape and preparing for quick switches of play.
Combination Play and Rotations in the Final Third
Ajax’s attacking potency stems from more than raw numbers—they are among Europe’s most inventive in creating and converting chances. Their trademark is a flurry of one-touch passing and instinctive layoffs in and around the penalty area. Attacking players regularly receive passes with their back to goal, inviting defenders out before releasing the ball to a supporting teammate, while a third attacker exploits the newly vacated space.
Crucially, Ajax’s width—often maintained by fullbacks—enables their wingers to drift inside and combine with midfielders. During positional rotations, wingers and midfielders interchange, causing confusion for opposing defenders and making Ajax’s attack difficult to predict or contain. For example, if an outside midfielder draws coverage, a winger may fill the gap centrally, allowing sustained penetration between the lines. This movement also opens channels for overlapping fullbacks to advance, increasing crossing or cutback opportunities. Notably, Ajax average the most crosses per game in the league, but these are strategically set up, often by advanced wingers such as Tadic or Antony.
Ten Hag’s flexibility is also evidenced in his deployment of forwards: Tadic serves as a false nine in some matches, enhancing midfield overloads, while a classic target man like Haller provides a direct threat against deep-defending opposition. This adaptability, based on the specific opponent, optimizes Ajax’s creative and tactical strengths.
Ensuring Defensive Balance and Effective Pressing
Though Ajax are celebrated for their attacking flair, their defensive coherence is equally impressive. Conceding just 20 goals in 27 league fixtures, Ten Hag’s system is built on proactive ball recovery and disciplined transition. Defensive solidity is maintained through coordinated coverage: if one defender pushes up, teammates hold position to guard against counterattacks, ensuring the overall shape remains intact.
Ajax excel at counterpressing, quickly swarming the ball carrier in the immediate aftermath of losing possession—especially near the sidelines, where they use the touchline as a defensive aid. Their pressing strategy prioritizes ball-oriented actions—players close down the recipient and surrounding passing options, regaining control high up the pitch.
During sustained defense, Ajax’s shape more clearly morphs into a 4-2-3-1, with Labyad positioned ahead of the double pivot. The focus remains on denying central space and funneling opponents out wide, creating opportunities to re-engage their aggressive press and regain possession.
Conclusion: The Ten Hag Blueprint for Modern Ajax
The transformation of Ajax under Erik Ten Hag is rooted in tactical sophistication, player adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of attacking and defensive excellence. Whether orchestrating complex midfield roles, engineering precise build-up schemes, or ensuring a high defensive line and aggressive press, Ten Hag’s methods have propelled Ajax to the top of Dutch football—and restored their reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting teams. His evolving approach continues to inspire both results and admiration, establishing a modern blueprint for total football in Amsterdam.
