Kenny Tete established himself as Ajax’s number one right back last season and will be looking to develop his game further under new boss Peter Bosz.
- By Michael Bell
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Born in Amsterdam, Tete was drafted into the Ajax academy aged 10, before working has way through the youth teams and signing his first professional contract in 2012. The right back then became a regular for Jong Ajax in the Eerste Divisie and eventually made his first team debut towards the end of the 2014/15 season.
Last summer Frank de Boer promoted Tete to the first team permanently and he soon overtook Ricardo van Rhijn as the starting right back for the season. The 20-year-old made 19 Eredivisie appearances and earned four caps for the Dutch national team before a torn ankle ligament ruled him out for 10 games. He returned to the line-up for the last few games but was left on the bench for the final league match against De Graafschap which Ajax drew to hand the title to PSV Eindhoven.
Tete’s superb season has seen the youngster linked with a number of big clubs, including Manchester United, but he is set to remain with Ajax for at least another season.
Style of play
Tete is an immensely talented right-back, who can also fill in at centre back. The 20-year-old is lightning quick, strong and powerful in the tackle. His reading of the game is his biggest strength, with Tete rarely giving opponents the chance to get past him.
Tete loves to bomb forward to join attacks, but needs to work on his crossing and final pass, having only provided one assist and no goals during last season.
What can we expect from Tete this season
Tete will hope to remain injury free so he can fully take part in the season, and should play a major role in Ajax’s pursuit of the title. Tete will also be looking to reclaim his place in the Dutch national team ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in September. Another strong season should see Tete prepare himself for a move abroad next summer.