Although the season ended disappointingly after missing the title, Baas had a strong year personally. It marked his definitive breakthrough in Amsterdam, following a loan spell at NEC. His performances are backed up by impressive statistics.
Alongside Josip Šutalo, Baas was a stable presence in defence. The winning percentage with Baas in the back line was no less than 82 percent. Ajax lost only once in the Eredivisie this season with the left-footed defender on the pitch (away against AZ).
Excellent pass completion rate
One reason for his breakthrough is his ability in build-up play. The 22-year-old defender boasts an excellent pass completion rate: no less than 91.5 percent of his passes reached a teammate. With 676 forward passes, he was also the Ajacied who most frequently sought out a forward solution.
He also stood his ground defensively. After Hato and Šutalo, Baas won possession the most often (111 times). Remarkably, he achieved this despite playing fewer matches than his teammates: he made 23 appearances in the Eredivisie. Additionally, he played nine times in the UEFA Europa League, six times in the European qualification rounds, and once in the Dutch Cup.
His definitive breakthrough in Ajax’s first team, after joining the club's youth academy in 2018, was further emphasised in December with a new contract. Baas is now under contract until mid-2028.
Talent of the Year
2024: Jorrel Hato
2023: Kenneth Taylor
2022: Jurriën Timber
2021: Ryan Gravenberch
2020: Sergiño Dest
2019: Noussair Mazraoui
2018: Matthijs de Ligt
2017: Kasper Dolberg
2016: Riechedly Bazoer
2015: Anwar El Ghazi
2014: Davy Klaassen
2013: Viktor Fischer
2012: Ricardo van Rhijn
2011: Christian Eriksen
2010: Toby Alderweireld
2009: Gregory van der Wiel
2008: Jan Vertonghen
2007: Ryan Babel
2006: Urby Emanuelson en Thomas Vermaelen
2005: Hedwiges Maduro
2004: Nicolae Mitea
2003: Steven Pienaar
2002: Maxwell
2001: Rafael van der Vaart
2000: Cristian Chivu
1999: Richard Knopper
1998: Benni Mc Carthy
1997: Mario Melchiot
1996: Nordin Wooter
1995: Nwankwo Kanu
1994: Tarik Oulida
