Thomas Vermaelen is a Belgian former professional footballer. Being left-footed, he usually played as a left-sided centre-back and could play at left-back as well. His key attributes included aerial ability, leadership skills, and his quickness with the ball at his feet. He was also known for his goalscoring ability as a defender.
Vermaelen with Belgium at the 2018 FIFA World Cup
Vermaelen with Ajax from 2000 to 2009
Vermaelen (left) with Arsenal in 2010
Vermaelen and teammates after Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scores
Amsterdamsche Football Club Ajax, also known as AFC Ajax, Ajax Amsterdam, or commonly Ajax, is a Dutch professional football club based in Amsterdam, that plays in the Eredivisie, the top tier in Dutch football. Historically, Ajax is the most successful club in the Netherlands, with 36 Eredivisie titles and 20 KNVB Cups. It has continuously played in the Eredivisie since the league's inception in 1956, and along with Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven, it is one of the country's "big three" clubs that have dominated that competition.
Johan Cruyff played at Ajax from 1959 to 1973, and from 1981 to 1983, winning 3 European Cups; his No. 14 is the only squad number Ajax has ever retired. Cruyff came back to manage the club from 1985 to 1988.
Against Panathinaikos in the 1971 European Cup Final
Cruijff, seen here with van Basten and Rijkaard, returned as manager in 1985.
Het Houten Stadion, Ajax's first venue, c. 1917–18
