AZ Alkmaar Squad 2024/25

AZ Alkmaar Squad 2024/25

AZ Alkmaar, one of the Netherlands’ most storied football clubs, has consistently been a breeding ground for top-tier talent and a formidable competitor in the Eredivisie. Known for their innovative youth academy and shrewd transfer dealings, AZ has built a squad for the 2024/25 season that blends experienced campaigners with exciting young prospects. This season, the team aims to challenge for domestic honors and make a significant impact in European competitions. Below, we delve into the squad, breaking it down into goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, with detailed profiles of each player.

Goalkeepers

1. Mathew Ryan

  • Nationality: Australian
  • Former Clubs: Brighton & Hove Albion, Arsenal, Valencia
  • Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
    Mathew Ryan, the seasoned Australian shot-stopper, brings a wealth of experience to AZ Alkmaar. Having played in top leagues such as the Premier League and La Liga, Ryan is known for his exceptional reflexes and commanding presence in the box. His ability to organize the defense and make crucial saves in high-pressure situations has made him a fan favorite. Ryan joined AZ on a free transfer after a successful stint at Brighton, and his leadership qualities have been instrumental in guiding the team’s younger players.

2. Hobie Verhulst

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: FC Volendam, NAC Breda
  • Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2022)
    Hobie Verhulst, a promising Dutch goalkeeper, has steadily risen through the ranks to become a reliable backup to Ryan. Known for his agility and shot-stopping ability, Verhulst has been a consistent performer in the Eredivisie. His composure under pressure and ability to play out from the back align perfectly with AZ’s tactical philosophy. At just 24 years old, Verhulst has a bright future ahead and is seen as a potential long-term successor to Ryan.

3. Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: AZ Alkmaar Youth Academy
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
    A product of AZ’s famed youth academy, Owusu-Oduro is a highly-rated young goalkeeper. At just 19 years old, he has already shown glimpses of his potential during training and cup appearances. His quick reflexes and ability to read the game make him a promising prospect for the future. While he is currently third-choice, the club has high hopes for his development.

Defenders

1. Yukinari Sugawara

  • Nationality: Japanese
  • Former Clubs: Nagoya Grampus
  • Transfer Fee: €1 million (2020)
    Yukinari Sugawara has established himself as one of the most dynamic right-backs in the Eredivisie. Known for his blistering pace and pinpoint crossing ability, the Japanese international is a constant threat down the flank. Defensively, Sugawara has improved significantly, showcasing his ability to track back and make crucial interceptions. His consistent performances have attracted interest from top European clubs, but AZ has managed to retain his services for another season.

2. Pantelis Hatzidiakos

  • Nationality: Greek
  • Former Clubs: PAS Giannina
  • Transfer Fee: €500,000 (2017)
    A towering presence in the heart of AZ’s defense, Pantelis Hatzidiakos is known for his aerial dominance and physicality. The Greek center-back has been a mainstay in the team since his arrival in 2017, earning a reputation for his no-nonsense defending and ability to read the game. His leadership qualities have also seen him wear the captain’s armband on several occasions, making him a key figure in the squad.

3. Sam Beukema

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: De Graafschap, FC Groningen
  • Transfer Fee: €2 million (2022)
    Sam Beukema has quickly become one of AZ’s most reliable defenders since joining from FC Groningen. The Dutch center-back is known for his composure on the ball and ability to play out from the back, a trait highly valued in modern football. Beukema’s positioning and tackling have also been crucial in thwarting opposition attacks. At 25, he is entering his prime and is expected to play a pivotal role this season.

4. Milos Kerkez

  • Nationality: Hungarian
  • Former Clubs: AC Milan, Rapid Wien
  • Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (2022)
    Milos Kerkez, the Hungarian left-back, has been a revelation since joining AZ. Known for his attacking prowess and defensive solidity, Kerkez is a modern full-back who excels in both phases of the game. His ability to overlap and deliver dangerous crosses has made him a key asset in AZ’s attacking play. At just 21, Kerkez has already attracted interest from top clubs across Europe.

5. Wouter Goes

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: AZ Alkmaar Youth Academy
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
    Wouter Goes is another talented defender to emerge from AZ’s youth academy. The 20-year-old center-back has shown great promise with his calmness on the ball and ability to read the game. While he is still developing, Goes has already made several first-team appearances and is seen as a future star for both AZ and Dutch football.

Midfielders

1. Tijjani Reijnders

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: PEC Zwolle
  • Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2021)
    Tijjani Reijnders is the engine of AZ’s midfield, known for his tireless work rate and technical ability. The Dutch midfielder is equally adept at breaking up play and initiating attacks, making him a complete midfielder. Reijnders’ vision and passing range have been instrumental in AZ’s build-up play, and he is often the link between defense and attack. At 25, he is entering his prime and is a key player for the team.

2. Dani de Wit

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: Ajax, Vitesse
  • Transfer Fee: €2 million (2019)
    Dani de Wit is a versatile midfielder who can operate in multiple roles, including as a box-to-box midfielder or an attacking midfielder. Known for his intelligence and ability to find space, de Wit has been a consistent performer for AZ. His knack for scoring crucial goals and providing assists has made him a fan favorite. The Dutchman’s experience and leadership qualities are also invaluable to the squad.

3. Sven Mijnans

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: Sparta Rotterdam
  • Transfer Fee: €1.8 million (2023)
    Sven Mijnans joined AZ from Sparta Rotterdam and has quickly established himself as a key player in midfield. The Dutchman is known for his creativity and ability to dictate the tempo of the game. Mijnans’ technical skills and eye for a pass have added a new dimension to AZ’s midfield, making him a vital cog in the team’s setup.

4. Myron van Brederode

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: AZ Alkmaar Youth Academy
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
    Myron van Brederode is one of the most exciting young talents in AZ’s squad. The 19-year-old midfielder has already shown his potential with his dribbling ability and composure on the ball. While he is still developing, van Brederode has the potential to become a star for both AZ and the Dutch national team.

Forwards

1. Vangelis Pavlidis

  • Nationality: Greek
  • Former Clubs: VFL Bochum, Willem II
  • Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (2021)
    Vangelis Pavlidis is AZ’s talismanic striker, known for his clinical finishing and ability to hold up play. The Greek international has been a consistent goal scorer since joining the club, and his physical presence makes him a handful for defenders. Pavlidis’ ability to score from various positions and situations has made him one of the most feared strikers in the Eredivisie.

2. Jesper Karlsson

  • Nationality: Swedish
  • Former Clubs: IF Elfsborg
  • Transfer Fee: €3 million (2020)
    Jesper Karlsson is a dynamic winger who has been a revelation for AZ since his arrival from Sweden. Known for his pace, dribbling, and ability to score spectacular goals, Karlsson is a constant threat on the left flank. The Swedish international’s creativity and goal-scoring ability have made him one of the most exciting players in the league.

3. Ruben van Bommel

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: MVV Maastricht
  • Transfer Fee: €1 million (2023)
    Ruben van Bommel, the son of Dutch legend Mark van Bommel, has shown great promise since joining AZ. The young forward is known for his versatility, being able to play as a winger or a central striker. Van Bommel’s technical skills and eye for goal have made him a valuable asset for the team, and he is expected to play a bigger role this season.

4. Ernest Poku

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: AZ Alkmaar Youth Academy
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
    Ernest Poku is another exciting young talent from AZ’s youth academy. The 18-year-old forward has already made an impact with his pace and ability to take on defenders. Poku’s potential is immense, and he is seen as a future star for both AZ and Dutch football.

Conclusion
AZ Alkmaar’s squad for the 2024/25 season is a perfect blend of experience and youth, with a strong emphasis on developing homegrown talent. The team boasts a solid defensive unit, a creative and hardworking midfield, and a dynamic attack capable of scoring goals from various positions. With a mix of seasoned internationals and promising youngsters, AZ is well-equipped to compete on multiple fronts this season. The club’s commitment to nurturing talent and playing attractive football ensures that they remain one of the most exciting teams in the Eredivisie. Fans can look forward to an exciting campaign as AZ aims to challenge for silverware and continue their tradition of producing top-quality players.