The defender developed into a key figure in Ajax’s back line and distinguished himself both defensively and on the ball with impressive statistics. Last year, Baas was still named Talent of the Year.
Baas recorded the most passes in the Eredivisie this season. Of his 2,317 passes, 2,124 were completed, resulting in a passing accuracy of 92.4 percent. This was also the highest percentage of all players with at least 900 passes.
Strong in possession
One of Baas’ main qualities this season was his role in the build-up. The left-footed defender consistently played forward and did so with great precision. Among all players with at least 200 passes in the opponent’s half, Baas even recorded the highest passing accuracy at 89.2 percent.
He also delivered more than 250 passes that broke at least one opposition line, placing him among the very best in the Eredivisie. Most of these line-breaking passes were aimed at Mika Godts, with whom he most frequently started this season. The duo was named together in the starting XI in 27 VriendenLoterij Eredivisie matches.
Baas also formed an important partnership with Josip Šutalo within the team. The defenders started together in seventeen league matches at the heart of the defence, in which Ajax kept four clean sheets.
Recoveries
Defensively, Baas also made a significant contribution. With 140 ball recoveries, he was the Ajax player with the most regains this season.
His development at Ajax received further recognition this season. In the league match against NEC Nijmegen, Baas wore the Ajax captain’s armband in the Eredivisie for the first time.
Upon hearing the news about the award, Baas expressed his satisfaction. “It’s a compliment and a great appreciation, especially after the hard work I’ve personally put in over the past few years.” The fact that the award comes from the votes of the Ajax fans over the course of the entire season means a lot to him. “I’ve felt that appreciation throughout the whole season. Especially at home against FC Volendam, when they sang my name after my two goals. That has really stayed with me.”
'Nice step'
Last year, Baas was named Talent of the Year, and now he has become Player of the Year. “That’s a nice step,” he laughs. “A year ago I was standing here with Kenneth Taylor, and now with Mika Godts. Those are beautiful things. On a personal level, I’ve taken steps forward, despite it being a difficult year for us. I’ve definitely learned a lot this season.”
Player of the Year
2026: Youri Baas
2025: Kenneth Taylor
2024: Brian Brobbey
2023: Steven Berghuis
2022: Lisandro Martínez
2021: Dusan Tadic
2020: Hakim Ziyech
2019: Hakim Ziyech
2018: Hakim Ziyech
2017: Davinson Sánchez
2016: Jasper Cillessen
2015: Jasper Cillessen
2014: Lasse Schöne
2013: Daley Blind
2012: Jan Vertonghen
2011: Maarten Stekelenburg
2010: Luis Suarez
2009: Luis Suarez
2008: Maarten Stekelenburg
2007: Wesley Sneijder
2006: Klaas Jan Huntelaar
2005: Nigel de Jong
2004: Maxwell
2003: Cristian Chivu
2002: Rafael van der Vaart
2001: Cristian Chivu
2000: Jesper Grønkjær
1999: Jari Litmanen
1998: Edwin van der Sar
1997: Ronald de Boer
1996: Marc Overmars
1995: Frank Rijkaard
1994: Jari Litmanen
1993: Dennis Bergkamp
