Dies Janse Believes Ajax Teammate Can Help Him Improve: "A Real Beast"

Will Ajax win the Eredivisie this season?

Ajax overhauled their central defence during the summer transfer window.

Josip Sutalo moved to Lazio on an initial loan deal, and the Italian side has the option to make the transfer permanent next summer. Ko Itakura also returned to Borussia Mönchengladbach after a disappointing year in Amsterdam, and Ahmetcan Kaplan moved to NEC Nijmegen on a permanent transfer after a successful loan spell there last season.

To replace those players, Ajax brought Daley Blind back to the club on a free transfer for his third spell at Ajax, following the expiry of his contract at Girona. Ajax also signed Thilo Kehrer on loan from AS Monaco, and Dies Janse returned to the club following a successful loan spell last season at FC Groningen.

Janse started 30 games in the Eredivisie last season for Groningen, and his performances attracted interest from European clubs, including reportedly Club Brugge.

Ajax were adamant, however, that Janse was not for sale, and he recently signed a contract extension with the club, keeping him at the Johan Cruijff ArenA until June 2030.

Tolu Arokodare has made a huge impact in the early stages of the season. The Nigerian striker has scored six goals in nine appearances in all competitions and has been one of Ajax's standout performers.

In an interview with Sportnieuws.nl , Janse revealed that he believes facing Tolu in training can help him become a better centre-back.

"The training level at Ajax is incredibly high," Janse explained.

"Some guys have joined me from whom I can learn a whole lot. So I'm in a good place to develop myself further."

Janse was asked what aspects of his game he believes he can improve.

"Actually, there is something to gain in every area," Janse said.

"Physically, turning and twisting, and getting stronger. Well, if I can face Tolu, that can only be a good thing. He is a real beast."

Jordi Cruijff has received some criticism for building an Ajax team that is particularly focused on winning in the short term, as opposed to the long term. Janse's contract extension, however, is an example that Cruijff is also trying to ensure Ajax are successful beyond just this season.

Youri Baas will likely play the majority of minutes for Ajax in the left centre-back position, and Blind will probably also get his fair share of minutes in that position, although he has not played since 13 August as he continues to recover from an injury.

Janse is also left-footed, and his minutes this season may therefore be limited, but Baas will likely leave in the next 12 months, whether that be in January or the summer. He already attracted interest from FC Porto and Eintracht Frankfurt last summer.

When Baas leaves, Ajax already have his successor in Janse. He has a lot of qualities to develop into a very good central defender, and Ajax extending his contract shows they have a long-term plan for him.