Player of the Weekend: Klaas Jan Huntelaar

(Photo by Soccrates Images)

Time is ticking on title races all over Europe and in the Netherlands, Ajax went three points clear thanks to three goals from their veteran striker.

Klass-Jan Huntelaar made a romantic return to Ajax this season and, with youngsters flourishing in Amsterdam this year, his role has been as something of a bit part player. No doubt crucial in offering experience and guidance to a young dressing room, he took his opportunity in the spotlight this weekend.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwNMlE0A5dj/

Whilst all the talk around Ajax might be on their Champions League run at the moment, there is the small matter of a title race going on as well, as they try and end a four-year wait for the title. One man not willing to wait any longer is Huntelaar as the 35-year-old has never won the Eredivisie in his impressive career. The perfect way to fix that? Scoring goals.

Goals after 10, 40 and 65 minutes made Huntelaar the oldest Ajax player ever to score a hat-trick and in doing so, inspired his side to a convincing, entertaining, 6-2 win over Excelsior. The result put the Amsterdam side three points clear of PSV at the top of the league. Truly three of the best.