Ajax will be expecting big things from their big money January signing David Neres after some impressive cameos towards the end of last season from the Brazilian.
- By Michael Bell
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A part of the Sao Paulo Academy since the age of 10, Neres made a name for himself in the U20’s before he was finally handed his first team debut in August last year. After only eight appearances and three goals, Ajax swooped in January to bring the winger to Amsterdam for a fee of €12 million which could rise to €15 million. Neres became the second most expensive foreign signing in Eredivisie history behind Mateja Kezman.
He made his debut as a substitute in the win over Heracles on the 26th of February and went on to net three goals in his first three starts for the club. The first player to do this since a certain Luis Suarez. He made 12 appearances in total before the end of the season, including a half hour cameo from the bench in the Europa league defeat to Manchester United.
So far this season, Justin Kluivert and Amin Younes have been first choice on the wings, but Neres appeared from the bench in both legs of the Champions League qualifier against OGC Nice.
Style of play
Neres is a right-sided winger blessed with pace and excellent dribbling ability. He is unpredictable on the ball and can glide past defenders in a flash using his pace or a trick. He is direct but unselfish in possession, always looking for a teammate with a pass or a cross instead of going it alone. Neres also showed last season that he has good passing ability and an eye for goal.
His defensive contribution is good for a winger, and he works tirelessly to track down opponents if he loses the ball.
What to expect from Neres this season
After spending so much to bring the 20-year-old to Amsterdam, Ajax will be expecting fireworks from the Brazilian, who had a decent start to life in the Netherlands. He will be hoping to oust either Justin Kluivert or Amin Younes from the starting eleven and establish himself under Marcel Keizer.
Ajax fans were excited by the winger last season and if he can continue to score goals and contribute assists then he will become a favourite in Amsterdam. Luis Suarez certainly made a name for himself at Ajax and Neres will be looking to follow in his fellow South American’s footsteps.
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