Eredivisie Opening Round: How Will European Fixtures Affect Ajax? Zwolle’s Sophomore Season Won’t Be Easy

As the Eredivisie kicked off its first round of matches on August 11, all eyes were on Ajax, who have already secured three consecutive wins in the Europa League qualifiers this season. While these victories have undoubtedly boosted their morale, questions remain about the impact these early fixtures might have on their fitness as they prepare for domestic competition. On the other side, Zwolle, who managed to stay up as a promoted team last season, now face the notorious "sophomore slump" as other teams become more familiar with their style and tactics.

Ajax vs. Heerenveen - A Revival Sparked by European Competition?

For Ajax, anything less than winning the Eredivisie title is considered a failure, and last season’s fifth-place finish was a stark reminder of how high the stakes are in Amsterdam. Typically, when Ajax perform well, their players are quickly snatched up by clubs in Europe’s top five leagues, necessitating a rebuild every three to five years. Even during these transitional periods, Ajax has managed to maintain a place in the top three, so why did they struggle so much last season? The answer lies not just with Ajax but also with the overall improvement in the Eredivisie.

In recent years, mid-table teams like Twente and AZ Alkmaar have significantly raised their level, not only challenging the traditional top three in the Eredivisie but also making their mark in European competitions. This increased competition has made the Dutch league more competitive than ever before.

Ajax’s season began earlier than most, with their Europa League qualification campaign starting just ten days after the end of the European Championship. They have already played three matches in these qualifiers, winning them all. Their midweek victory over Panathinaikos in Greece highlighted their pedigree, but it also raised concerns about the toll these early matches might take on their fitness levels.

Heerenveen, meanwhile, secured their place in the Eredivisie comfortably last season, despite picking up just one point from their last four games. Even though they were nine points short of the UEFA Europa Conference League playoff spot, Heerenveen’s season was a success by the standards of a smaller club. Conceding 70 goals across 34 matches seems alarming—20 more than they allowed the previous season—but this is the Eredivisie, where defensive frailties are not uncommon. In fact, four other teams conceded more goals than Heerenveen, proving that conceding over two goals per game doesn’t necessarily spell disaster.

Interestingly, Heerenveen didn’t add any defensive reinforcements during the summer transfer window, signaling their intent to continue their attack-first approach. Last season, they managed to end a nine-game losing streak against Ajax with a 3-2 victory at home. However, with Ajax better prepared for the challenges this season, Heerenveen will need to be at their best to replicate that result. Ajax, despite their European exertions, are expected to play at around 20% of their full capacity, while Heerenveen might only manage 10%.

Utrecht vs. Zwolle - Both Sides Satisfied with Last Season’s Results

Utrecht finished seventh last season, securing a spot in the Eredivisie's UEFA Europa Conference League playoffs. However, they fell short in the final round, losing to Go Ahead Eagles and missing out on European football. Since the inception of the Conference League, Utrecht have consistently made it to the playoffs, even securing a place in the European qualifiers on one occasion. For a smaller club, maintaining this level of consistency is impressive.

Utrecht's balanced approach to the game was reflected in their statistics last season. They scored the ninth-most goals in the Eredivisie and conceded the sixth-fewest, with their points total closely matching their league position. This balance has been a key factor in their steady performances over recent seasons.

Zwolle, on the other hand, were one of the newly promoted teams last season and successfully avoided relegation. Their strategy was clear: they struggled to take points off the top teams but capitalized on their matches against relegation rivals, winning six of their nine matches against teams in the bottom six. After securing their Eredivisie status by midseason, Zwolle’s form dipped slightly, and they finished in 12th place, seven points clear of the relegation playoff zone.

Utrecht demolished Zwolle 5-1 at home last season, and as they prepare to face each other again, Utrecht will likely play at 20% of their full strength. Zwolle, meanwhile, will probably stick to their strategy of not pushing too hard against stronger teams, instead focusing on their more winnable fixtures.

Ajax’s Early Start and Its Potential Impact

Ajax's participation in the Europa League qualifiers adds an extra layer of complexity to their Eredivisie campaign. While the early start could give them a competitive edge in terms of match sharpness, it also risks depleting their energy levels as the domestic season progresses. The balancing act between European competition and domestic obligations is a familiar one for Ajax, but it could prove particularly challenging this season given the increased competitiveness of the Eredivisie.

The Sophomore Challenge for Zwolle

Zwolle's successful first season back in the Eredivisie was built on smart tactics and taking points from direct competitors. However, their second season is likely to be more challenging. Opponents will be more familiar with Zwolle's approach, and the element of surprise that often benefits newly promoted teams will be gone. Without significant reinforcements, particularly in defense, Zwolle could struggle to replicate their success from last season.

The Bigger Picture in the Eredivisie

The overall improvement in the quality of the Eredivisie is making it increasingly difficult for even the traditional top teams to maintain their dominance. Clubs like Twente and AZ Alkmaar are no longer just potential banana skins for the big three; they are genuine contenders in their own right. This leveling of the playing field is great for the league as a whole, making it more unpredictable and exciting for fans.

As the season unfolds, the impact of Ajax’s early European adventures and Zwolle's attempts to avoid the sophomore slump will be key narratives to watch. Both teams have the potential to surprise, but they also face significant challenges that could shape their respective campaigns in very different ways.