Friday, 5th July, 2013
The young defenders at Eredivisie side Ajax could not help but be awestruck by the great talent that is Jaap Stam, with the players paying homage to the former defender’s "relentless" mindset.
Stam, who was given the role of defensive coach beginning next season, is certainly no stranger to the playing philosophy of the Dutch champions. Indeed, Stam played for Ajax for one-and-a-half seasons from 2006 to 2007, winning two Johan Cruyff shields as well as the Dutch Cup along the way.
With Ajax having Frank de Boer as manager, Stam will certainly feel more at home, with the two having been partners in the Holland national team.
Now Stam, who also starred for Manchester United, is sharing his defensive expertise with a new generation of Ajax players, who have found the legendary 40-year-old "like no other".
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"He teaches us on how to relentlessly engage an attacker face-to-face", Stefano Denswil, 20, told the club’s official site.
"We have already seen him do it on television. That aura that said: ‘this ball is mine’. As a defender, he [taught us] to show the conviction that no one can go past you."
Denswil further added: "We can always approach him with questions, but he is also looking for us to suggest what we can do to improve. As a former top defender, he knows [his sport] like no other."
Another youngster, 21-year-old Dico Koppers, said Stam "examined [my talents] under a microscope and discussed it with me. He explained everything very well and gave indications on how I can improve. He’s good to have around."
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