Baas embraces new midfield role after late tactical switch

Youri Baas said he was informed only on Wednesday that he would start Ajax’s European match in Denmark in a different role. Usually deployed as a left-sided central defender, he completed the full 90 minutes as a defensive midfielder.

The position was not entirely unfamiliar to Baas, although he had never previously started there. He told ESPN after the game that his earlier experience in midfield had been limited to spells of around 20 or 30 minutes. According to his account, coach Míchel Sánchez had already offered a clue on the training pitch by telling him he looked like a midfielder that day.

Baas said the adjustment was manageable because the holding role is close to positions he has played more regularly. That familiarity meant he already had a reasonable understanding of the responsibilities involved, despite the late notice.

The left-footed player would not speculate on whether he might now be used more often as Ajax’s number six. He stressed that he will operate wherever the coach needs him, while acknowledging that his preferred and strongest position is already widely known. Baas nevertheless views his versatility positively, saying that being capable of filling several roles should help his development.