Bergwijn would have scored more goals if the pace of the game was faster, and if he had a good partner to play combination football with, but sadly the tempo at Ajax has become very slow and that is simply down to a lack of quality on the ball plain and simple. Ajax moving forward (pardon the pun) now have one less creative player who also brought goal scoring. I’m very unhappy with this situation, but Orange14 paints a half glass filled thought regarding the Europa League so I will try and focus on that semi- positive viewpoint.
I agree there is so little creativity/quality that losing Bergwijn stinks. But personally, I thought his effort was poor last year after winter break and again to start this year. IMO he was checked out once that Saudi offer came and wanted the payday. The sad reality is I was reading Ajax was headed towards an absolutely massive loss due to salaries, a bloated roster and no CL. So this window, Kroes was tasked with cutting as much salary as possible to limit the loss. I was reading they needed to cut about 20 million Euro in salaries to make it a reasonable loss. Overall it's grim but this window had to be just get rid of guys/salary. What does stink is there were no younger, lower fee types with potential like Martinez, Antony, Alvarez, etc. In total now IN: Weghorst, Traore, Rugani (cost about 2 million in total) OUT: Bergwijn, Georges, Concecaio, Rulli, Sanchez, Vos, Forbs, Sosa, Unuvar, Medic Seems like Wijndal, Tahirovic and Avila (who is hurt) are the 3 they tried to get rid of and haven't. Akpom maybe too.
Agreed. The big issue to me is lack of potential in the youngsters. And I would have loved Eriksen to come back... but Kroes said they basically couldn't cut enough salary to get him to return. Hopefully they can drop a few more duds and get him in the winter.
On this I think you are wrong. There are some wonderful U-20 players. The good thing is they are all moving up quickly within the youth system. The U-16 team won the Futures Cup and there are 4-5 that are definite first team prospects. Bouwman who just turned 16 played in pre-season friendlies for the first team. He is seeing spot duty with Jong Ajax right now. Both Alders (RB) and Jetten (LB) are starting for Jong Ajax. Janse has played for the first team is only 19. There are some good MFs as well but they are probably 2 years or so away from the first team. Jong Ajax are much stronger this season than last.
It goes without saying that these youngsters really need to make their mark for the first team which clearly needs massive upgrades in higher level quality. I am praying for it to happen very soon. The youth is always the way for Ajax not these rejects from Scandinavia and Eastern Europe.
On this I totally agree with you. What worries me is will they be given enough chances to reveal their capabilities or they will be neglected in favor of unproven mercenaries.
Kroes looks stupid here, but let it be said he lucks out in a way because Sulemana is a ridiculous decision to join Ajax. This Ghanaian is NOT good enough! Lose your best player like him or not in Bergwijn and bring back nothing. The team has only gotten weaker. Ajax no longer can evaluate talent. The saga continues and the ugly football now dominates. I’m sure Johan Cruyff turns in his grave after a few seasons of this nonsense. What a disaster.
Yeah what a silly drama this is. Also, seen lists of the transfer free left wingers. Yikes. I’d rather they just use Godts and promote some other youth.
Well, at the moment Stewart (PSV), te Kloese and Kroes are being criticized for their handling of this transfer window.
Nobody but Oil City FC wanted Bergwijn so I don't think this is Kroes's fault totally. He's wanted to move a lot of players that nobody wants and there is no way that he can buy new players without selling. It's unfortunate but does open things for the youth players to move up. they will have another bite at the apple in January, money permitting.
I dont understand why they cant hire a private security firm The Eredivisie home match against FC Utrecht, scheduled for Sunday, has been cancelled.The local authorities made the decision on Monday afternoon following the announcement of police strikes.— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) September 9, 2024
These can only operate within the space of the stadium. Public space is a nono for private security firms.
In the Netherlands the State has a monopoly on violence. So security firms can't do anything against hooligans in the public space.
Last thing you want is a bunch of Blackwater dudes fast roping into the stadium and hosing the fans down.
Jong Ajax defeated Cambuur 0-1 with the lone goal coming from Jorthy Mokio. Jong Ajax must have been more than decent on defense as they had less possession and were outshot. Ramaj started in goal. The Ajax youth team moved up the table with the win and are now ahead of AZ, PSV, and Utrecht who are their peers. Game was not televised unfortunately so we'll need to wait to next Wednesday to see Ajax in action baring a police strike.
Two Ajax games canceled. Mayor of Amsterdam could be o. His way out. I think cops get a Greta pay and pension already but likely because I am not a fan of cops.