Maduro rise rewarded by Ajax
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Article summary
AFC Ajax have handed a new and improved contract to one of their rising stars, 20-year-old Hedwiges Maduro.
Article body
Extended deal
The 20-year-old defensive midfielder has signed a deal which commits him to the Amsterdam club until 30 June 2008 – a 12-month extension on his original contract – and includes better personal terms.
Startling rise
Maduro has taken a fast track to the top since making his Ajax debut in the UEFA Cup tie against AJ Auxerre on 24 February. He subsequently played 12 Eredivisie games for the league runners-up, as well as winning his first Netherlands cap in a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Romania on 26 March. With two more national-team matches under his belt, he then stepped down a level to captain his country at this month's FIFA World Youth Championship.