Ajax definitely didn't have it all their own way in Sunday's 2-1 win over Sparta Rotterdam; despite dominating the ball as usual, the visitors showed more attacking prowess than some other sides visiting the champions do.
But Van de Beek was, not for the first time, the best player in red and white. His opening goal early in the contest, pouncing on a loose ball in the area to lash into the roof of the net, set the tone.
The attacking midfielder is spending more time than ever inside the area, as reflected by his 13 touches in the box, more than anyone else in this round fixtures. He also looks after the ball, reflecting in his impressive 88% pass completion rate from 56 attempted.
But he was also rabid in winning back possession, with seven recoveries, winning 5/6 tackles, and emerging successful from 10 of his 14 duels. Transfer speculation continues to surround him and, on this kind of form, it's clear what he would offer to any team he joins.
View Donny van de Beek's profile, matches played and season statistics
SECOND: Nicolai Jorgensen (8.9) scored two excellent goals in Feyenoord's confident 3-1 home win over Heerenveen, proving to be a menacing presence inside the area.
THIRD: Tim Matavz scored twice from his three shots on target as Vitesse won 3-1 away at Fortuna Sittard.
