Rasmus Kristensen Reflects on Ajax Years and Names Frenkie de Jong as a Key Influence
Rasmus Kristensen has praised the remarkable group of players he encountered at Ajax, singling out Frenkie de Jong as one of the teammates he most enjoyed watching. The FC Midtjylland right-back shared his memories at a press conference ahead of his side’s Conference League meeting with Ajax, offering a personal perspective on a squad that made a major impression on European football.
Kristensen’s time in Amsterdam was brief, but it placed him inside a team packed with international talent and ambition. Ajax won the Dutch league and domestic cup in 2019, then reached the Champions League semi-finals in a campaign that captured the attention of fans across the continent. For the Danish defender, being part of that group was both a privilege and an important stage in his development.
Frenkie de Jong’s Quality Stood Out
Asked which former Ajax teammates had influenced him, Kristensen pointed to several players rather than naming just one. He spoke warmly about Lasse Schöne, a fellow Dane who understood Ajax’s culture and helped him adjust to life at the club. Schöne’s experience, familiarity with the team and willingness to share advice made him a valuable presence for the younger defender.
Kristensen also highlighted De Jong, who has since become a central figure for FC Barcelona. “I simply enjoyed watching Frenkie de Jong,” he said, reflecting on the midfielder’s ability to control the ball, find space and move play forward. De Jong’s composure in tight areas and his vision made him one of the most distinctive players in an Ajax side already rich in technical quality.
That admiration carries added significance because Kristensen was not only observing De Jong from the stands. He shared a dressing room and training ground with the midfielder during a formative period for both players. De Jong was emerging as one of Europe’s most exciting young talents, while Ajax were building a team capable of competing with the continent’s biggest clubs.
A Remarkable Generation of Ajax Teammates
De Jong was part of a wider collection of players Kristensen remembers with admiration. The defender also mentioned Matthijs de Ligt, Hakim Ziyech, Dusan Tadic and David Neres. Together, they formed a squad whose blend of youth, experience and attacking invention helped Ajax produce one of the most memorable European runs of the era.
De Ligt’s leadership at the back, Ziyech’s creativity, Tadic’s intelligence in the final third and Neres’ direct attacking play gave Ajax multiple ways to threaten opponents. Their success was not based on individual talent alone: the team’s collective movement, confidence in possession and willingness to press made them difficult to contain. Kristensen described the group as extraordinary, recalling how many high-level players were present at the time.
Ajax’s run to the Champions League semi-finals remains a defining chapter for the club and its supporters. The team defeated prominent European opposition on the way, earning attention for its fearless style and youthful energy. For players such as Kristensen, that environment offered a close-up view of what it takes to perform at the highest level: technical precision, tactical discipline and the ability to respond under pressure.
From a Historic Squad to a Changing Ajax
The current Ajax squad looks very different from the one Kristensen knew. He noted that Daley Blind is the only former teammate from his period who remains at the Amsterdam club. Kristensen also said he is still very good friends with Kasper Dolberg, another player connected to that generation.
That turnover is a familiar part of modern football, particularly at clubs known for developing young talent. Successful players often attract interest from Europe’s leading teams, while new prospects move into the first-team picture. Ajax have repeatedly had to rebuild after important departures, making each generation distinct even as the club’s wider identity continues to evolve.
For Kristensen, the approaching Conference League fixture therefore carries more than routine competitive significance. It brings him back to a club associated with a major period in his career and gives him an opportunity to measure his present level against a familiar opponent. The match also offers a reminder of how quickly squads change, even when memories of a successful team remain vivid.
Why Kristensen Chose to Leave
Kristensen joined Ajax during a period when competition for places was intense. Although he valued the experience, he recognised that established and highly talented teammates were ahead of him in the pecking order. He explained that he had been placed in a group of players who were better than him at the time and that he had to accept the reality of his situation.
After around 18 months, he concluded that regular first-team opportunities were unlikely. Moving on, he said, was the right decision for his career. The choice reflects a challenge many young footballers face at elite clubs: training alongside world-class teammates can accelerate learning, but development also depends on playing time and the chance to make mistakes in competitive matches.
Kristensen’s comments suggest he does not view his departure as a rejection of Ajax or a disappointment about the experience. Instead, he described his spell as a valuable education. He gained exposure to a high-performance environment, learned from experienced figures such as Schöne and watched players such as De Jong develop into stars. That knowledge could continue to shape his approach long after leaving Amsterdam.
What to Expect in the Conference League Meeting
The upcoming Ajax–Midtjylland contest adds a fresh chapter to Kristensen’s connection with his former club. Match predictions will naturally consider form, team selection and the pressure of European competition, but the defender’s personal history gives the fixture an added storyline. His familiarity with Ajax’s culture and some of its players may provide useful insight, even though the current team has changed substantially.
For supporters, the game offers a chance to compare two clubs with different footballing traditions and ambitions. Ajax are associated with technical development and possession-based play, while Midtjylland have built a reputation for organisation, physical intensity and a data-informed approach. The tactical contest could hinge on which side controls the midfield, creates space in wide areas and makes the most of transitions.
Whatever the result, Kristensen’s reflections underline the lasting impact of his Ajax years. He arrived in a squad filled with exceptional talent, learned from teammates who went on to reach the highest levels of the game and left when he needed a clearer path to regular minutes. His story is a reminder that a successful football career is shaped not only by trophies, but also by the choices players make to keep progressing.
