Dit is mijn club. - Ajax 2017/2018

Discussion in 'The Netherlands' started by JC-14, Jun 3, 2017.

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  1. Orange14

    Orange14 Moderator
    Staff Member

    Apr 27, 2007
    Bethesda, MD
    Club:
    AFC Ajax
    Nat'l Team:
    Netherlands
    I'm not sure he is even as good as Milik
     
  2. Orange14

    Orange14 Moderator
    Staff Member

    Apr 27, 2007
    Bethesda, MD
    Club:
    AFC Ajax
    Nat'l Team:
    Netherlands
    2017-18 Ajax Season Review

    For those of us true Ajax supporters, this past season was one of tragedy and unrealized promise. Coming off of a Europa League run that saw Ajax make it to the finals only to lose to ManU, a club whose financial resources dwarf those of Ajax, we thought that the young players who had come through the academy would lead the club forward. Then the unthinkable happened. On July 8 in a friendly against Werder Bremen Appie Nouri collapsed and suffered irreversible brain damage, ending a career that we were all looking forward to. Nothing would ever be the same as a young player in the prime of life was taken from us.

    Ajax also had to deal with front office turmoil. Peter Bosz who took the club to the EL finals departed under weird circumstances for Borussia Dortmund (where he didn’t last long). Ajax promoted Marcel Keizer who managed Jong Ajax to a second place finish in the Jupiter League. Because Ajax finished second last season to arch-rival Feyenoord they had to go through the qualification rounds in the Champions League. Ajax drew Nice and after a 1-1 draw with a precious away goal, Ajax spilled it at home conceding a second goal that let Nice advance on away goals. Dropping into the Europa League qualification, Ajax fell to Rosenberg. Ajax also started the season poorly, losing the opener to Heracles and falling into a bigger hole as the season progressed with a draw to ADO, losses to Utrecht, Vitesse, and two draws to now relegated FC Twente (one in the season and the second in the league cup where they went out on penalties). The poor first half resulted in the sacking of Keizer and Utrecht’s Erik ten Hag was brought in to see if he could lead a challenge to PSV. The tactics didn’t appear to be any different in the 2nd half of the season and ultimately Ajax was just not consistent enough and PSV won the league.

    Let’s not forget that Sanchez started the season with Ajax but once they were out of the CL, he was sold on to Spurs. Ajax had to deal with some long term injury problems with Sinkgraven out for most of the year, same with Cerny, Viergever for the 2nd half of the season, Dolberg and Frenkie de Jong for about 1/3 of the season and the late knee injury suffered by Veltman that assured he won’t be sold on this summer. In addition, there was the disciplinary situation with Younes who entered the year having been capped by Germany (albeit in the meaningless Confederation’s Cup) and just self-destructed.

    Season Player Ratings:
    GK
    Onana (7) – did an admirable job all season long irrespective of who was playing in front of him. Unfortunately, there is really no capable substitute on the bench. Van Leer who was brought in as the #2 suffered a knee injury and it’s unclear whether he can do the job. Onana is likely to leave this summer and will be missed.

    Defenders
    Dijks played early on in the season but was not a factor at all once Tagliafico joined the team and as noted

    Viergever was hurt before the winter break and never returned. Both players are leaving Ajax.

    Tagliafico (7) – he was the LB that needed to join the team last summer but did a very nice job for the 2nd half of the year. He’s a capable defender and a threat going forward. The big question is whether Ajax can keep him if he has a good WC run with Argentina. There is another problem if Argentina have a deep run and play into July. Tagliafico will deserve time off and may not be back in time for the CL qualifying round.

    Wöber (5.5) – suffered a couple of minor injuries and missed some matches. In addition he played some LB as well as in the center and looks to be better suited to the latter. He has some promise but maybe he is just an Austrian Viergever, workman like but not top class.

    de Ligt (7.5) – best player on the club by far and we have to remember he is only 18 years old. Ajax will be fortunate if he stays for an extra season. He seldom is caught out of positon and is so good on the ball that you think he must be a MF.

    Veltman (6) – solid defender who is too slow to play RB but since Ajax had no other viable option that’s where he played.

    Kristensen (4.5) – brought in from Denmark at mid-season and only played a half dozen times. Not clear whether he is good enough to play for Ajax.

    Frenkie de Jong (6.5) – listed in this category as that’s where ten Hag played him though he was always going forward as a fourth MF when the field was open. A training injury ended his season too early and let’s hope he gets a run out in the MF next season.

    MF
    Schöne (6) – he really cannot play a full 90 minutes these days and even his free kicks are not what they once were. He always worked hard as the holding MF but his lack of quickness left gaps at times forcing the backline to do more than they should have to. He also sits on the ball too long rather than passing up field. Most of his goals were from free kicks or penalties.

    van de Beek (6.5) – a solid first season as a full time player starting 33 of the 34 league matches. He scored some nice goals and was effecting pressing opposing players. He has good ball skills and quickness to progress to a higher level.

    Ziyech (6.5) – to inconsistent for me. When he was good he was very good and when he was bad it made me cringe. He always ran hard all match long and even when the ball was lost he tried pressing to get it back. Alas, we thought that he would lead Ajax to a couple of league championships when he moved over from Twente but only saw 2nd place. I wish him well with his next club.

    Siem de Jong (5) – first choice to come off the bench since his namesake was being used on the back line. A plodding MF who in his first run at Ajax scored quite a few key goals. Unfortunately he no longer has that ability. This was always a questionable acquisition and there really isn’t a place on the roster for him.

    Forwards
    Neres (7) – never tries to do too much to force the play when things are closed off which is refreshing since we haven’t had a player like this in some while. He gets my vote as the offensive player of the year and was top leading scorer.

    Kluivert (6) – somewhat the opposite player to Neres as he often forces play when the pass back would be a better option. One of the best players at bringing a long ball under control and doing something with it. He always tracks back on defense and presses well. Let’s hope he comes to his senses and stays with Ajax.

    Huntelaar (6) – you know you always get 100% and no complaints when he is on the pitch. He’s not the devastating finisher he once was but he still is a reliable scorer when he gets an open shot. Because of the injury to Dolberg he was the top choice for #9

    Dolberg (5) – hurt his foot before the winter break and was out most of the 2nd half of the season. It’s still unclear whether he is a top class player and it will be interesting to see if he sees any action for Denmark in the upcoming WC. Right now he doesn’t have much transfer value as he’s not a proven goal scorer.

    Prospects
    Johnsen, Eiting, Mazraoui, Ekkelenkamp, and Matusiwa all saw action at one point during the season. Mazraoui is the most interesting of the group as it looks like he can play a number of positions and seems to have good field sense. I would like to see him get a better run at RB as the options there are not good. Eiting is player who might make a good holding MF but has to get some first team game time.

    2018-19
    Ajax has to go through three rounds of CL qualifiers if they are to make it to the group stage with the first games in late July. That’s going to be a tough road and a Europa League spot is more realistic but not a given as we saw this past season. If Ajax can keep Kluivert, de Ligt, and Tagliafico they might have a nice club provided they get a first rate keeper (I assume Onana is gone). Sinkgraven is still only 22 and probably a better MF than a LB but can he stay free of injury? Where will Frenkie de Jong play? Are any of the young MFs ready for first team football? What will Ajax do with the transfer money coming in from Ziyech and Onana (the cynic in me says nothing!!).

    Based on the players currently on the squad here is a projected starting 11 for next season:
    GK?????
    Mazraoui, de Ligt, Wöber, Tagliafico
    Schöne/Eiting/Matusiwa, van de Beek, F. de Jong
    Neres, Dolberg/Huntelaar, Kluivert
     
  3. Orange14

    Orange14 Moderator
    Staff Member

    Apr 27, 2007
    Bethesda, MD
    Club:
    AFC Ajax
    Nat'l Team:
    Netherlands
    Since Kluivert does not appear to want to extend his contract (mom and Raiola want to cash in right now), Ajax are going to play hard ball and let him rot at home with no access to the training facilities until his contract expires a year from now. this is as it should be.
     
    Frysk Bloed repped this.
  4. Rinus127

    Rinus127 Member

    Sep 8, 2015
    Club:
    AFC Ajax
     
  5. Orange14

    Orange14 Moderator
    Staff Member

    Apr 27, 2007
    Bethesda, MD
    Club:
    AFC Ajax
    Nat'l Team:
    Netherlands
    ^^Good riddance and I hope he rots in Italy!!!
     
  6. Brilliant Dutch

    Brilliant Dutch Member+

    Ajax
    Netherlands
    Oct 14, 2013
    Amsterdam, Holland
    Nat'l Team:
    Netherlands
    HEY!!!!! Thats not nice!! Why the hate, O14??
    He has the right to move to a bigger league, no??
     
  7. There was a list of players that left around Justin age in AD Sportwereld. Only one made it, Robin van Persie
     
    Orange14 repped this.
  8. Orange14

    Orange14 Moderator
    Staff Member

    Apr 27, 2007
    Bethesda, MD
    Club:
    AFC Ajax
    Nat'l Team:
    Netherlands
    And Feyenoord have probably lost more young players than Ajax
     
  9. Brilliant Dutch

    Brilliant Dutch Member+

    Ajax
    Netherlands
    Oct 14, 2013
    Amsterdam, Holland
    Nat'l Team:
    Netherlands
    Why are you hating on Kluivert moving on??!!!
     
  10. When Castaignos left for Inter on Justin's age he was on his way to become a top striker. When he came back from Inter it was like he completely forgot how to play soccer. You donot want such thing happen to the few attackers with quality we have.
     
    Orange14 and Rinus127 repped this.
  11. Brilliant Dutch

    Brilliant Dutch Member+

    Ajax
    Netherlands
    Oct 14, 2013
    Amsterdam, Holland
    Nat'l Team:
    Netherlands
    Thats fine, but there's no need for the hate 014 just displayed for Justinho.

    Unnecessary!! :thumbsdown:
     
  12. Orange14

    Orange14 Moderator
    Staff Member

    Apr 27, 2007
    Bethesda, MD
    Club:
    AFC Ajax
    Nat'l Team:
    Netherlands
  13. Orange14

    Orange14 Moderator
    Staff Member

    Apr 27, 2007
    Bethesda, MD
    Club:
    AFC Ajax
    Nat'l Team:
    Netherlands
    Because he is so full of himself to think that he is ready for a big time club right now. This is all being driven by his mother and his agent. I suspect that if his father was in his life he would take him out to the woodshed and tell him to stiffen up and stay at Ajax. If the player is too stupid to understand this he doesn't deserve my respect. He's not as good as Neres right now.
     
  14. Orange14

    Orange14 Moderator
    Staff Member

    Apr 27, 2007
    Bethesda, MD
    Club:
    AFC Ajax
    Nat'l Team:
    Netherlands
    To add to my earlier comment, I wish these young players had more patience. Look at what has happened to Bazoer & Riedewald.Both were capped by the NT at young ages and both will likely never play for the NT again as they will never develop at the clubs where they are. Perhaps they are in contention for the Freddy Adu award, who knows.
     
  15. Rinus127

    Rinus127 Member

    Sep 8, 2015
    Club:
    AFC Ajax
    Maybe to replace Ziyech. Which is not a good idea considering that we already have Frenkie De Jong, unless we definitely put him in the position of central defender.
    I also read this morning that De Ligt would have expressed the wish to leave the cub. It would be a huge loss. I am very disappointed with Ajax, a club that over the years has spoiled its potential. We could have dominated the championship as Bayern does in Germany, but because of stupid personal conflicts, it's been four years since we won anything. What is sorely lacking is stability at the level of players, technical staff and management. Unfortunately we do not have Uli Hoeness or Karl Heinz Rumminige.
     
  16. Orange14

    Orange14 Moderator
    Staff Member

    Apr 27, 2007
    Bethesda, MD
    Club:
    AFC Ajax
    Nat'l Team:
    Netherlands
    ^^The club right now is in free fall. Bergkamp forced Bosz out last season and from what I have read the players are not happy at all with ten Hag. The management board is in total chaos and who do they add to the supervisory board, Danny Blind! Right now it looks like Neres, Onana, de Ligt, Ziyech and Kluivert (Tagliafico also if he has a decent WC) are all leaving and who comes in but Labyad.

    There needs to be some serious thinking about the future of the club. If there are no aspirations other than being a development farm for large Euro clubs then the Board should be up front about that and make it clear to all the supporters who pay good money to attend Ajax matches that this is what they will be getting in future years. Obviously the whole football landscape has changed because of big television money and petro-$$/€€ from certain owners and this drives the lesser leagues into oblivion. Maybe this is what UEFA wants but it certainly is not good.

    The optimism that I had when Cruyff came up with his proposal has long since vanished and I seriously wonder it it's even worthwhile searching for Internet streams to watch my favorite team. I guess we will always think back to the Europa League run in 2017 and that very well may be last we see of Ajax in Europe.

    this is all just too sad and I see no way that this is resolved other than for the whole Board to resign and get some people in who know how to manage a football operation. @Rinus127 is correct that Ajax need to be more like Bayern with a proper management structure that focuses on football. I always see Overmars and van der Sar at the football matches but do they even have a clue what is going on?
     
  17. Brilliant Dutch

    Brilliant Dutch Member+

    Ajax
    Netherlands
    Oct 14, 2013
    Amsterdam, Holland
    Nat'l Team:
    Netherlands
    LOL....we can't even beat Al-whatever anymore......LOL

    Al Ahly 1 - 0 Ajax
     
  18. Brilliant Dutch

    Brilliant Dutch Member+

    Ajax
    Netherlands
    Oct 14, 2013
    Amsterdam, Holland
    Nat'l Team:
    Netherlands
  19. Orange14

    Orange14 Moderator
    Staff Member

    Apr 27, 2007
    Bethesda, MD
    Club:
    AFC Ajax
    Nat'l Team:
    Netherlands
    It was just a friendly and most of the players who played the second half were newcomers.
     
  20. richsavare

    richsavare Member+

    Ajax
    Netherlands
    Jan 28, 2003
    New Jersey
    Club:
    AFC Ajax
    Nat'l Team:
    Netherlands
    Read earlier post that said Patrick Kluivert was not in Justin's life?
    Kind of shocking I read recently Patrick told his son that he needs to stay in Ajax still but who knows what to believe?
    The kid is getting manipulated by Agent as that's what agents do.
     
  21. Orange14

    Orange14 Moderator
    Staff Member

    Apr 27, 2007
    Bethesda, MD
    Club:
    AFC Ajax
    Nat'l Team:
    Netherlands
    Kluivert accused Ajax of being money hungry and said he is not renewing his contract. de Ligt probably also going
     
  22. Rinus127

    Rinus127 Member

    Sep 8, 2015
    Club:
    AFC Ajax
    Pity. I think he should have stayed three more years at Ajax as De Ligt and Neres. The club very badly manages the contractual situation of the players.
     
  23. Frysk Bloed

    Frysk Bloed Member

    Sep 6, 2014
    Club:
    Liverpool FC
    I don't think you can only blame the team. To be honest all these kids are primadonnas now, and don't have any respect for the game or the teams they play for. They care about two things: money and fame. If they were actually making smart career decisions that would benefit them the most in terms of getting the most of their abilities, they would play in the Dutch league until they were 21 - 23 and move on when they've matured more.

    Instead they chase the buck and have the gall to call Ajax greedy. Lol.
     
    Orange14 repped this.
  24. How is that French 16 year old kid doing that Real(?) bought for around 30 million? Just a reminder you can be hyped to the hilt and make initially nice money, but in the end your credits are measured and if it's only hype your paycheck doesnot go the way of top stars. Still nice, but what's nice if you could have gotten exhorbitant.
     

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