Mohamed Abdalla gets new role at Ajax and Netherlands Under-18

Ajax talent Mohamed Abdalla is preparing for his first duels with the Netherlands Under‑18 in Venray, where the 16‑year‑old midfielder, after a meteoric rise in Amsterdam, has strengthened his role at Jong Ajax. He wants to show why he is an Ajax player and hopes to confirm the expectations.

Club performances and new opportunities

After his international break in May, Abdalla has reached a series of milestones at Ajax. He made his debut for Ajax 1, took part in the Conference League and scored his first goal for the club. These developments confirm his rapid rise in the Amsterdam football world.

Since Jordi Cruijff opened his eye on the youth, Abdalla is getting playing time again at Jong Ajax. The coach has earmarked him for more minutes, allowing the young midfielder to shift his focus to both club and country.

Abdalla notes that his status at Ajax influences how his peers perceive him. “I am still the same person in terms of respect and values, but the boys look at you differently if you play for the first team,” he explains.

Preparation for the Marbella tournament

In the Under‑18 group, players are at the turning point towards professional football; alongside Abdalla, Jadiel Pereira da Gama from PEC Zwolle and Jerayno Schaken from Feyenoord made their Eredivisie debut. “In the group we were immediately congratulated. We are all happy for each other. We worked hard for it,” says Abdalla.

The youth internationals are seeking insight into the highest level. “My teammates want to know what the level is. Ajax has attracted good new players and my teammates want to know how well they can play. I also ask how things are going for them,” says the Eindhoven native.

Although he has only recently looked at Ajax 1, Abdalla receives a lot of responsibility with the Netherlands. “The coaches expect me to take a big role, to lead the boys, to be an example by working hard and showing my qualities on the pitch,” he explains.

Netherlands Under‑18 have gathered in Venray to prepare for a friendly tournament in Marbella. The 25‑man squad will play an internal match on Thursday, then depart for Spain and will face Norway, Ireland and the United States.