Discover how AZ Alkmaar is emerging as a new force in football through youth development, smart transfers, and tactical brilliance.
The Rise of AZ Alkmaar: A New Powerhouse in Dutch Football Emerges
In the evolving landscape of European football, where financial muscle often dictates success, one club continues to defy expectations: AZ Alkmaar. Situated in the northwest of the Netherlands, AZ has steadily risen from being a respectable Eredivisie side to a club with continental ambitions. Through meticulous planning, youth development, tactical consistency, and smart recruitment, AZ Alkmaar is reshaping what success in Dis88 can look like.
While Dutch giants Ajax, PSV, and Feyenoord typically dominate headlines, AZ has quietly but steadily grown into a serious competitor. From producing elite talents to achieving consistent top-four finishes, AZ’s model is gaining attention across Europe. So, what’s behind their meteoric rise?
Let’s dive into the club’s structure, recent achievements, tactical identity, academy success, and future ambitions to understand why AZ Alkmaar is a club on the move in modern football.
A Brief History: From Underdogs to Contenders
AZ Alkmaar, officially known as Alkmaar Zaanstreek, was founded in 1967 through a merger of Alkmaar ’54 and FC Zaanstreek. The club’s breakthrough came in 1981 when they won the Eredivisie and reached the UEFA Cup Final, narrowly losing to Ipswich Town. However, financial turmoil in the years that followed saw them slide back into mediocrity.
The revival began in the early 2000s under businessman Dirk Scheringa, who invested heavily in infrastructure and talent. That investment bore fruit in the 2008–09 season when AZ, managed by Louis van Gaal, captured their second Eredivisie title.
Rather than replicating the financial splurges of the traditional Dutch giants, AZ adopted a sustainable football model—and that decision has paid off remarkably in the last decade.
Youth Development: Building from the Base
If there is one factor central to AZ Alkmaar’s rise, it is the club’s elite youth academy, known as AFAS Training Complex, which rivals Ajax’s famed De Toekomst.
Philosophy
- Focus on technical excellence, intelligence, and decision-making.
- A heavy emphasis on education and mental development, not just football skills.
- Early promotion to senior team training environments.
Notable Academy Graduates
- Teun Koopmeiners (now at Atalanta): A symbol of the club’s philosophy—versatile, composed, and tactically intelligent.
- Myron Boadu (Monaco): A pacey forward who made headlines during AZ’s strong 2019–20 campaign.
- Calvin Stengs (Antwerp): A creative winger with flair and vision.
- Yukinari Sugawara: A Japanese talent who has grown immensely under AZ’s tutelage.
- Jesper Karlsson: Although not an academy product, his development at AZ mirrors their success in player growth.
In 2023, AZ U19s stunned the continent by winning the UEFA Youth League, defeating Barcelona and Real Madrid along the way—a statement of intent about their world-class development model.
Tactical Identity: Pressing, Passing, and Progression
AZ under recent managers like Arne Slot, Pascal Jansen, and now Maarten Martens, has developed a clear tactical identity rooted in intelligent possession football and high pressing.
Key Characteristics:
- Fluid 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formations, depending on the opponent.
- Strong emphasis on building from the back and progressing play through short passes.
- Midfielders and full-backs are comfortable on the ball and key to transitions.
- Young players are given defined roles but freedom to express themselves.
AZ is not afraid to take the game to bigger teams. Their 2019–20 campaign was halted by COVID-19, but at the time, they were neck-and-neck with Ajax atop the table. In European competition, their performances against Lazio, Napoli, and Real Sociedad showed maturity beyond expectations.
Financial Intelligence: Doing More With Less
AZ doesn’t boast Ajax’s war chest or PSV’s brand appeal, but they make up for it with smart business decisions.
Transfer Model
- Buy low, sell high: They scout undervalued talent across Europe and Asia and give them the platform to shine.
- Heavy reliance on data analytics and long-term player profiling.
- Proactive in replacing talent before departures—ensuring seamless squad transitions.
Key Transfers
- Teun Koopmeiners sold for €14 million.
- Myron Boadu and Calvin Stengs moved for a combined €30 million.
- Reinforcements like Sven Mijnans and Dani de Wit prove AZ’s ability to replace stars efficiently.
Their model has gained attention from clubs across Europe looking to replicate AZ’s “sustainable football success” without jeopardizing financial health.
European Ambitions: Ready for the Next Level?
AZ Alkmaar is not content with just being a top-four Dutch club. The consistent Europa League and Conference League appearances have helped the squad gain vital experience.
Their run to the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-finals in 2023 was particularly impressive. They eliminated Lazio and Anderlecht before narrowly falling to West Ham. These performances signaled to Europe that AZ is no longer a dark horse but a genuine contender.
The club’s infrastructure, fan engagement, and on-field performances now demand a seat at the top table of Dutch and European football.
The Fans and the Community
Despite not having the massive fanbase of Ajax or Feyenoord, AZ boasts one of the most passionate local followings in the Eredivisie. The AFAS Stadion is known for its intimate yet electric atmosphere.
Moreover, the club’s emphasis on community outreach and youth education has turned Alkmaar into a football-first city, where fans feel truly connected to the players and club values.
What’s Next for AZ Alkmaar?
AZ Alkmaar’s rise is no fluke—it’s the result of a clear vision, commitment to youth, tactical innovation, and financial intelligence. The next steps in their journey will likely include:
- Sustained Champions League qualification.
- Competing for Eredivisie titles consistently.
- Continuing to produce international-level talents.
- Retaining key staff to maintain structural integrity.
The biggest question is: can they maintain their trajectory while fending off offers for their best players and coaches?
Conclusion: A Model Club for Modern Football
In a football era dominated by oil money and billionaire ownerships, AZ Alkmaar is a refreshing reminder that success can still be built, not just bought. They’re not just developing footballers—they’re crafting a new blueprint for clubs across Europe to follow.
As the 2025 season unfolds, don’t be surprised if AZ Alkmaar challenges for silverware both domestically and in Europe. They are no longer just the underdog—they are a new powerhouse in Dutch football.
