Johan Cruyff, the link between Celades and Ajax

BeSoccer 5 years ago 279
The legendary coach will be present in the Valencia coach's mind. EFE

Albert Celades made his FC Barcelona debut under Johan Cruyff, Ajax's emblematic figure. The now Valencia coach will have his team face the lastest generation of players that have been brought up under the methods of the legendary Dutch coach.

Johan Cruyff called the 'Quinta del Mini' the group formed, among others, by Roger García, Óscar García, Velamazán, De la Peña and Albert Celades. The latter was considered in Barcelona as the Dutch coach's right-hand man.

Celades made his First Division debut with FC Barcelona in 1995, the same year Louis Van Gaal led Ajax to win their fourth - and to date, last - European Cup. A whim of fate, the midfielder would meet the coach two years later at the Camp Nou.

On Wednesday, Celades hosts Ajax's lastest generation of players in Mestalla, a cross between generations who have been brought up with the style Johan Cruyff inoculated in both world football capitals. However, romanticism apart, Valencia will want to give continuity to its performance in London after a decent performance in last year's Champions League. 

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