IT’S time to look at a bone fide legend here at OTFD, as we mark the debut of the greatest player Europe has ever produced. A 17-year old Johan Cruijff first crossed the white line today in 1964, when his Ajax side took on the snappily monikered GVAV.

Amsterdam’s finest were to lose 3-1 that day, but the Ajax faithful saw a glimpse of the future when Cruijff scored their consolation goal. The 1964/65 season turned out to be the worst Ajax had ever had, finishing 13th in the Eredivisie, but a year later this was long forgotten as they romped to the title thanks to 25 goals from Cruijff.

This was just the tip of the iceberg, as Ajax went about creating a new footballing philosophy under the tutorage of Rinus Michels. Total Football revolutionised the game, with Cruijff as the fulcrum. Ajax’s fluid, adventurous and exquisite play saw them win no less than 14 trophies in a seven-year spell, including three consecutive European Cups.

Not content with just being a legend at Ajax, he also enjoys something approaching deity status at Camp Nou. Upon his arrival in 1973 he immediately won a place in the Barca fans hearts by dissing the Franco regime and turning down Real Madrid. As manager ‘El Salvador’ would later guide the Catalans to their first European Cup and his shadow still looms large over the club, as his support for current top dog Joan Laporta was vital in the last presidential election.

Always ahead of his time, Cruijff spent his twilight years playing in America, and like everyone’s favourite injured MLS-er, he paid close attention to the commercial side of the game, refusing to wear the adidas Holland shirt as his team mates, peeling off one of the three stripes to appease the Puma boys, who were throwing money his way.

Throughout his career there were countless performances that we could coo about all day long at OTFD, but it’s easier just to show you. Check out some skills from one of the most innovative and graceful players ever to lace up a pair of boots and join us tomorrow as we try dispel any myths that OTFD is anti-ginger.

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