Ajax, founded in 1900, carry the weight of a name that still travels well beyond the Netherlands. Based at the Johan Cruijff Arena, they remain a reference point in Dutch football, even in a season where the table has them in fifth place rather than setting the pace.
The squad is sizeable and relatively young: 31 players with an average age of 24. Its market value is around £159m, according to Transfermarkt, which underlines the level of talent still moving through Amsterdam, even if consistency has not always followed.
Ajax have averaged 1.9 goals per home match and one conceded, while away from home they have still carried a threat, scoring 1.8 per game and conceding 1.4. Mika Godts leads the scoring with 17 goals, ahead of Oscar Gloukh and Wout Weghorst on nine each, with Davy Klaassen and Kasper Dolberg also contributing.
Their habit of starting quickly is notable: Ajax have scored the first goal inside 20 minutes in nine of 18 league matches. Recent form has been mixed, with a 0-0 draw at Heerenveen following a home defeat to FC Utrecht and a 2-2 draw with PSV, after back-to-back away wins at NAC Breda and Heracles Almelo.
Their season has also included the Champions League league phase, the KNVB Beker round of 16, and an Eredivisie Europa Play-offs semi-final. For Celtic supporters, Ajax remain a serious but uneven opponent: strong in attack, young in profile, and currently short of domestic command.
📈 Key stats and insights
⚔️ How they compare to Celtic
For Celtic supporters, Ajax profile as a dangerous but uneven opponent: their away scoring is strong and their overall defensive record stands out, yet their recent form and home results are not those of a side in full flow. Celtic would be looking at a team with enough attacking quality to punish mistakes, but also one that can be forced into pressure, cards and corner concessions away from home.
