I'm not saying he's world class. I'm saying he is decent and don't think he's entirely to blame for Italy's fullback finding so much space on Blind's side of the field.
I agree that Maher in general should be way more meticulous about not losing possession and giving accurate passing. But I think that's also a consequence of being young and inexperienced. I don't like how close he's playing to the forwards though. Always with his back towards the goal. That doesn't make things easier. Blind btw got a first touch that is spectacular for a left back on any level. His downfall is his lack of athleticism. Which is tough for a back. Maybe he'll hove more potential to grow as a defending midfielder.
Wow, those touches from Verratti? One moment and it communicates so much class. Does not have to play a good game for the rest to make anybody understand he is some footballer.
I was just going to say that when Ajax is controlling possession Blind is playing so far forward that there aren't too many options for him to pass forward to!
Too bad. For me the usual de Vrij problem of being not a killer as a defender. Then again, if attackers don't kill off a game with open chances you set yourself up for problems at the end. Lens goal was hands by the way, so morally speaking we have lost this game.
Poor defending in the last five minutes and I guess it was fair enough for Italy to even the score. Surprised that van Gaal didn't make more substitutions. A couple of wasted chances by us that could have put the match to bed. All in all the young players did a pretty decent job.
Kuyt.. Robben is such a breath of fresh air, he's everything we want RVP to be when playing for Oranje. Lens is my MOTM though from an Oranje point of view, although I think Maher will get most of the plaudits. Everyone was solid today from the defence to the midfielders to the forwards. Can A'dam (yes that's right as in Amsterdam) Maher sign for Ajax as of right now please?
RVP was pretty good and his pass on Janmaat lead to the goal. Maher will get maybe a lot of rep, but I am here to put him back on his feet. He was mediocre at best, pretty poor by my standards.