He grabbed a starting berth in Oranje stealthily. He combines intelligence, experience, eagerness to learn and quality in one package. “He’s a special kid, and that he is.”
When Ake played at Bournemouth, his coach would play 5 defenders at the back when playing Man City. “In this way, we will limit the space for them to play in.” This is how Ake realised that playing for a big club like City (or Chelsea) brings a different dynamic. When he made his move to Man City, he realised he had to improve in finding solutions in less time and less space. Dutchman Piet Cremers worked at City as their peformance analyst for years and can confirm that Nathan was always trying to find ways to better understand the game and use this to develop himself. Whether it was thinking about football, working in the gym or using the video footage of games to understand the game better. Cremers confirms that Ake was one of the players most often harassing him for answers and insights. “He is the perfect professional, extreme in his drive to become better every day. It’s in his personality, I don’t think anyone pushed him to do this. He deserves all the credits for what he has achieved.”‘
Piet Cremers, former performance analyst Man City
Ake left for England as a youngster. The 15 year old captained the Oranje U17 team when he was picked by Chelsea. Living in London, he was to be part of the A-squad but his guest-family’s home wasn’t connected with the training complex in Cobham via public transportation. So young Nathan walked every day, on sandy country road and then along the highway, where one of his rich team mates would stop to allow Nathan a hitch in their expensive cars. On match days, Nathan could take the subway to Stamford Bridge. He’d sit among the Chelsea fans with his sports bag. “It was always good fun,” he’d later say.
Nathan is from Voorburg, a small town outside of Den Haag/The Hague. He was scouted by ADO Den Haan and after 4 years, Feyenoord came calling, where was in teams with Tonny Vilhena, Terence Kongolo and Karik Rekik. In 2021, Frank Arnesen – TD of Chelsea – called him and toured him around the Chelsea grounds. Ake was sold and after consulting his parents he decided to move to London. 16 years old.
Two years later, Ake made his debut in the Chelsea elite squad and Frank Lampard gives him the Talent of the Year award. He moves into his own apartment, with his brother Cedric. “My parents don’t allow us to get a help in, they want us to do all our home chores ourselves, and we will.”
When confronted with stories how most young talents fail to break into the first teams, he said: “I know, I heard all the stories. But I don’t want to see those stories as my reality. I want to be the guy who does succeed. I think the biggest pitfall for players making their debut, is to think they are there. They made it. But you haven’t made it, you are just beginning!”.
Skipper Ake with amongst others Tonny Vilhena and Karim Rekik
After a lone spell at Reading he was loaned out to Watford where he played his first real season as starter in the EPL. Jong Oranje coach Fred Grim started to scout him and was delighted with what he found: “At that age, Nathan was a man. Very mature and balanced and multi functional. He really understands the game. His best skills is his intelligence as a football player. I met his parents and understood how he got to be who he is. His parents are balanced, the family life there is grounded and harmonious. Nathan is a very modest and polite lad. The thing missing in his personality is the bastard. Some times in top football you need to be a bastard and think only about yourself and your goals. Nathan doen’t have this, a model pro and a top bloke.”
Grim also allowed Ake his debut in Oranje, when he took over from Danny Blind as interim coach: “We played against Morocco and that game had it all: physicality, fouls, and tough challenges, but Nathan didn’t care. He is not your typical defender, with his 180 cm height, but his tactical smarts, his intelligence and his football skills kept him on top, easily.”
After spells with Bournemouth and a short return to Chelsea, Pep Guardiola took a shine after Ake, partly due to the fact that the former Feyenoord captain is considered an English player. Life would be different. “At Bournemouth, he played in a 5 back line and the space was limited. They play compact, and backing up your team mate is a matter of two or three strides to the side. At Man City, the defensive space is huge. You play in big spaces and in isolated one-v-ones. When you step in at the wrong moment, it’s a 100% chance for the opponent. But on the ball, you don’t get time, most opponents will park the bus and play compact. What are your options. How quick are you feet and brain? These things, you can only find out by playing in those situations. Nathan made that switch super fast,” says performance coach Cremer.
Ake’s debut versus Morocco
Cremer goes on: “Nathan also has great ball skills. He can dribble and has the forward pass. He’s a great guy to work with as he is like a sponge, he wants to know everything. And eh…. he’s talented on many levels. He is also an amazingly accomplished piano player. This last season, his dad died and he married his childhood sweetheart, but all these events would not have any impact on the quality on the pitch.”
After a shaky start in Manchester, with some injury woes, Nathan now has a starting berth under Guardiola and plays his games regularly. Also in Oranje, the modest defender can count on a trip to Qatar as starter.
“I want a left footer on the left side of defence,” Van Gaal explained. Van Gaal thinks in terms of possession. When a defender needs to push high up on the pitch and ends up in midfield, he needs to use his best foot to open the game up and pass. A left footer is the natural type of player to do this swiftly. You need someone who is good on the ball, sees the game and has positional awareness. All things Ake has in spades. He’s also a very reliable defender of course.
When Ake moved to Man City, the criticasters were doubting him. Similarly. when the back three for Oranje was discussed, not a lot of people mentioned Ake. But he’s one of the few outfield players who managed to play consistently in the English Premier League. Him, Virgil van Dijk and now Pascal Struijk are the only ones that come to mind, amongst players like Klaassen, Van de Beek, Ziyech, Vincent Janssen, Berghuis and Bergwijn…
Ake after his 29th cap. “It’s going well, I am happy with the chances I get and the confidence the coach has in me. I need to keep this going, because the competition is intens. We have some top notch defenders now and everyone wants to start. The competition is good, it means you cannot snooze off.”
And yes, he has competition in Oranje and at City too. De Vrij, De Ligt, Blind, Struijk and Botman to name a few in Orange. And of course Ruben Dias and Laporte at City.
And developing yourself at a club like Manchester City is not that easy, says Cremers: “Don’t forget, City plays games every fourth day, so there are only 2 training sessions to develop and show yourself. The sub top teams in the EPL will have 4 to 5 sessions to work on becoming a better player. At City, you need to develop and show yourself in the games. That is pretty tough. And this makes Ake’s development even more impressive.”
Another informative article on Ake Thanks @Jan… Wc is heating up.. I have been following Ake since he joined chelski.. I feared for him.. But he made it.. Versatile player excellent LCB and DM… We should play him in Dm spot as well… He would be terrific..
Jan, really appreciate for yet another very nice article! 🙏 🙇♂️.
What a good article. Ake is going to be a key player for Netherlands in this worldcup.The video is also good.
There isn’t much to say about Ake. He deserves a spot in the 1st team, period.
On the other hand, LVG should consider dropping all Ajax based players from the WC team. Another embarrassment against Liverpool in the sold out Arena. Every single player is pis.s poor including the coaching team that seems totally lost. Based on goals received this season, this Ajax team is probably the worst in history of the club. Shameful. What a bunch of dilettantes. Disgusting.
on the way to work just had a glance at the scores Liverpool 3-0 ajax. I thought the comments will be flowing . reached work and clicked straight on to the blog to find no comments of the game. where has everybody gone?
I feel like beating a dead horse at this time. This is the third game already. The cycle will repeat. They will beat a weak team in Eredivisie and feel that everything is alright.
By the way, it is sad to see Ajax is playing like this. They are only better than the Barca circus. At least they got 100+ millions where Barca spent 200 millions.
Ake was destined to become a good CB. he had all the qualities and like any other CB just needed time like van dijik and others and playing competitively to hit the ground rolling. somethnig that is becoming very common with the Cbs, they dont hit the ground rolling at an instance and over time develop it like van dijk, De ligt, Van Dijk, Ake now and I think Botman will follow soon. you expect some nervy moment in his first few caps.
in Other CL games, Lang played full 90′ which is a good sign. had his penalty saved by porto Gk and even though they lost 4-0, they still qualify for the round of 16. he needs to be on the plane to qatar
I like him but unless he regain his place in Brugge, I do not see why he should be on the plane. Missing a penalty does not help his case.
But again, I looked at the selection and I am like who else can we take. Maybe we can put Frimpong as forward and he will score more.
Great profile of a consummate professional.
But these are things that the everyday man have always known, or thought of Ake. Great attitude, physically strong and he can play. To the point where he has thrust himself to the forefront of a potential starting berth in Qatar.
But it is worth reminding that this was the same Ake, with the same skill-sets and attitude that barely played a part in the last Euros.
I recall a number of posts, including my own, where his involvement was suggested in a number of capacity, no less a holding midfielder. The occasional lung-bursting drive through the heart of midfield, the seemingly eye for a pass and general physicality, qualities that a busy soccer mom would recognize de Roon lacks.
But of course the hapless FDB have a playbook to conform to and rocking the boat was never considered(though playing Ake as a holding midfielder is as radical as Nigel de Jong occupying the same role)
But this is what happens when a national team is run within the confines of certain themes.
Like daring to play Rensch over Dumfries(and yes, Dumfries was available) and coming back to their senses when the kid was not up to it.
Shifting Berghhuis from the wings to a playmaking role to hybrid responsibilities, all without much of an impact.
These are luxuries and opportunities not afforded the Akes, Bergwins and Danjumas of Oranje except by necessities and complete lack of options from the Ajax pool or simple favorites.
Ake, Bergwin, Danjuma and co. are being fawned over now but all, only came into their being through the backdoor. Injuries mostly, to Oranje royalty.
Some will tell you that our genius coaches like to keep a core group but this simply is not true. They like to keep core group of favorites and Ajax players.
I would play Struijk over Malacia. I think he is a better footballer, a lot more controlled in his play. Would he ever get his chance over Blind? No.
It won’t surprise me that we would be talking about how he could have helped us in Qatar come the next Euros.
That is if the jury ever rules in his favor going forward. Something which they are predictably late in doing if ever.
Welcome to the Oranje party.
Sweet and precise . This is why I keep saying they keep hitting the folk in their own foot and still never learn.
“But this is what happens when a national team is run within the confines of a certain theme”
Well said and I think you also mentioned this in previous post with the bayern and german national team example. It is what it is, any tom dick and Harry can see whats happening. Unfortunately as fans we can only watch from inside of the glass.
Ajax defeat was on expected lines only unexpected thing was they believed im miracles with such poor quality football. Wonder how some of them are going to play in national team.
Sweet and precise . This is why I keep saying they keep hitting the folk in their own foot and still never learn.
“But this is what happens when a national team is run within the confines of a certain theme”
Well said and I think you also mentioned this in previous post with the bayern and german national team example. It is what it is, any tom dick and Harry can see whats happening. Unfortunately as fans we can only watch from inside of the glass.
Not sure if you saw the Ajax game or just the final result. Ajax played a good first half, against a lacklustre Liverpool. Ajax should have scored three before half time, with Tadic missing a truly great chance, which he would score 9 outof 10 times if given the chance. Berghuis hit the post in front of open goal and Liverpool was shaky. But they score on the counter and Ajax is hapless chasing the game. A strong Liverpool put the game away in the second half.
I saw Bakker play for Leverkuesen and I am able now to put my finger on the feeling why I don’t like him.
When Atletico gets a penalty, this is stopped by the goalie, the rebound ends up on the cross bar and the 3rd attempt miraculously drifts over the bar. The Leverkusen players cheer, shake fists and celebrate the blocks. But Bakker goes straight up to the player who missed the penalty and yells like a beserker in the face of the Atleti player, not once but twice. That for me is bad sportsmanship and tells you something about the petty personality Bakker is. I don’t like these antics. Doesn’t belong in Oranje for me.
Lang was threatening but rusty. Couldn’t make his dribbles count but his passing was ok.
The penalty wasn’t bad, the height of the ball gave the goalie a chance. He is a true penalty killer btw.
Gravenberch came on as a sub and had some slick moves. Frenkie couldn’t influence the game. De Ligt had a super tackle on Lewandowski in the box.
The anti-Ajax rhetoric here is so strange, especially considering that Ajax is almost single-handedly dragging up Holland’s UEFA Coefficient, getting us multiple Champions League spots. A lot of people on this blog are happy to see them fail, even though now it looks like we’ll be passed again by Portugal and lose our additional CL spot.
Ajax was running the show,but liverpool scored goal vs run of play..ajax players are soft guys,they lack mentality..Timber and Alvarez cannot do everything by themselves…Bassey,Blind cannot defend..Sanchez is not better..Rensch didntstart so we cannot blame him ..
De ligt play as LCB,he plays very often as startere..Gravenberch is pretty good when given chances…there is no wonder Gravenberch has to compete with Groska,Kimmich and Musiayala…Hard life…
Lang is a hardworker he will get back rythem,,,Lang and Malen should be in qatar..
I would like to see you in a cage with TImber and Alvarez one day
Simons, Veerman, Gakpo and LDJ show up today and beat PSV. Finally, there is some good news. I still think Veerman has a chance to get to the WC if PSV has an impressive Europa League campaign.
@kevin, Veerman has 0 chance of making the WC squad as he wasn’t on the provisional list that van gaal submitted.
LVG used to pick players out of his provisional squad before though. With Ajax is not performing, i feel he still have chance. Or is there a rule about the final squad need to be selected from the provisional list?
This prelim list is definitive. The only option LVG has to pick a player from outside of this list, if a player from the squad gets injured. You can’t add players because they suddenly play well.
I see. Well, I thought he scored a lot of clutch goals in important matches for PSV this season.
Finished watching the replay of PSV vs Arsenal. only two words xavi simons. I wont be surprised if he gets called up regardless of his non selection in provisional squad. if he doesnt, its fork in foot again. his work rate was phenomenal and brightest of all PSV players. he is living up to his namesake and on ball he is so technical. two goals were disallowed for PSV, His and Gakpos due offside but the built on both disallowed goals were top notch. veermans surperb chip pass to release gakpo and then xavi solo bulldozing his way in the box and slicing it at the back of the net. legit offside though on both. I can see him in the hole more productive than berghuis who for guaranteed will be no show vs the big gun as always.
Veerman was flashes of brilliance as he started at AM and was in and out of the game. scored a nice goal with his left.
PSV and Ajax also will meet before the break for WC so it will surely will be a livewire match. Expect everything in it especially with PSV having all the players recovered form injuries.
Don’t make stupid sentence.. Xavi simons is in provisional squad.. Why making lie statements??
oops, my bad.
forgot he was in the squad. well if he doesn’t then
“if he doesnt go then”
@ Jan
have you ever considered that the coin has two sides. how many clears chances did liverpool miss? Nunez shitter etc. ajax weakness has been talked about thoroughly here and if you look at all goals the its was nothing out of the blue. Timber’s aerial weakness, blinds vulnerability and how it impacts the team in defense. instead you wont to focus on how berghuis miss the shitter, tadic couldnt show etc. I really find this doggy when this should be reflecting on whats to come or to expect given the ajax contingent in the provisional squad. remember you foot ball culture argument unspoken code, tribal concept. where has it all gone?
and then look at this bloody diarhorrea from derekvdberg91
“The anti-Ajax rhetoric here is so strange, especially considering that Ajax is almost single-handedly dragging up Holland’s UEFA Coefficient, getting us multiple Champions League spots. A lot of people on this blog are happy to see them fail, even though now it looks like we’ll be passed again by Portugal and lose our additional CL spot.”
now when its finally being revealed and is unfolding, just look at his mentality and how is trying to side step. what has this to bloody do with the poor performances of the whole ajax team. you see my friend you can run but cant hide from the truth. this was yours sentiments
“Veerman’s a good footballer, but Klaassen consistently performs at a top European Level. Same with Berghuis. Are they top in the world? No. If they play Brazil or Argentina will they dominate the midfield? No. Are they better than Veerman? 100%”
“Also, your fanboying of Veerman is getting ridiculous at this point. He’s behind Klaassen and WAYYYY behind Koopmeiners. Koopmeiners is dominating Italian teams week to week, Klaassen is a Champions League level player. Veerman can’t handle Bodo/Glimt or Rangers”
@wilson I am not sure why you think Derek is sidestepping. He is saying that all eredivisie fans should want ajax to do well in order to keep our coefficient up. Its strange that some people would be anti ajax. I am sure Derek is aware that ajax has had poor champions league results this year but ajax has been the main reason over the past few years why hollands coefficient is rising. Are ajax perfect? No. Does a team like ajax deserve some loyalty and patience after overpreforming for years and then this year they are poor after losing overmars, the manager, antony, martinez, gravenberch, haller, mazraoui, onana, tagliafico, schuurs.
It feels like you want ajax to fail in Europe just so you can say “i told you so”.
anybody watched malacia vs sheriff
Malacia was good. Played LB and RB (but not at the same time)
Very happy for PSV and RVN win today. Comprehensively beating the team sitting at the top of PL. It could have ended 4 or 5 nil if Gakpo had googled word “offside” before the game. Simmons is a very exciting prospect and needs to go to WC. L deJong also deserves to be on the plane. I will go as far as to say that he has every right to be considered for at least 45 mins per game. A warrior and unbeatable in the air. He has performed heroics for NT and especially Sevilla not so long ago and he doesn’t seem to have missed a beat. In fact looking at our forwards currently I don’t see anyone better than him.
PSV looks exciting and that stadium atmosphere is electrifying. Completely different from that cold Cruyff arena 🙂
I would opt for brobbery. he brings more off the bench than Luuk, weghorst or even janssen.
Agree. Even before his injury, he was very important for PSV in the playoff.
If klassen gets the call to oranje over xavi simons that would be a criminal act ….
https://youtu.be/BB5b01G25Ns
looks like it went under the radar. danjuma scored a beauty for villarreal. killer instinct.
He is slowly getting back to his finest form. I think he will be on the plane.
It will not be between Brobbey and Luuk de Jong, I don’t think.
Brobbey v Janssen. Weghorst v Luuk. Two different types of strikers.
The anti Ajax vibe is annoying indeed. I hope some of you won’t be in my trench when a new trench war breaks out. Not much loyalty here. Wow.
Not sure what Wilson is about with his two sides of the coin.
The one side of the coin was mentioned already a couple of times Wilson: “Ajax is shit”. And I basically showed the other side of the coin. Namely, that Ajax missed three major sitters and those would have made a difference, when scored.
Or do you think there are 3 sides to the coin? The Liverpool side, the Ajax side and the Wilson side :-).
Sorry mate but you need to take off your rosy glasses. Ajax has been garbage. The fact they couldn’t score any of those “sitters” is a testimony to this. Even if they scored there is no guarantee they would win. They were ahead in Liverpool and lost, were ahead against Napoli and lost SIX – 1 AT HOME, never happened before. Catastrophic. Be real.
By the way, I agree about Bakker. What a thuggish idio.t. He looks like McTominay’s twin and as thick as him. I wish we could have someone like Hradecky at goal. What a spiderman.
And LVG would be the dumbest if he brings Weghorst instead of LDJ. The difference is night and day.
@Wilson, you talk about how bad Ajax are performing, but you have to realize they’re still leading the league that consists of all these guys you think are better. If Ajax are underperforming and all the other Dutch sides sit below them…. what are they doing?
Lets be practical on ajax…what wrong with ajax..
1-their players are mentally weak
2-their Defense with prsence of Blind,Bassey is atrocious..
3-Blind and Bassey are the core reason behind these defensive leak..
4-Their Manger doesnt have plan B..Does he integrate youngsters??
LVG has to go with Luuk De jong over Weghorst..Luuk has scored vital gaols in many games for NT and he is europa league winner..an unstoppable header of ball…Virgil–ake–De ligt–Luuk at final 10 minutes on crosses flowing would be night mare any team..we would finish Arjentina and Brazil with headers..bullet headers…
Xavi simons seems more mercurious than Berghuis of late..
De roon is in trouble will he make the cut???any news??
My 26
Starters
—-Berjwin——-Depay——–
———–Ximons————–
Malacia—Frenkie-koopmeiners—Frimpong
——-Ake—-Virgil—-Deligt————–
————Cillessen———————-
on bench
—Gakpo———–Malen———-
———Berghuis——————–
Blind—–Gravenberch–Taylor–Dumfries
——Struijk–Devrij–timber
———-Pasveer———————–
addtional 4
Bilow 3rd GK
Janssen
Luuk de jong
klassen
I am actually thinking that we don’t need both Weghorst and Luuk de Jong. We can do with Van Dijk or Ake if we are to chase the game and need to rely on long balls forward.
Allocate the spots to the attackers/midfielders.
My 26 players as of now assuming everyone is fit. Goalkeepers: Cillessen (starter) Flekken and Bijlow. Although Paasveer had performed very well the last two games he was used in the Nations League he has made some silly mistakes with Ajax that should cost him his spot. I do think Van Gaal will still take him, Cillessen and Flekken and drop Bijlow and Noppert. I see no point having 4 Goalkeeper!!
My 10 defenders are: Dumfries, Frimpong, De Ligt, Van Dijk, Ake, Timber, De Vrij, Botman, Blind and Malacia. It’ll be foolish if Van Gaal drops Frimpong for Rensch.
Midfielders: De Jong, Koopmeiners, De Roon, Berghuis, Taylor and Simons. I think Veerman deserved a spot in the provisional squad but since he wasn’t included there is no point talking about him. Having seen Klaassen every game he played for Ajax I don’t know how any coach can call him in the national team with what he has showed the not so many games he has started for Ajax this season. Gravenberch also misses due to lack of playing time.
Forwards: Depay, Bergwijn, Gakpo, Danjuma, Luuk De Jong, Brobbey, and Mallen. No room in my squad for Jansen, Weghorst and Lang (lack of playing time lately). Although Mallen isn’t the the best of forms I think Van Gaal can utilize him very well. Having said that I think Jansen and Weghorst will be part of the final squad since he has showed us that he really doesn’t like to change many things. The only new player I expect to see is Botman and maybe Xavi Simons!
Tomy, good points and I agree with most of what you say. I would take Lang over Malen. I think Danjuma offers what Malen offers, but not many players are like Noa Lang. Although Xavi Simons does.
LVG will always go for either Luuk or Wout. It was never the plan to take both. You need 3 different types. The roaming forward (Memphis, Danjuma, Bergwijn), the “balvaste” striker, who can hang on to the ball, back to goal (Janssen, Brobbey) and the target man (Luuk, Wout). And if Luuk gets injured at the World Cup, throw De Ligt in.
Emanuel, you talk rubbish hahaha.
Ajax lost: Haller, Anthony, Tagliafico, Mazraoui, Gravenberch and Martinez.
At least 4 of these were top notch strongholders.
Technical management at Ajax thought Bassey could replace Martinez. Not true.
They didn’t get a proper replacement for Antony either (Bergwijn is not a right winger).
This is not the manger (I think you mean manager) fault. Does he play youngsters you ask? Ever heard of Taylor, Baas, Regeer, Brobbey, Conceceao (?), Rensch?
This Ajax is still top dog in the Eredivisie and even in the CL they had some good moments. They didn’t have to lose against Liverpool (Twice). They did, I know and that is not good, but to say they are garbage and the manger (manager??) is shit it just utterly ridiculous.
Some people here watch football as a girl on her period. Period.
“Some people here watch football as a girl on her period.” – Jan, you’re lucky you don’t live in the USA otherwise for this comment you would be denounced on CNN as a science denier and bigot 🙂 We believe in the new science that a man can have periods too if they put their mind to it. Man can even get pregnant LOL
Ajax is in a bad situation because they lost good players, made a ton of $$$$$ and did nothing to get decent replacements for them, hence their captain is still uncle Tadic whose teeth are almost falling off. Their biggest loss in my opinion was the withdrawal of Overmars for more ridiculous reasons than people can cancelled in the USA. Anyway, my problem with Ajax is that they have fallen to unseen before levels that you for some reason refuse to acknowledge. Ajax seems to be like a religious institution, they can do no wrong. 15 goals in 4 games , Ajax has never suffered before in their history. What the heck are they doing with that windfall for Antony? Where is that money gone? They hit the lotto and still rely on some lightweights or expired bodies. I love Ajax, I grew up with dreams of European glory for them and cried of joy when MVB scored in the 87 European Cup Final and when Kluivert scored in Vienna against Milan. I still remember most of those players. Anyway, Ajax will get back on their feet but for now I think PSV is the best club in Eredivisie. I enjoy watching them play. I really hope they bring back Overmars.
hahahahaha well said!!
Jan you coverup rubbishly on ajax issue..
1-Ajax was always on top at eredivise since ages…always in top 3..when was jax notin top 3?
2- its (15) FU!@1432king goals conceded in 3 games…thats coaching issue ,mental issue ..Exit of Gravenberch,antony haller has nothing to do with it…if it was 6 gaols conceded in 3 games that would have been fare….
there is huge mental weakness in ajax squad..against the run of the play they concede and then collapse after that…thats mental weakness..if coach doesnt adress that thats coaching problem as well.. i dont think he has plan B..
3–Regeer,youri baas,Fredrico concecao all are getting very less time…instead Blind,Bassey are getting more time..when your senior players getting raped throw the young lions,lets see what they can do at least…even if they fail they could learn at least…
I don’t have a problem with Lang being there instead of Mallen, I have a feeling neither of them will make it.
As for Ajax and being an Ajax fan I can say that, yes Ajax lost many players and they are in transition but there are things that Schreuder could and should do better. The persistent use of Tadic at so many different positions has hurt the team on numerous occasions, and the fact that Schreuder never subs him is probably the most annoying part of it all.
Most people think that losing Ten Hag, and all the players we’ve lost is the reason behind Ajax’s poor performance in the Champions League but imo the downfall started with Overmars’s departure. This team hasn’t been the same since he left and the results after him leaving prove my point.
I shouldn’t even comment on this.
Point 1. you prove my point. They have always been #1 in Holland and still are.
Point 2. you attack and defend with 11 Tiju, get with it. You don’t become a pro player when you’re mentally weak. It’s lazy criticism. When a team loses “they are weak”. Right.
Point 3. Bassey is a young player mate. As is Rensch as is Timber. I think it would be foolish not to use BLind, since Wijndal was injured.
Test. Any one else having posting issues
This notion that legitimate cr
This notion that legitimate criticism can’t be levied against Ajax or Oranje and is immediately classified as anti-this and that is absolute dross.
The fact remains that Ajax is closely connected to Oranje and it has served as a corollary reflection of the very pressure and heartbeat of Oranje for decades.
It is therefore quite easy to conflate these two issues(and naturally so) of criticizing these two bodies as they are so interconnected and entwined.
I really don’t think anybody wants to see Ajax or Oranje fail. But the very act of blind fandom, I feel, is ironically a betrayal to the cause of wanting to see your team prosper.
Lvg and Dutch management may never here me yell my grievances from the innermost bowels of the earth but that wouldn’t and shouldn’t, as a fan, stop me from stating what I think is wrong with my team. And why I think that is.
Ajax has been the gift and the curse of Oranje. But moreso a blessing over the years with some of the greatest Oranje players having cut their teeth in its academy.
I don’t know if this is a general Dutch mentality but I think it is worth reminding Dutch management that one size does not fit all. That something that impeccably worked yesterday probably has a chance of failing a decade from now.
As this is how Oranje has been run in relation to Ajax Amsterdam. When you don’t have the Davids and Rijkaards and Gullit from your preferred well of talents, learn to accept this and duly adjust to what is at hand.
The Eredivisie for many years now have been a farmers league. Accept this.
Ajax is not always going to produce the players of yesteryears standard. Accept this.
That your occasional successful foray in Europe and your exploits of the past(decades ago) still does not make you elite. Accept it.
And possibly grow from that acceptance and thus envisage the possibility of a different perspective as only growth would bring as a result of being objective.
But NO.
The aura of stagnation built on a fever of melancholic nostalgia is palpable and has its clammy prints in most decisions that Dutch management arrives at, especially in regards to Ajax.
2014 Blind is no more and never will be. Accept it.
Berghuis is not Robben nor any variation of playmaker you want him to be in Oranje. Accept this.
Klassen and the lot you cling on to are not going to win you anything.
Move on.
Scary but look outside the structure and fortresses you’ve built around your tendency of decision making.
I really do believe with the football minds we have, ego put aside, we can build great teams with the Struijk, Frimpongs, Lang’s, Simon’s etc.
Forget about this core rubbish. Core to Dutch management is just a synonym for favorites and Ajax players.
And as long as this continues, I won’t be surprised seeing daddy Blind taking a second crack a few years from now.
Afterall, he is the assistant.
I want to second what orangutan said above why Ajax and Oranje criticism are classified as anti label. I followed every single match of Ajax in the semi final campaign and I really enjoy how they play and carry the coefficient. I also watched every single match of Oranje at last Euro even though I disagree with the FDB appointment. I was really disappointed when they lost. What I want to say is that I am a fan and I want both teams to do well. I really enjoy when they play good football and win. I also want to give my criticism when it is not working. And I don’t think it is anti those teams. Maybe it is anti the selection of particular players and I am fine with that because I don’t think their selection is justified.
Now back to Ajax criticism. I think it is very clear that Ajax this year is not as strong as Ajax in other years. So even though they are top of the table, it cannot justify that many selection in Oranje, it is bias. Some are deserved call in my opinion, Timber, Berghuis and Pasveer. Some are questionable, like Taylor. And some selection are just pure bias, Rensch, Blind and Klaassen.
How do you overlook players proving themselves for years in higher league like Frimpong, Botman, Struijk, Karsdorp and Gosens(in the past when he was still eligible) in favor of top Eredivisie starters? If Eredivisie is that strong, then we will not have this discussion at all. But the league it not that strong. Now this is not one occasion, look at the above list. Don’t tell me that Karsdorp has temper problem. Did Frimpong or Gosens also have it? When there are multiple cases like those, there are bias in the selection.
And why is bench warmer player for top of the league picked over starter of the second team in the league? Klaassen over Xavi and Veerman? Oh it is because he performed in the past, right? If history and experience is that accurate, then Ajax this year will do as good as last year, right? Nope. Now I know someone will pull the card that this year Ajax got many important players left. So what? Klaassen could not nail his starting spot in a weaker squad, what does that tell?
Test
Crysencio summerville scored the winner for Leeds vs liverpool 2-1. He also scored last week as well. Good to see him finally getting the break and starting for Leeds.
Very good goal. Both the control and finishing. VVD does not look very good there. But as long as he does that on purpose to wait for WC, I don’t care.
Last minute goal which broke the Liverpool fan heart. Turning 21 in his post match interview he said it always dream for a young boy to play in epl and to score at Anifield is dream come true.
Malen had first assist after a long time. It looks like the competition for last few spots are heating up.
Pascal Struijk played well for Leeds vs Liverpool, stopped a certain goal im the opening minutes of the match. In comparison, Blind was faded in the Ajax vs Liverpool match.
Comparing players is always hard, but I do think there are some similarities between some players.
I see similarities between:
Xavi Simons – Noa Lang
Donny Malen – Danjuma
Wout – Luuk (duh)
Janssen – Brobbey
Do you see this too, guys?
Yes Jan, I am seeing the same comparisons as well. Was actually thinking both Xavi Simons and Noa Lang be selected and both Weghorst and Luuk de Jong dropped..Just don’t think the idea of target man will bill us out when chasing the game.
I want to respond this with some more thought into it, as orangutan also has well balanced and thought-through comments to make. Although I am not always sure who is addressed. At times I wonder “is he talking to me” but I suppose most of you will think this as well? Or not, dunno…
“This notion that legitimate criticism can’t be levied against Ajax or Oranje and is immediately classified as anti-this and that is absolute dross.”
I too am all for criticism. I am always against those absolutisms though like “Ajax is garbage” or “Schreuder needs to go” kind of comments.
“The fact remains that Ajax is closely connected to Oranje and it has served as a corollary reflection of the very pressure and heartbeat of Oranje for decades.”
True.
“It is therefore quite easy to conflate these two issues(and naturally so) of criticizing these two bodies as they are so interconnected and entwined.”
Yes understandable but this doesn’t tell the full story and you know it. Maybe others don’t.
“I really don’t think anybody wants to see Ajax or Oranje fail. But the very act of blind fandom, I feel, is ironically a betrayal to the cause of wanting to see your team prosper.”
I agree. But there is a difference between blind fandom and scolding and putting down players. I always had a problem with “fans” claiming one of their players is “an idiot” or “stupid” or “in the team due to his father” or whatever else. It’s lazy criticism. We need to try and analysis what the problems are and try and understand the game a bit. Sometimes I feel like this blog is a platform for the same people who are in the stands half drunk and bare-chested yelling obscenities to the players, the ref and the coaches.
If this makes people happy, I am fine with it but let them do it elsewhere. I spend time and money on this blog and it hurts me personally when someone keeps on harping on about “headless chickens”. It’s disrespectful and simply not the case.
“Lvg and Dutch management may never here me yell my grievances from the innermost bowels of the earth but that wouldn’t and shouldn’t, as a fan, stop me from stating what I think is wrong with my team. And why I think that is.”
And I welcome it.
“Ajax has been the gift and the curse of Oranje. But moreso a blessing over the years with some of the greatest Oranje players having cut their teeth in its academy.”
Indeed.
“I don’t know if this is a general Dutch mentality but I think it is worth reminding Dutch management that one size does not fit all. That something that impeccably worked yesterday probably has a chance of failing a decade from now.”
I don’t see why this needs to be said. LVG has made changes to his approach. So has Ten Hag. It’s a fine line between wanting to mix it up and experiment and staying too long on the same plan. As NT coach, you don’t have a lot of time to play around. Most coaches rely on the tactical work to be done at the club.
“As this is how Oranje has been run in relation to Ajax Amsterdam. When you don’t have the Davids and Rijkaards and Gullit from your preferred well of talents, learn to accept this and duly adjust to what is at hand.”
It’s about the team. it’s about application. About intelligence. Greece won the Euros without Rijkaard and Gullit. Germany in 1996 without Davids and Van Basten. Argentina won it in 1986 with a team completely organised around Maradona. Our only trophy was won with a Gullit out of form and a Van Basten who was almost not part of the squad. With a 37 year old midfielder in the team and another midfielder playing left winger on paper, but basically just there to protect the 37 year old.
And don’t think that with good players – like Rijkaard – you will win things without putting in the work, having the tactics right, etc. There are great players out there who haven’t been able to win trophies in the past decade.
“The Eredivisie for many years now have been a farmers league. Accept this.”
Everyone accepts this??
“Ajax is not always going to produce the players of yesteryears standard. Accept this.”
Yes, but who doesn’t accept this?
“That your occasional successful foray in Europe and your exploits of the past(decades ago) still does not make you elite. Accept it. And possibly grow from that acceptance and thus envisage the possibility of a different perspective as only growth would bring as a result of being objective. But NO.”
Where do you base the “NO” on? I am 100% sure this is exactly what Ajax is all about.
“The aura of stagnation built on a fever of melancholic nostalgia is palpable and has its clammy prints in most decisions that Dutch management arrives at, especially in regards to Ajax. 2014 Blind is no more and never will be. Accept it.
Berghuis is not Robben nor any variation of playmaker you want him to be in Oranje. Accept this.”
No one is saying otherwise :-). I’m starting to get confused more and more. Ajax has to re-invent themselves every 3 years or so. Feyenoord lost 8 starters this summer. This has been reality for decades. Not sure what makes you say all this, this has been Dutch football for decades. Is this just a long-winded essay to make a point about Blind and Berghuis?
“Klassen and the lot you cling on to are not going to win you anything.
Move on.
Scary but look outside the structure and fortresses you’ve built around your tendency of decision making.
I really do believe with the football minds we have, ego put aside, we can build great teams with the Struijk, Frimpongs, Lang’s, Simon’s etc.”
I think everyone agrees. But I don’t think we’ll play with a starting eleven at Qatar with Struijk, Frimpong, Simons, Summerville, Lang and Simon. I hope you don’t expect any coach to do this??
“Forget about this core rubbish. Core to Dutch management is just a synonym for favorites and Ajax players.
And as long as this continues, I won’t be surprised seeing daddy Blind taking a second crack a few years from now.
Afterall, he is the assistant.”
Hahaha, that won’t happen.
Watched Leverkusen vs Leipzig. Good game. Sinkgraven and Fesu Mensah both started the game for the first time. Fesu Mensah was composed and looked steady but didn’t bring the same attacking flare as what Frimpong usually does. Typically A lot of back passing and hardly went outside. Trailing 1-0 was subbed off around 55′ for Frimpong who instantly reinforced the attack on the right coming on. Usually stuff. Linking up , 1,2 and racing down the flank and crossing.Really upbeat the tempo of the game but too little to late.
Sinkgraven, this was is opportunity to show himself but have to say like Fesu mensah couldnt lay much stake in the game. looked good on the ball with quick feet but he is too light weight and doesnt bring the robust factor which bakker brings. He lacks what bakker has and vice visa. Had one clear shot on goal and in process got injured. Another of his downfall and was subbed off for bakker who as usual brought more musclanity ( tackles) and going forward. Unfortunately Leipzig scored a second goal and killed the game off.
I can see bakker competing for LB with Malacia in the future but both need to work on their offensive game. The back passing syndrome is what both need to improvise on. . If they dont Maatsen is somebody whom I reckon is of the same mould as Frimpong and will make a case for himself as he develops. For Wijndal not sure if he will be able to thrive at Ajax…injuries???
Any body else receiving the not acceptable. Error generated by mod security comment while posting.
Yes, the bot is not working. Here is the trick that works for me, log out and log in before you post. It is very inconvenient that way.
I’ll check it out guys. I didn’t know this was an issue
Yes but this one has recently started popping. I recall the other one you have to log in and log out.
Watch PSV 3-0 NEC. Nothing much to say about PSV as NEC looked toothless and pretty much were outmuscled in most aspect of the game.
Was particularly interested to see sandler who started for NEC in three man backline . As much as he conceeded the penalty for bringing xavi Simons down in the box, you could tell his was cut above the rest in a average team. Defensively offcourse. I really hope he can reach his full potential and put behind his injury setbacks and move on. Was subbed off at the beginning of the second half which I think has to do with his hamstring problem and a cautious approach in getting him back to full fitness.
Tavsan also looks like an intresting talent but again playing at NEC wont justify much for him.
I though NEC deserved at least one penalty and the Luuk de Jong header should have been chalked off, for me. Two massive shoves went before this.
Tavzan is in Young Oranje and is a tremendous dribbler.
I want to add to @Jan and @orangutan debate:
“Ajax has been the gift and the curse of Oranje. But moreso a blessing over the years with some of the greatest Oranje players having cut their teeth in its academy.”
I don’t agree. Ajax beside Feyenoord in the 70’s are the germen of Dutch soccer. This is a blessing. Ajax not only contributed being the core developer of Dutch soccer identity, but also gave us amazing players (Cruyff, Van Basten, Bergkamp, Krool, Rijkaard, Seedorf, ton name a few) and trophies. I. What sense Ajax can be a curse for orange?
“As this is how Oranje has been run in relation to Ajax Amsterdam. When you don’t have the Davids and Rijkaards and Gullit from your preferred well of talents, learn to accept this and duly adjust to what is at hand.”
Well, that’s precisó what LVG did on 2014 when he switched to 5-3-2 after Strootman injury. That’s what LVG is doing right now.
“The Eredivisie for many years now have been a farmers league. Accept this.”
True, but what about the French or Portugal leagues? These leagues are not far better then Eredivisie but in case of Portugal, a similar country than Netherlands in resources and population, perform by far better than us in Europe. That’s what we need to understand.
“Ajax is not always going to produce the players of yesteryears standard. Accept this.”
True. But it can. Ajax have being doing it since the 70’s. I still count with the Toekemost
“That your occasional successful foray in Europe and your exploits of the past(decades ago) still does not make you elite. Accept it. And possibly grow from that acceptance and thus envisage the possibility of a different perspective as only growth would bring as a result of being objective. But NO.”
Mnnn. Ajax changed a lost since Martín Jol team. Remember, Cruyff came trying to bring Ajax back to their roots. He bring Vans Der Saar and Overmars, Bergkamp and Davies. There were a law suit even, involving Cruyff and David’s. At the end Van ser Saar took the team and bring F de Boer and the changes starting to come. Better players for the academy and better sign ins. The last years Ajax have been a good combination with a great academy players and very good signings, like Haller Antony Martinez. In my opinion this is the way.
My concern are two things:
1. Mentality. Thousand of pages have been written about Dutch players mentality and I still think this issue has not been addressed correctly.
2. Complacence: when we lost I listen the same excuses “they have more money “, “kids again mens”, “we are a small country”. And I hated that. Sorry, I don’t want to be disrespectful, but these are not excuses. Just see how Benfica and Oporto and a Portugal are doing in Europa previous years.
Now a question. How is Win Jonk doing it in Eredivisie? I really like his loyalty to Cruyff model and I really wish him the best. I hope his current team give him plenty of time to implemente his ideas in the team and the academy.
Can somebody explain or know why Ajax game vs vitesse has been suffered to later date.
Feyenoord and Ajax expected to have a chance to move into knock out stages in Europe and have asked the KNVB to postpone their matches, as they want these coefficiency rations to go up for the CL spots. I think it’s wrong to do so but who am I?
Jonk is doing well with a young team but I think Volendam will be pushed back to lower level again. But Jonk is outstanding and will never be sacked by the club, I don’t think.
He will probably make his way to a bigger club at some stage. AZ? OR even international.
” deferred”
They look to be on by last week. Before the rangers game.This
Is it what I think it Is?
yep looks like its close proximity of fixtures.