UEFA Europa League Final: Ajax Amsterdam Player Ratings
We evaluate the performances of Ajax's youngsters following their 2-0 Europa League final defeat to Manchester United.
OMNISPORT
Jose Mourinho's defensively-organized Manchester United proved a step too far for Ajax, whose incredible run in the 2016/17 Europa League finished with the runners-up prize. So, how did the players stack up individually?
Andre Onana: 5
The former Barcelona youngster looked nervous early on and was beaten by United's first shot on target, although there was not much he could do about Pogba's opener following the wicked deflection off Davinson Sanchez. Did well to deny Valencia halfway through the first half, but conceded again on United's third attempt on goal as Mkhitaryan poked home from close range.
Joel Veltman: 6
Hardly ever troubled during the opening 45 minutes as he kept Mkhitaryan at bay with ease. Lost a crucial duel early in the second half, though, as the Armenia international reacted alert to make it 2-0.
Davinson Sanchez: 6
Was unfortunate to deflect Pogba's shot past Onana for the opener. Strong as ever in the personal duels, but uncharacteristically sloppy on the ball.
Matthijs de Ligt: 7
Became the youngest ever player in a major European final with his appearance in Stockholm and was Ajax's best defender on the night. Put in a strong performance to keep Rashford quiet and was tidy on the ball.
Jairo Riedewald: 5
Took the suspended Nick Viergever's place in the starting XI, but endured a difficult evening. His poor throw-in led to the opener and he was beaten too easily by Valencia in the 23rd minute, allowing the right-back to test Onana with a powerful shot.
Davy Klaassen: 5
The Ajax captain was partned with Pogba and came out second best for the majority of the game. Allowed the France international too much space as he unleashed a shot from the edge of the box that led to the opener.
Lasse Schone: 5
A rare experienced head in the Ajax XI, but he was unable to show the Amsterdammers the way. Never stood a chance against Fellaini in the air as he was beaten time and time again by the Belgium international.
Hakim Ziyech: 5
Ajax's big-money signing failed to add some much-needed creativity to his team as their attackers were hardly ever reached. Kept out of the game by Herrera.
Bertrand Traore: 7
The Chelsea loanee made a lively start and caused Darmian all kinds of problems before the break. Forced Romero into a good save with a powerful shot in the ninth minute.
Kasper Dolberg: 4
Hugely talented, but endured a miserable evening as he hardly touched the ball. Unable to shake off Smalling and unsurprisingly hooked after the break.
Amin Younes: 5
Made an encouraging start when he danced past Valencia before setting up Traore, but largely anonymous from there on.
Substitutes
David Neres: 5
Took the disappointing Dolberg's place after the break. Poor finishing prevented him from adding his name to the score sheet well into stoppage time.
Donny van de Beek: 6
Brought on for Schone with 20 minutes left on the clock and could have pulled one back in the 87th minute, only to aim a shot straight at Romero.
Frenkie de Jong: Too late to mark