Every decade or so, Ajax produce an exciting collection of young talent.

Back in the 1970s, it was led by the Johans, Cruyff and Neeskens. 1995 saw another academy-generated generated claim the club's fourth European Cup.

And last night, a young Ajax side sent reverberations around Europe. Led by the likes of Matthias De Ligt and Frenkie De Jong, they knocked out reigning champions Real Madrid.

It's another famous night for the Dutch side. But it evokes memories of the past for Brilliant Orange author David Winner.

"It was brilliant from Ajax. It was rekindling memories from more than 20 years ago," he said, referencing Ajax of the "late '90s".

"This is Cruyffian what we saw last night."

Telepathic bond

Winner explained that last night was down to the maturation of the younger talent, married to keeping a few of the older key players.

He also pointed out that good recruitment has been more significant than the academy pipeline.

"Suddenly you've got a nucleus of not quite callow players," he said.

On the players who shone, Winner pointed to a "telepathic bond" between Hakim Ziyech and Dusan Tadic.

"Tadic, some of the stuff he was doing was extraordinary," he said, pointing to his assists and goal.

"It was Maradona-like. Remarkable!"

But as Winner pointed out that this team is "likely to be broken up" like the 1995-96 era.

"They are expecting it and aren't bitter about it," he said.

You can watch the full interview above via our YouTube channel.

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