Patrick Kluivert has reflected on similarities between Ajax and Barcelona’s style of play and their focus on youth being key to success.
The Dutchman developed through Ajax’s youth system before eventually finding himself at Barcelona later on in his career.
In seeing the current Barca side praised for their passing style, the forward chose to reflect that it was a similar style that his Ajax side had in the mid-1990s.
“We [Ajax] took 12 or 13 passes without the opponent touching the ball for my goal in the 1995 Champions League Final,” remembered the retired striker to COPE.
“The youth team is very important for the players and for how you will play as a first team. It is very important from year to year to promote players and that they play in the same system.
“Barca’s cantera is key for me in this point. Xavi, Cesc, Iniesta, Puyol, those guys were there when I was, they were knocking on the door to progress to the first team.
“I knew they were going to get into the world of football far easier too. It is an honour and a great feeling to have played with these homegrown players at the best club in the world.”
