Uniqueness can be a burden. Nuanced tactics mean elite players must be adaptable and master all aspects of the game – there’s no hiding from meticulous analysts as lopsided talents like Trent Alexander-Arnold have discovered. Marco Verratti’s oddly non-existent goal threat has stumped various attempts to deploy him as a 10, for example. Ajax’s new midfielder Branco van den Boomen, however, is just as distinctive but isn’t exposed so easily. His signing could transform Ajax’s midfield.
‘Quarterback’ is the best way to describe van den Boomen. Mirroring the NFL’s best, his arrowed diagonal balls from deep seem to hold up at the last second, dropping neatly into a runner’s path. A graceful yet business-like technique sees Branco both punch through the ball and strike across it at the same time. Few strike a ball as cleanly.
Dictating play from the base of Toulouse’s three-man midfield, which should be replicated by his new employers, van den Boomen’s creativity and vision are highlighted by some impressive stats. His 321 progressive passes were the most in Europe’s top 5 leagues last season while finishing third for crosses and ninth for key passes. Despite a middling eight Ligue 1 assists, Branco produced Europe’s tenth for goal-creating actions, according to FBRef, proving adept at providing the pre-assist and open up teams with his deft, varied longer balls.
A range of whipped, dipping corners and free-kicks is a main strength. Last season, 57 shots were created from dead balls – the most in France and just two short of fellow specialist James Ward-Prowse of Southampton. However, Branco beat Ward-Prowse 16 to 3 in goal-creating actions from open play – that’s one more than Arsenal creator Martin Ødegaard. An impressive fact given Toulouse struggled for points (finishing on 48 in 13th) despite their joyously gung-ho style and winning the Coupe de France. A shaped free-kick to open the scoring at PSG underlined his goal threat too.
Incredibly, 28 this month, last season was van den Boomen’s first full year in top-flight football. That lack of pedigree, however, is counterbalanced by some standout displays in other leagues (33 goals and assists led Ligue 2 in 21/22) and his development as a young player at Ajax’s academy, perhaps Europe’s leading finishing school.
Such a keenness to progress play means the Dutchman can be picked off more than most, however, while his lack of mobility and poor defensive output mean support will be needed upon returning to Ajax for the first time since departing in 2014. The support role was ably played by Stijn Spierings at Toulouse last year; his importance was underlined by a move to Champions League Lens. Maurice Steijn’s new-look Ajax will have to adapt to get the best from Branco.
With Mexican defensive midfielder Edson Álvarez likely to leave this window (to whom van den Boomen offers a much-changed profile), Kenneth Taylor will have to carry significant amounts of water as Branco’s wingman, as Spierings did by winning Ligue 1’s third-most tackles last season. In the Eredivisie, this will be less of a burden with Ajax controlling games and playing closer to the opposition goal than TFC, but their Europa League effectiveness could be affected in the later rounds if Branco, not accustomed to that level, becomes a defensive passenger.
Despite an unusual skillset, van den Boomen remains a quality capture for Ajax – an international call-up is arguably already overdue. The increased space available domestically will only make his passing more lethal, while his creative strengths and technical ability makes the adventure into Europe a thrilling prospect. A burden he may be, but van den Boomen, unlike some other specialists, will be worth it.
Adam White | GFFN
