Cheeky Chip

WC Final: The Ajax vs Barcelona Show-Down

By Dominic Vieira, writing from Lisbon

There is a whole new side to the World Cup final between The Netherlands and Spain. Both nations play football at it’s highest level under a unique, but similar philosophy. The driving force behind The Orange is Ajax and in La Roja is FC Barcelona. But what exactly does this mean?

Ajax and Barcelona possess quality football academies, if not the best in the world where technically talented and intelligent players are constantly produced each year. They both believe in the concept of “Total Football” - where any outfield player can seamlessly assume the role of any other in the team.

The concept was introduced and created by Rinus Michels, a Dutch manager who was successful for Ajax, Barcelona and the Netherlands. Johan Cruyff was one of the talented players who was coached by Michels, he’s viewed as the pioneer and icon of ‘Total Football’.

When Cruyff retired to become a manager he adopted the philosophy, furthermore he adapted and expanded it. He took it to the next level, focusing on the movement of the players - where they should be running and not running to on or off the ball.

Johan Cruyff was a successful manager for both Ajax and Barcelona. In Spain he won 4 consecutive La Liga titles and the Champions League in 92. Pep Guardiola played under the great Dutchman and was highly influenced by him as a player, manager and person. When he became the manager in 2008, he won all 6 titles. Barcelona play a game similar to the “Cruyffian footballogy” which was used at Ajax and Barcelona, just like Cruyff, Guardiola revived and renewed ‘Total Football”. It’s not a surprise that Barcelona are the best team in the world because of their style of play.

Ajax and Barcelona have been producing world class, complete players for years who become key components for both club and country. With the exception of Fabregas, the Barcelona cantera players rarely leave the club, they generally and establish themselves in the team and national team. Ajax youth products leave the club after a few seasons to play in a more competitive league, however they are re-united in the national team.

Here is a look at the players produced by Ajax and Barcelona who will play in the final:

Barcelona

Valdes, Pique, Puyol, Busquets, Xavi, Fabregas (left at age of 16 for Arsenal), Iniesta, Pedro

Ajax

Stekelenburg, Heitinga, Ooijer (left at 20 and never made a first team appearance), Van der Wiel, De Jong, Sneijder, Van der Vaart, Babel

The key for both sides is in the midfield, where Ajax dominate the Dutch midfield and the Barça boys play the “tiki-taka” for the Spanish. It’s hard to pin-point a key player in both sides, but if one had to be selected it would be Xavi and Sneijder. The two midfield maestros are pioneers of the game, they are the driving force of their team, always running up and down the field, looking for the killer pass and dictating the play. They are two excellent players in a world of their own, with a vision of their own and will be pulling the strings today. However, the success of the team is not based on their individual performance; but how the team attacks, defends and moves as one unit.

The winner today will go down in the history books as neither team has ever lifted the World Cup. However, both teams will be remembered, they will be introducing and demonstrating the new era of football, the 21st century ‘Total Football”. Ajax, Barcelona, Rinus Michels, Guardiola and Johan Cruyff have been the catalysts in the creation and development of this style of play.

But the conductors tonight are Del Bosque and Bert van Marwijk, the 22 players are the orchestra and the millions of eyes watching are the spectators. Let the show begin!

On a final note, let the best team win!