Ajax significantly strengthened their midfield this summer.
The Amsterdammers completed the signing of Julian Brandt on a free transfer. The German midfielder was a free agent after his contract with Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund expired. He attracted interest from the Premier League, and Leeds United were said to be very keen on the 30-year-old, but he opted to move to Ajax.
He has made a brilliant start to his Ajax career, scoring six goals in all competitions, and while he is yet to register an assist, he has created more chances than any other player in the Eredivisie this season.
Ajax also signed Sofyan Amrabat on a free transfer. A new defensive midfielder was a top priority for Ajax going into the transfer window. They reportedly held talks over a deal to bring Edson Alvarez back to the club, but completed a deal to sign Amrabat after his contract at Fenerbahçe was terminated.
After the transfer window closed, Ajax also signed Yves Bissouma on a free transfer. The Malian was a free agent throughout the summer after his contract at Tottenham Hotspur expired. He reportedly attracted interest from clubs in Europe's top five leagues, but opted to move to Amsterdam.
Vink questions whether Amrabat suits Ajax
Speaking on ESPN's Voetbalkantine show, Marciano Vink questioned whether Ajax have enough energy in midfield.
"If you look at the ground and sprinting distance of Klaassen, Brandt, and Amrabat yesterday and compare that to Vanhoutte, Targhalline, Zechiël, Read, and Valente, it is a world of difference,” Vink explained.
"I'm not saying that Amrabat, Brandt, and Klaassen are inferior players, but it is about the energy you want to put into a match.
“I saw Jofre Torrents lay the ball off to Klaassen. The ball landed a bit on his wrong foot, but it really went half a meter past him. Turning around and then reacting to a situation is all so slow."
Vink also questioned whether Amrabat is the right profile of player Ajax needs in the defensive midfield position.
"You simply need a dynamic player in that number six position.
"That might cost you five goals in a season, but offensively it will pay off significantly.
"Ajax plays with Amrabat, who is a fantastic player in many competitions, but for this Ajax, I don't think Amrabat is the right player. Brandt needs to be in form, and Klaassen needs to play close to the goal. There are so many buts and uncertainties at Ajax."
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In games where Ajax dominate possession, a midfield of Amrabat, Klaassen and Brandt can work, but certainly in games where Ajax have the ball less, they need more energy in midfield.
Mokio can give Ajax that energy. He can get up and down the pitch and is very mobile. Michel Sanchez also likes overloading the last line, which leaves Ajax susceptible to defensive transitions.
Ajax's No. 8 is often one of those players on the last line. If Ajax lose the ball, Klaassen doesn't have the speed to get back quickly enough to help Ajax defend. Mokio, however, does, and that potentially also makes him a more suitable option for games which Ajax dominates.
Bissouma can also play as the No. 8 and has shown that he can cover ground during his time in the Premier League, but he has not played since May and did not have a club during pre-season. It will therefore likely take him some time to find match rhythm.