Retirements make headline news, not debutantes. Yes, they are mentioned and profiled, but only as a possibility. It is easier to speak much later – yes, Frank Rijkaard debuted in 1980-81 season. A beginning of great career, one fantastic player arrived.
Back then one Franklin Edmundo Rijkaard, 18-years old, debuted for Ajax. Talented – yes. Hopeful – yes. More? Not yet. A product of the already famous Ajax youth system, but still only potential promising player. Others failed, leaving no memory. Ajax was not in its best times, rather desperately trying to build a team close to the great one of early 1970s and the shadow left by Cruijff and company was too thick to break. Was Rijkaard able to stay in the tam, let alone lead it to new glory? Only time could tell… there was no way imagining Rijkaard will win more trophies than Roberto Rivelino in 1980-81.