Ajax’s victory over Manchester City in the Champions League proved to everybody that the iconic Dutch side still have what it takes to compete at the very top level.

True, the Sky Blues have been out of sorts this season, but for a team put together on only a fraction of the budget used by their English opposition it was a remarkable feat.

Nowadays Ajax find it hard to keep hold of their star names, with the financial rewards in many of Europe’s top leagues tempting players to depart Amsterdam. As a result they have carved out a niche as a stepping stone club.

However, if they could have kept hold of their big-hitters they would be a truly fearsome force, able to compete with the biggest and the best teams on the planet.

This XI incorporates the best ex-Ajax players who are still playing professionally, making for a balanced and exciting team-sheet.

Click on Maarten Stekelenburg to unveil the XI