Gaaei has been unmistakably valuable for Ajax this season, just as he was in the two seasons before. The figures and statistics provide insight into the contributions he has made so far. The defender also clearly proves his worth offensively.
The totals: goals and assists
Since his debut on September 3, 2023, Gaaei has played exactly one hundred matches as an Ajax player. The impressive run began with an away match against Fortuna Sittard, which ended 0–0. The wing-back with attacking impulses has scored six times to date.
Gaaei quickly proved that, in addition to defending, he was also valuable in the build-up to Ajax goals. He provided the assist for twelve Ajax goals. In addition to his matches for Ajax 1 (accounting for 5,680 minutes), the defender also played eight matches for Jong Ajax. Gaaei played all of these matches in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie during his debut season 2023/2024.
How did Gaaei distribute his matches and goals?
It is no surprise that Gaaei played the majority of his matches as an Ajax player in the Eredivisie. Up to and including the away match against Excelsior, that total stood at 67. To date, the Dane has scored four times in the Eredivisie. More than a quarter of his appearances were 'European': 29. The majority of those (19) were played in the UEFA Europa League. In addition to three matches in the UEFA Conference League, he also played seven times in the UEFA Champions League.
On that highest European stage for clubs, he scored his only international goal. The Dane found the net well outside the Netherlands. On December 10, 2025, Gaaei contributed a goal in the 2–4 victory over Qarabağ in Azerbaijan. He was also on target once in the domestic cup. That goal came in the 2–7 cup win against Excelsior Maassluis. Gaaei played four cup matches.
Gaaei compared with (former) team-mates: where does his added value lie?
When we compare Gaaei’s contribution with that of his (former) teammates this season, his added value quickly becomes clear. Gaaei is among the most familiar faces in the first team. Since his debut in September 2023, only Kenneth Taylor has played more matches than him: 114. Taylor made the move to Lazio Roma on January 9 this year. After Gaaei (100 matches), Josip Šutalo is the next regular. The Croatian stands on 95 appearances. Jorrel Hato - who has been a Chelsea player since the start of this season - reached 92 matches in that period.
Attack-minded provider of assists
All Ajax supporters will recognise Gaaei’s attacking drive. Looking at who has provided the most assists since 2023/2024, today’s jubilarian ranks fifth. Based on assists, the Dane is the most productive defender in that period. Since 2023/2024, only forward Brian Brobbey (15), midfielder Taylor and forward Godts (both 17), and leading provider midfielder/forward Steven Berghuis (19) have registered more assists.
With a total of 92 chances created – not all chances unfortunately result in goals – Gaaei also proved his value. In this list, he is surrounded by the same teammates as on the 'assist ranking'. Berghuis again occupies the top spot, having created 137 chances for his team. After Taylor (124) and Godts (95), the Dane follows. Gaaei created just slightly more chances (92) than then-striker Brobbey: 89. Once again, the defender outpaces many a midfielder or attacker.
Big chances
When looking only at the really big chances, Gaaei ranks even higher. The (usually) right-back provided a team-mate with a proverbial 'chance you cannot miss' on 37 occasions. In this category, Gaaei even leaves club-mates Berghuis (33), Taylor (27), Godts (18) and Brobbey (17) behind him.
If we zoom out further, Gaaei has been the Ajax player who has delivered by far the most crosses since his debut. Since 2023/2024, the Dane has delivered no fewer than 329 open-play crosses. By comparison, Berghuis (186) and Taylor (96) occupy second and third place on this list. Gaaei has also delivered the most successful crosses. He managed that 51 times. After the Dane, Berghuis (40) and Jordan Henderson (32) most frequently delivered a cross that a team-mate could make use of.
The conclusion is clear. Gaaei has earned his place in the Club of 100 based on his appearances. But the wing-back - and part-time attacker - has also clearly been of offensive value since 2023.
