Player Focus: Impressive Milik Hoping to Emulate Former Great Ajax No. 9s

The "elixir of life" for Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who made his name in the Eredivisie, a breeding ground for some of the finest scorers in history, is the sound of the ball hitting the back of the net. One emerging marksman hoping to emulate 'De Hunter', who scored 110 goals across 148 games in the Dutch top flight, is the continually impressive Arkadiusz Milik. A relative unknown by many who today sing his name, he's enjoying the best campaign of his young career with 17 goals in his first 17 matches for Ajax, the club at which Huntelaar's addiction for goals intensified. Milik has seemingly caught the bug.

Prior to joining the Amsterdammers on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, the Polish international managed 14 goals across 68 competitive games with his former club, Górnik Zabrze, and FC Augsburg, where he was farmed out last season. Despite their dominance in the Eredivisie in winning four successive championships since May 2011, he's been the missing piece of Frank de Boer's jigsaw.

What puts his sudden impact into perspective is the fact that Milik is on course to surpass 13 league goals; 8 of his 17 strikes (from 2.6 shots per game) have come in the league. No Ajax forward – or player for that matter – since the departure of Luis Suárez midway through 2010-11 season has surpassed the 'cursed' number in a single campaign. Suárez incidentally was the last Ajacied to win the Golden Boot. This season's race is led currently by Michiel Kramer (ADO Den Haag) and Mark Uth (Heerenveen), with 11 goals each, however both have played six games more than Milik.

Although lacking a prolific frontman wasn't detrimental to Ajax's historic four-peat, having one makes De Boer's life a little bit easier. Importantly, it's not been at the expense of their slick collective spirit which remains in tact as there's no great dependency on the Pole. Goals continue to be shared around; of their 41 in the league Milik is responsible for 19.5%. His clinical nature is a stark contrast to competitor Kolbeinn Sigþórsson, who remains a good forward, but is short on confidence. The same can't be said of Milik, who has displayed maturity beyond his years.

Remaining in Leverkusen, with Stefan Kießling and Josip Drmić ahead in the pecking order, would have meant gambling on his growth as a footballer. A change of scene was thus certain. His choice to cross the border this summer is telling, moving from the much wealthier Bundesliga is seen in some quarters as a step down, but often overlooked are the educational benefits of such a transaction, especially for those in their formative years. Milik, who turns 21 next February, couldn't be in a better environment, and he described Ajax, renowned for player development, as a "great club for players aged between 18 and 22".

History, and reputation, plus the prospect of learning under Dennis Bergkamp (an opportunity he couldn't let pass) played a significant role in his decision. "I sometimes feel like I'm going to school," Milik reflected. "The training (individual-based) here is really unique". Adam Nawałka, manager of the Polish national team who oversaw their first win over Germany – Milik scoring the opening goal in the historic 2-0 win – welcomed the move. "He is developing very fast," he told Przegląd Sportowy.

After an anonymous first six months of the year, Tuttosport nominated Milik for their prestigious 'Golden Boy' award in late October. As of last weekend he trailed Raheem Sterling in the public vote after having led for a while, but whatever happens, Milik is a striker with a golden future.

Understandably, after moving to the Netherlands, there was a period of adjustment. It must have come as a culture shock with him previously accustomed to playing in sides utilising counterpunching methods. His new employer seeks domination and control of possession. Subsequently role of the 'number nine' is different; he's more than a focal point.

From the mid-1960s onwards the Ajax No9 has been required to be part playmaker, part finisher, or to borrow Robin van Persie's, words "a 9½". This is because of their 'positional play'. Milik needs to be involved in the build-up – drop deep and play between the lines, and occasionally drift wide. With one game before the winter break, verdict on Milik is he's taken to his new surroundings like a duck to water, he's tailor-made for their system, showing an innate ability to create for oneself and teammates (3 assists from 1.4 key passes per game), playing brand of football De Boer propagates.

Milik, for whom Ajax have the option of a permanent deal for reported €2.8 million, is devastating in the penalty area. He has shown great composure and more often than not found the net with minimal fuss. Every game, he cuts an impassive figure; focused, void of distraction and feeling every fibre geared for a single purpose. Once that mission is complete the child in him escapes but just as quickly his mask goes back up and the cycle starts again.

It's not just inside the 18-yard box where he's been commendable; his overall work rate – drawing defenders out of position with clever runs and creating space, plus defending from the front (averaging 0.4 interceptions and 0.6 tackles per game) – deserves a mention. "I see a pure talent," former Poland and Ajax manager Leo Beenhakker recently said. "His technique is similar to Robert Lewandowski and Zlatan Ibrahimović when they were his age".

High praise indeed, and while such lofty sentiments need curbing, it's difficult not to get excited. He does not yet possess the aura of the aforementioned duo, but there's an unquestionable thirst for self-improvement, ultimately hoping to be a number nine par excellence. Ibrahimović, Huntelaar and Suárez look fondly back on their time in Amsterdam; time will tell where Milik’s Ajax education takes him.

How good do you think Milik can become? Let us know in the comments below