Make AFC AJAX Great Again
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Danimal5981
Topic author - Posts: 328
- Joined: 05 May 2021, 15:52
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Danimal5981
Topic author - Posts: 328
- Joined: 05 May 2021, 15:52
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Danimal5981
Topic author - Posts: 328
- Joined: 05 May 2021, 15:52
-
Danimal5981
Topic author - Posts: 328
- Joined: 05 May 2021, 15:52
-
Danimal5981
Topic author - Posts: 328
- Joined: 05 May 2021, 15:52
Make AFC AJAX Great Again
PRE-SEASON: STARTING ELEVEN MIGHT LOOK A LITTLE DIFFERENT
If any conclusions are to be drawn at Ajax from three pre-season games, it is that the standard starting eleven from last season were not the eleven best performing players this summer. Much like last year, Ajax couldn't win a single game in pre-season, but then: that was never the intention of Ajax-head coach Daniel Marzec. If anything, compared to last season one might argue that Ajax appeared more stabile albeit laid back when in possession. Overall the new joiners made a positive impression. Especially Lushendry Martes argued a strong case for himself as right wing back.
AJAX - TORINO 2:3
In the BayArena in Leverkusen, Ajax started the first of three games with a team that saw captain Daley Blind surrounded by players that were either new, formerly on loan or straight from the academy. Up front Don-Angelo Konadu managed to score twice, but at the back goalkeeper Tymon Majewski also conceded two goals. The Academy goalkeeper who last season was on loan at Raków Częstochowa clearly showed that dispite a promising OVR of 75 (for an 18 year old), becoming first pick as goalkeeper is still a distance to go.
However, midfielder Louis Leroux, right back Lushendry Martes, but also centre back Aaron Bouwman and attacking midfielder Abdellah Ouazane made solid impressions, despite the 3:2 loss. The only thing that could worry the staff and management at Ajax was the performance of those playing as left attacking wingers: both Pharrell Nash and new signing Prince Junior failed to impress.
BRIGHTON - AJAX 1:0
For the game against Brighton (who represent England in this season's UEFA Conference League), Daniel Marzec picked players that are most likely seen as stand-in or substitute players: the ones that will be called upon if the first pick seems indisposed. Brighton and Ajax appeared almost equal in any game statistic, apart from the threat in front of goal. Brighton (XP 3.9) was clearly closer to a goal than Ajax (XP 0.9). However, the game was on route to end up goalless, when in the 82nd minute Takehiro Tamoiyasu floored Yankuba Minteh in the Ajax goal box; Maxim de Cuyper converted the penalty kick and the game ended with a goal after all.
Again, Lushendry Martes (7.5) and Louis Leroux (7.2) made a good impression, while Marco Bizot managed to keep his goal clean until the penalty despite continuous pressure by Brighton. Ringo Meerveld and Davy Klaassen clearly were lacking rhythm and that allowed for the Ajax-midfield to be overrun at times.
AJAX - MAINZ 1:1
Against FSV Mainz 05, Ajax appeared in the what is seen as the regular starting eleven line-up: Rajković on goal; Gaaei, Tomiyasu, Baas and Mats Rots at the back; Fitz-Jim, Meerveld and Leroux on midfield; Carrizo, Dolberg and Godts in attack.
Both teams gave the spectators an entertaining game, where Mainz opened the score after 50 minutes due to a nice 25 yard curling shot by number 10 Nadiem Amiri. However, this time Ajax were keen not to lose and fought until the end. They salvaged a point by scoring the equalizer in injury time: substitute Daan Rots broke though on the right wing, then pulled the ball back to Ringo Meerveld who moved the ball deep again for new signing Prince Junior to score his first ever goal in an Ajax shirt - 1:1.
Martes was again among the top 3 performers, as was Aaron Bouwman. Daley Blind (37) made the impression he could not handle the pace of the game anymore and also Youri Regeer made an anonymous appearance.
CONCLUSIONS
We could of course say that in some cases there's a lack of rhythm, or that new signings and substitutes give a little extra to impress the coach. But all in all, pre-season must've given Daniel Marzec something to think about. It also may have given management the confidence to indeed let some players go if good offers should come Ajax' way, because the player that is either second or third in line has shown capability and capacity to step in if needed.
Marco Bizot has filed a transfer request because he believes he ought to be first goalkeeper: the stats prove him to be right. Martes and Bouwman are a serious threat to Gaaei and Tomiyasu. The signing of Louis Leroux seems justified for now. And should Dolberg leave, Don-Angelo Konadu can step in as centre striker without a problem. But the real numbers will become clear after the first handful of league games in August. While other teams need to go through UEFA qualifiers and play-offs, Ajax has a relatively easy opening schedule with games at NAC, Excelsior and PEC Zwolle, while only hosting Hercales at home in the second of 34 rounds.
If any conclusions are to be drawn at Ajax from three pre-season games, it is that the standard starting eleven from last season were not the eleven best performing players this summer. Much like last year, Ajax couldn't win a single game in pre-season, but then: that was never the intention of Ajax-head coach Daniel Marzec. If anything, compared to last season one might argue that Ajax appeared more stabile albeit laid back when in possession. Overall the new joiners made a positive impression. Especially Lushendry Martes argued a strong case for himself as right wing back.
AJAX - TORINO 2:3
In the BayArena in Leverkusen, Ajax started the first of three games with a team that saw captain Daley Blind surrounded by players that were either new, formerly on loan or straight from the academy. Up front Don-Angelo Konadu managed to score twice, but at the back goalkeeper Tymon Majewski also conceded two goals. The Academy goalkeeper who last season was on loan at Raków Częstochowa clearly showed that dispite a promising OVR of 75 (for an 18 year old), becoming first pick as goalkeeper is still a distance to go.
However, midfielder Louis Leroux, right back Lushendry Martes, but also centre back Aaron Bouwman and attacking midfielder Abdellah Ouazane made solid impressions, despite the 3:2 loss. The only thing that could worry the staff and management at Ajax was the performance of those playing as left attacking wingers: both Pharrell Nash and new signing Prince Junior failed to impress.
BRIGHTON - AJAX 1:0
For the game against Brighton (who represent England in this season's UEFA Conference League), Daniel Marzec picked players that are most likely seen as stand-in or substitute players: the ones that will be called upon if the first pick seems indisposed. Brighton and Ajax appeared almost equal in any game statistic, apart from the threat in front of goal. Brighton (XP 3.9) was clearly closer to a goal than Ajax (XP 0.9). However, the game was on route to end up goalless, when in the 82nd minute Takehiro Tamoiyasu floored Yankuba Minteh in the Ajax goal box; Maxim de Cuyper converted the penalty kick and the game ended with a goal after all.
Again, Lushendry Martes (7.5) and Louis Leroux (7.2) made a good impression, while Marco Bizot managed to keep his goal clean until the penalty despite continuous pressure by Brighton. Ringo Meerveld and Davy Klaassen clearly were lacking rhythm and that allowed for the Ajax-midfield to be overrun at times.
AJAX - MAINZ 1:1
Against FSV Mainz 05, Ajax appeared in the what is seen as the regular starting eleven line-up: Rajković on goal; Gaaei, Tomiyasu, Baas and Mats Rots at the back; Fitz-Jim, Meerveld and Leroux on midfield; Carrizo, Dolberg and Godts in attack.
Both teams gave the spectators an entertaining game, where Mainz opened the score after 50 minutes due to a nice 25 yard curling shot by number 10 Nadiem Amiri. However, this time Ajax were keen not to lose and fought until the end. They salvaged a point by scoring the equalizer in injury time: substitute Daan Rots broke though on the right wing, then pulled the ball back to Ringo Meerveld who moved the ball deep again for new signing Prince Junior to score his first ever goal in an Ajax shirt - 1:1.
Martes was again among the top 3 performers, as was Aaron Bouwman. Daley Blind (37) made the impression he could not handle the pace of the game anymore and also Youri Regeer made an anonymous appearance.
CONCLUSIONS
We could of course say that in some cases there's a lack of rhythm, or that new signings and substitutes give a little extra to impress the coach. But all in all, pre-season must've given Daniel Marzec something to think about. It also may have given management the confidence to indeed let some players go if good offers should come Ajax' way, because the player that is either second or third in line has shown capability and capacity to step in if needed.
Marco Bizot has filed a transfer request because he believes he ought to be first goalkeeper: the stats prove him to be right. Martes and Bouwman are a serious threat to Gaaei and Tomiyasu. The signing of Louis Leroux seems justified for now. And should Dolberg leave, Don-Angelo Konadu can step in as centre striker without a problem. But the real numbers will become clear after the first handful of league games in August. While other teams need to go through UEFA qualifiers and play-offs, Ajax has a relatively easy opening schedule with games at NAC, Excelsior and PEC Zwolle, while only hosting Hercales at home in the second of 34 rounds.
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Danimal5981
Topic author - Posts: 328
- Joined: 05 May 2021, 15:52
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Danimal5981
Topic author - Posts: 328
- Joined: 05 May 2021, 15:52
-
Danimal5981
Topic author - Posts: 328
- Joined: 05 May 2021, 15:52
-
Danimal5981
Topic author - Posts: 328
- Joined: 05 May 2021, 15:52
Make AFC AJAX Great Again
EUROPEAN FOOTBALL 2027-2028 KICKS OFF
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JustinCase
- Posts: 419
- Joined: 15 Feb 2026, 12:00
Make AFC AJAX Great Again
100 million euros for Godts is a great sale. I remember asking you about him a while ago, and this seems like a good deal for Ajax. I do understand the manager's point of view though, and obviously he is fighting for the continuity of his squad, which should hopefully improve and challenge to go further in Europe, rather than selling out and staying as a good Dutch side.
Good luck keeping the rest of the squad more of less intact as well as finding the right replacements/improvements.
Good luck keeping the rest of the squad more of less intact as well as finding the right replacements/improvements.