Ajax 3-1 Williem II: Match report

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Willem II took a surprise lead through Fran Sol eight minutes into the first half
Justin Kluivert levelled with a curling effort into the top corner five minutes later
Ruben Neres brilliantly set up Kasper Dolberg to put Ajax 2-1 up from close range
Neres then finished the contest off with ten minutes remaning to seal the victory

Published: 13:15 EDT, 24 December 2017 | Updated: 13:16 EDT, 24 December 2017

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Justin Kluivert gave Manchester United a glimpse of his outstanding talent as Ajax made a winning start to life without Marcel Keizer and Dennis Bergkamp on Christmas Eve.

The Amsterdam outfit produced an impressive turnaround against Willem II, with Kluivert hitting the equaliser before further goals from Kasper Dolberg and David Neres.

Manager Keizer and assistant Bergkamp were sacked after Ajax were knocked out of the Dutch Cup this week but 18-year-old Kluivert, who is being eyed by United, turned their fortunes at the Johan Cruijff Arena.

Justin Kluivert (left) scored a brilliant solo effort as Ajax beat Willem II 3-1 on Sunday

Kluivert's strike from just inside the box flew into the top corner for Ajax's equalising goal

The son of Dutch legend Patrick, Kluivert has five goals this season and United manager Jose Mourinho is among his admirers.

Willem II took the lead just before the hour in this Christmas Eve fixture, though - Francisco Soler slamming in at goalkeeper Andre Onana’s near post from Konstantinos Tsimikas’ cross.

But it took just 10 minutes for Kluivert to level, skipping in off the left wing before firing into the top corner from the edge of the box after passing Willem’s Fernando Lewis.

David Neres showed off some brilliant skills to set up Kasper Dolberg for Ajax's second goal

Dolberg put Ajax, second in Holland’s Eredivisie, in front on 72 minutes by slotting in after brilliant work from Neres to turn his marker on the right flank.

The Brazilian forward then added the third himself with a simple finish before celebrating with a dance with Kluivert as Ajax’s difficult week ended with a flourish.

The result leaves Ajax five points behind league leaders PSV in the Eredivisie table.