Bassey starts at Ajax – Frenkie de Jong against Weghorst and Malacia

Xavi is also converted: Frenkie de Jong is the ‘boss’ of reborn Barcelona

Frenkie de Jong only had to say yes last summer and he would have been a Manchester United player. He said no. Even though Barcelona showed him the exit and despite a vague prospect in Catalonia, he held firm.

And now? The 25-year-old midfielder comes to Manchester next week (normally), but as a Barcelona player. As a key player even. It’s Thursday night Barça against United in the Europa League and next week’s return at Old Trafford.

Frenkie de Jong and Etienne Capoue of Villarreal

Ajax pins hopes on Kudus against tough Union: ‘SO good in small space’

Hidden in his sports scarf, Mohammed Kudus is the last Ajax player to enter the training pitch on Wednesday afternoon. Once inside the lines, the 22-year-old ball wizard thinks nothing of hiding. For weeks now, he has been the standout in the Amsterdam side and trainer John Heitinga cherishes his talent.

“He has so many individual qualities,” said the coach during a press talk moments later at the Johan Cruijff Arena.