WC Final: The Ajax vs Barcelona Showdown

By Dominic Vieira, writing from Lisbon

There is a whole new side to the World Cup final between The Netherlands and Spain. Both nations play football at it’s highest level under a unique, but similar philosophy. The driving force behind The Orange is Ajax and in La Roja is FC Barcelona. But what exactly does this mean?

Ajax and Barcelona possess quality football academies, if not the best in the world where technically talented and intelligent players are constantly produced each year. They both believe in the concept of “Total Football” - where any outfield player can seamlessly assume the role of any other in the team.

The concept was introduced and created by Rinus Michels, a Dutch manager who was successful for Ajax, Barcelona and the Netherlands. Johan Cruyff was one of the talented players who was coached by Michels, he’s viewed as the pioneer and icon of ‘Total Football’.

When Cruyff retired to become a manager he adopted the philosophy, furthermore he adapted and expanded it. He took it to the next level, focusing on the movement of the players - where they should be running and not running to on or off the ball.