Erik ten Hag has earned a reputation as a shrewd tactician at Ajax — and it could see the Premier League come calling.

The Dutch manager, 51, is one of the most in-demand coaches around after four impressive years in charge of de Godenzonen.

His side are dominating in the Eredivisie once again this season, while they have also made another splash in Europe.

With Newcastle, Manchester United and Barcelona all potential future employers, we take a closer look at Ten Hag's managerial credentials.

Learning from the best

When watching the way in which Ajax play, it should be no surprise to hear that Ten Hag spent two years learning his trade from Pep Guardiola.

In his second managerial role, the tactician took charge of Bayern Munich II between 2013 and 2015 — coinciding with the Catalan great’s spell as first-team manager in Bavaria.

And while Ten Hag was not part of Guardiola’s immediate backroom staff, he found himself learning from the visionary coach every day.

And he has made no secret that the former Barcelona boss is the man he is looking to emulate during his own career as a manager.

When asked in 2019 who inspires him, Ten Hag said: "Guardiola's philosophy is sensational. He has demonstrated this at Barcelona, Bayern and Man City.

"Guardiola is an innovator and inspiration. We want to win by playing well.

"His structured attacking play is very attractive and I aim to implement this at Ajax."

Arch tactician

Ten Hag’s sides are often seen to take the game to the opposition with an attractive brand of attacking football — as was clear to see at both his subsequent roles at Utrecht and Ajax.

He sets out a clear strategy that sees midfielders put together smart combinations in attack, while his full-backs are often seen darting forward to get involved in the final third.

It is a style that works perfectly with Ajax’s famed reputation of bringing through youngsters who are comfortable on the ball and can play in multiple positions.

Explaining his approach in 2019, Ten Hag said: "I want to have possession and hurt the opponent. 

"It’s about possession, about movement, about vertical attacking patterns, about pressing, wingers moving into the middle to make room for the full-backs. 

"Everyone is attacking, everyone is defending."

While there are no doubt shades of Guardiola, there is no escaping comparisons with club icon Johan Cruyff and his renowned Total Football approach.

That is certainly the opinion of defender Daley Blind, who said: "Johan Cruyff’s philosophy and spirit still flows around in this club.

"Erik ten Hag is doing very well now. He wants us to play attacking football but most of all without any fear."

Making a splash

Ten Hag guided Utrecht to impressive fifth and fourth-place finishes in the Eredivisie, just missing out on Europa League qualification after losing in the play-off rounds.

With Ajax, he has won two Eredivisie titles but really made himself known outside of the Netherlands with a memorable 2018-19 Champions League campaign.

Armed with the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong and Hakim Ziyech, Ajax went on a sensational run to the semi-final of Europe’s elite competition.

They exhibited that attacking style to full effect when claiming the scalps of European giants Real Madrid and Juventus before dramatically missing out on the final in added time against Tottenham.

While those names claimed the headlines — and subsequent big-money moves — the players knew who was at the core of their success.

Captain Dusan Tadic said: "He [Ten Hag] was very important. He did a great job. He wants to improve us every day, he wants to help us.

"What is the biggest thing about Erik I think is his fanaticism and that he wants to improve us every day and he really likes football and this is really great for players."

The Amsterdam club have continued to make ripples on the European stage since, most recently claiming a stunning 4-0 win over Borussia Dortmund.

A man in demand

After four years with Ajax, Ten Hag may be forgiven for wanting a new challenge elsewhere.

If reports are to be believed, he would not be short of suitors after being regularly linked with Europe's biggest clubs.

But amid the overseas interest, Ten Hag reiterated how happy he is at Ajax and said it would take an "extraordinary" project to tempt him away from the Johan Cruyff Arena after signing a contract extension in April.

When discussed as a potential replacement for Steve Bruce at St James' Park, he said: "There’s no reason for me to think about that now. I am very happy at Ajax and I give everything for the club, every day.

"I know you can’t plan anything in football, but you have to make an exceptional and extraordinary offer if I want to change my plans."

It remains to be seen which of his admirers will present Ten Hag with such an offer.

But should his stock continue to rise, there is no doubt the Dutchman will stay in contention for any top job and have Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looking cautiously over his shoulder.