Who is Kenneth Taylor? The young Ajax star compared to Toni Kroos

Karan Tejwani

• 17 Sept 2022 16:50 BST
• 5 min read

Kenneth Taylor received his first call-up to the Netherlands’ national team set-up under Louis van Gaal for their UEFA Nations League matches next month, after the player’s fine start to the campaign.

Taylor has established himself as a first-team midfielder in this campaign following the departure of Ryan Gravenberch to Bayern Munich in the summer transfer window.

The Dutchman got a few appearances at the end of last season, but has fully grown into the role in this campaign, being a part of a good start to the season at Ajax.

Still only 20, he is set to have a bright future in the game and could well be the next Ajax talent to make a big-money move to one of Europe’s top five leagues in the coming years. So, what do we know about him?

What position does Kenneth Taylor play in?

Taylor plays in central midfield, just in front of the defensive midfielder – usually Edson Alvarez for Ajax – but can also play in that holding role having done it in the past for Ajax.

How good is Kenneth Taylor?

Taylor has several good qualities and is showing the best of it this season, impressing many around the Netherlands and Europe and he has deserved his national team call up under Van Gaal.

He is well-known for his two-footedness, which is a valuable asset for any team and has already scored goals with both feet in this campaign.

Additionally, he is full of energy and able to contribute on both ends of the pitch: while Ajax like progressive midfielders, Taylor also has a tendency to defend with aggression and deliver on that side of the pitch.

Like Ajax greats in the past, he is comfortable on the ball with his passing and passing range, and his ability to sit between opposition lines, make space for himself and create space for team-mates is top notch.

His best attribute is perhaps his dribbling, and he can carry the ball towards the opposition with ease, something so highly valued by top clubs across Europe and something Ajax are enjoying.

De Toekomst, Ajax’s academy, have had a great group of players come through in recent times, with the likes of Gravenberch, Jurrien Timber, Deyvne Rensch and others progressing: Taylor is right up there with that bunch.

Alfred Schreuder is impressed too: “It’s amazing to watch him play. Two-footed, he moves well, his aggressiveness to defend is getting better, has a great read of the game, can speed up the play and is even scoring goals now.”

His midfield dominance is particularly impressive, considering he started off playing as a forward for his youth club De Foresters, before dropping to the middle of the park at Ajax.

Such were his performances as a youngster that he even earned comparisons to Toni Kroos - whether he can reach the heights as the German star remains to be seen.

What clubs are interested in Kenneth Taylor?

As of now, there hasn’t been much concrete interest in Taylor, but with his great performances this season and his recent call-up to the Dutch national team, that statement may not be true for long.

Should he continue this form, there’s a chance that he’ll be on the plane to Qatar for this winter’s World Cup, which would only boost his value to Ajax and the general transfer market.

There was reportedly interest from Liverpool, but they’ve opted for other options instead and no concrete offer has been made for the player.

Manchester United may also start looking for a new midfielder, and given Erik ten Hag’s relationship with the Eredivisie and Ajax since moving to England, Taylor may be an option for them in the future.

When does Kenneth Taylor’s contract expire?

Taylor signed a new extension in the summer of 2022. His current contract expires on 30 June 2027.

How old is Kenneth Taylor?

Taylor was born on 16 May 2002. He is currently 20-years-old.

What is Kenneth Taylor’s height?

Taylor is 1.82 metres tall, or 5 ft 9 inches.

What is Kenneth Taylor’s Instagram?

Taylor’s Instagram is kennethtaylor_ and he has 69,100 followers as of September 2022.