Van der Sar believes Ajax still has the best academy in the Netherlands

Van der Sar praised Ajax's academy as still the best in the Netherlands, while discussing the development of former Ajax players Malen and Taylor now thriving in Serie A.

Edwin van der Sar attended an AZ vs Juventus match and spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport about the progress of two former Ajax academy products now playing in Italy's top division.

Donyell Malen, now at AS Roma, has developed significantly since leaving Ajax, according to Van der Sar. "Donyell was always a shadow striker," Van der Sar said. "I followed him closely when he was young in Ajax's academy, alongside my son. After that he went to England, returned to the Netherlands at PSV, then played for Borussia Dortmund and Aston Villa. Malen has gained the necessary experience and has focused more on scoring goals. He's doing very well in Rome and let's hope he can continue that form with the Dutch national team."

Van der Sar also backed Kenneth Taylor, now at Lazio, to maintain his upward trajectory. "When we reached the Champions League semi-final in 2019, he was still a young player. He needed this step up and guarantees quality and goals," the former goalkeeper said. He also mentioned Tijjani Noslin, the 27-year-old from Amsterdam who has scored four times and provided three assists this season, comparing his late breakthrough to Gennaro Gattuso's path.

When asked if AZ had become the Netherlands' best academy, Van der Sar was clear: "No, that remains Ajax. But AZ is growing, also in terms of scouting."