How Ajax Can Shackle Barcelona Stars Neymar and Messi

History runs deep between Barcelona and Dutch giants Ajax. The two have shared many players throughout the years. They also share a common view on youth development and have faced off in European competition several times over the last few years.

The familiar rivals will once again be pitted against each other on Tuesday when Ajax visit the Camp Nou in Champions League group-stage play. Though Barcelona are the heavy favorites to take all three points, the Dutch side are not afraid of their Catalan hosts.

For Ajax to be able to take a result at the Camp Nou, their game plan will revolve around an attempt to shackle Lionel Messi and Neymar. The two Barcelona stars are always the most dangerous players on the pitch, and Ajax must be ready to take them on.

Peter Dejong/Associated Press

But what will the Dutch side need to do keep Messi and Neymar at bay? Let’s take a look.

At first glance, the thought of shackling Neymar and Messi seems daunting at best. The two South American forwards have too much quality to be neutralized completely, so Ajax will have to make sure their defense plays smart and organized football at the Camp Nou.

Messi is always able to create chances out of nothing, and Neymar has finally found his comfort in the Barcelona system. To keep these two stars at bay, Ajax must look to limit their service from midfield.

Going into this match, Ajax has to look to the midfield as the key to the battle. If they are able to keep Ivan Rakitic, Andres Iniesta and Xavi from creating space and chances for the forwards, Messi and Neymar will see less of the ball.

There is truly no safer way to defend Messi and Neymar than to make sure they don't have the ball at their feet. Keeping control of the midfield will be Ajax’s biggest goal on Tuesday and the deciding factor of how the game will play out.

Just stopping Messi and Neymar will not ensure an Ajax victory, though. They must also look to score goals, which could further help their cause of shackling the star duo.

Peter Dejong/Associated Press

The Dutch idea of total football is one that involves organized defending with a high line of intensity. If Ajax do play far up the pitch, problems will be created for Barcelona’s passing game.

If Ajax want to get a result in Catalonia, they must be prepared to press high up the pitch from the first minute of the game. It will take a lot out of the players, but it is a necessary part of their game plan to stop Messi and Neymar from having the freedom to do damage.

When it comes to facing Barcelona, the strategy never changes. Every team will spend a lot of the match in defense, but that doesn’t mean they should sit back.

Ajax have to press and dominate the midfield to ensure Messi and Neymar do not receive the service that will lead to goals. If they try to stop the duo by purely defending, they will likely fail. They must instead try to cut them off from their teammates.

Both of these legendary clubs will be looking for a win on Tuesday, and the match promises excitement. Barcelona may be the heavy favorites going into this clash, but Ajax cannot be ruled out for a second. They will come to play, and they will test La Blaugrana.

Can Ajax shackle Messi and Neymar? Will Barcelona be victorious over their Dutch visitors? Leave your thoughts and comments below!