And will probably start against Inter as well, replacing the suspended Chivu. He has done pretty good so far, didn't even realise Chivu wasn't playing this weekend.
I have had the pleasure of watching Nigel de Jong play, but with the Ajax A-1 youth squad. He is very versatile.I saw him captain the squad from a central defender's slot but, as evidenced by the Lyon match, he can play very well at left back too. He"only" had to mark a sometime French International, Sidney Govou, on the night. He played way beyond the 16 years he was when I saw him. Very cool on the ball and a tough marker.Not afraid to go forward either.Picks his spots to move up well.Smart player. He reminds me of another current Ajax youngster, Johnny Heitinga, in the way he plays. No wonder then that reports out today indicate that Nigel de Jong is to be offered an Ajax-1 contract in December. As you may have read, he is currently on a youth contract.
Didn't look so good against Inter Basically he was at fault on both Crespo goals (at least partly on the first with the other central defender when they let Crespo slip in between them) and he was pout of postion (and slipped) on the scond goal. Still, the kid has obvious talent and hopefully will learn from his mistakes.
just give 'em some time - he's gonna be a stud - nobody grows footballers like AJAX! as for now, he sure doesn't seem his age - he's probably gonna become a threat on headers from corners too - he's got serious hops in any event, he's filled in marvelously and remember; he's only 17! another great signing! hopefully we can keep some of these kids around for a few years (and CL's) before they all go off to arsenal, juventus and barcelona!