The Future of Oranje is Lucky

While the umptieth war is waged (I am not talking Israel – Hamas, but Laurent vs the rest, which I choose to ignore) lets have a look at our future…

When Louis was signed I was cynical. I thought it was all about Louis’ ego and personal ambitions (and it was, actually) and feared he would screw up in the social realm (media, clubs, some players) but he actually did remarkably well. And that is an understatement.

I have said it here and will say it again: he did an amazing job. With Three World Beaters, one World Beater fighting back to top form and a  group of young talents and/or mediocre players, he was able to squeeze the maximum out of the orange. And if Robben took that chance to shoot in the dying minute of the Argentina game, we could have gone all the way.

So Louis has taught us some things. 1) Preparation is everything. Working hard on tactical discipline, game plan and physical fitness brings dividends. 2) It’s not about the individual names, it’s about the team! 3) Good changes / substitutions can alter the game and affect the result. 4) Focus and believing in the mission allows athletes to rise to the occasion and exceed expectations.

To me, this means that there are no more excuses possible in the future. Germany for instance, has a great team. But they do not have a Messi or a Robben. They have many great team players and a number of players who are more than a team player (Kroos, Muller, Lahm, Ozil) but none of these will be remember in 30 years, like a Beckenbauer, Muller or Netzer. Only Klose, as a result of his record. Depending on how long that will stand.

Danny Guus

It’s the TEAM that wins it. Brazil was all about Neymar. Argentina was all about Messi. Oranje was definitely leaning on Robben a lot but we did have that massive team spirit. Vlaar. De Jong. Blind. De Vrij. And those wonderful subs: Huntelaar. Depay. Wijnaldum. Fer.

I was not too happy with the choice of Hiddink but I now believe it is not a bad move.

Lucky Guss will not add a lot of tactical wizardry to Holland. But he will bring his typical toolbox. He will bring a sense of “relax, it will all be good” charisma to the table. His pizzazz and cool will deal with the media and some of the big boys (Van Persie, Sneijder) while Blind will continue the work of Van Gaal.

And when RVP, Sneijder, Robben move on, Blind will be the man with the authority before a new group from 2016 onwards.

And with all the talent that is emerging, and with Blind’s skills in managing and prepping teams (assuming he has learned a thing or two or three from the Master) we should be VERY confident.

The key thing is: how and when will we move from the reactive style to the more dominating style we like to play. Ajax, Feyenoord, Twente, Heerenveen, AZ and PSV all tend to play that game. So does Bayern. We can only hope LVG will do the same with Man United and I guess Galatasaray will not play reactive football in Turkey?

Guus is not as adventurous as I would want him to be, but in the lead up to the EC, in that qualification group we’re in, I cannot see Holland play like we did in Brazil.

When Guus Hiddink was introduced to the media the other week, and he praised the work of Van Gaal. “Louis has add a dimension to Dutch School football. I will pursue that avenue myself too. Sure, playing creative and playful is fun but we need to watch out that we are not just being world champions playing nice football within the borders of our own country! It’s key for our talents to learn how to perform under pressure. The pressure of winning! We have many talents but they need to be transformed to players who can win games.”

ruudvn

Ruud van Nistelrooy, assistant of Hiddink and Blind: “I never listened to the assistant coach…”

Hiddink emphasized that winning is important. Silverware is important. He also stressed that Danny Blind will have an even more dominating role. “Danny will be in charge as field coach but will also be involved in the media and press conferences. He is a very astute coach and we will jointly manage this two years, as we both bring our specific qualities to the fore.”

Blind is an astute tacticus and I hope he will find a way to have Oranje play the Dutch football style we see being played by Bayern and Germany. (Ouch, I didn’t expect THAT to come out of my keyboard!!!).

But when you have the likes of Promes, Boetius, Robben, Depay, Kishna etc up front and the likes of Maher, Wijnaldum, Clasie, Klaassen, Van Ginkel, Siem de Jong, Strootman, Blind, Fer, Sneijder, Afellay in midfield and wing backs like Janmaat, Van Rhijn, Van der Wiel, Willems, Kongolo and Van Aanholt you cannot but play attractive attacking football…

The only worry I have is the center forward of the future…. Is it Castaignos? Or Luuk de Jong? Or Van Wolfswinkel? Or is it a player that has yet to be spotted? Or will we play without a real center forward…..? We were spoilt for choice in the past (Van Nistelrooy, Kluivert, Makaay, Hasselbaink, Van Hooijdonk, Van Basten, Van Vossen, Gullit, Kieft, Bosman, Gillhaus, Houtman) but we seem to not develop any real killers anymore… Is our development to blame? Or is there no more space for strikers…

Klose doesn’t seem to agree with us but most other goal scores at the World Cup are more attacking midfielders (James) or false strikers/wingers (Muller, Robben, Messi).

I personally don’t mind. Because whatever the need: we have Dirk Kuyt.

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155 comments

  1. Very nice reading , Jan. Thank you.
    Well , I have to say I was worried how things will go after Guus as I wasn’t sure if Blind is the right man for the job , but you seem confident about him which is relieving.

    And I hope all replies to this post will be only about football 😀 .

  2. i was so happy abt LVg when he started second time with NT,it was a huge relief for me a fan from a medicore coach like Bert van marwijk.who neglected some players..but i was skeptical about dutch defense especially vlaar and devrij,but LVG came up with 532 and rest is written in football record books.
    I was so gutted to see him leaving the post,he is the most genius coach in this modern era.The unfortuante physical fit ness of RVP,Nijel and Fer cost him the game vs Arjetina.i just wished had he started Hunter/Lenz instead of persie.its just a wish though..
    Hiddink is the second best we have got and we will do okay sure we will stay as contender,but we need to move on as winner.

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  4. Thanks, Jan!

    Here’s an interesting write-up on 10 Eredivisie players to watch this season. All Dutch:

    http://www.football-oranje.com/10-youngsters-to-watch-in-the-eredivisie-this-season/?

    Anwar El Ghazi
    Club: Ajax Age: 19 Position: Winger

    Rick Karsdorp
    Club: Feyenoord Age: 19 Position: Midfield or wing back

    Rai Vloet
    Club: PSV Age:19 Position: Midfield

    Daley Sinkgraven
    Club: Heerenveen Age: 19 Position: midfield/winger

    Terell Ondaan
    Club: Willem II Age: 20 Position: Winger

    Ricardo Kishna
    Club: Ajax Age: 19 Position: Winger/striker

    Giovanni Korte
    Club: Dordrecht/ADO Den Haag Age: 21 Position: Winger

    Bilal Ould-Chikh
    Club: Twente :Age: 17 : Position: Winger/Forward

    Sven van Beek
    Club: Feyenoord Age: 20 Position: Full Back/Centre Back

    Mickey van der Hart
    Club: Go Ahead Eagles/Ajax Age: 20 Position: Goalkeeper

  5. Jan like the article…..two strikes, one that could have won the world cup and the other that could have taken us to the world Cup Final. dont know what to call it, déjà vu or simply not destined to be. But again at that level and given his calibre it will show Robben still is not as potent as our other greats that have left the behind the legacy.

    either way…news coming out of Chelsea room Van Ginkle is on the brink of Loan spell. Ajax possibly the destination.

      1. The Ajax Move is still immaure but he will definitely go out on loan. Since Ajax is in CL, Feyenoord could also come into the picture.

        Well in other news…Wolfsburg have agreed Bendtner deal from Arsenal.May Be Feyenoord should now move for Bas Dot given direct compettion from the Swiss and constantly being used of the bench at Wolfburg .

  6. Even Though Mourinho is a big fan of Van Ginkle and looking at what happened to Kevin De Byrne and Romelu Lukaku I think Van Ginkle is in the same boat.

  7. Confirmed moves:

    Karim Rekik – PSV Eindhoven
    Bryan Linssen – Groningen
    Jordy Clasie – FC Porto
    Colin Kazim Richards – Feyenoord
    Jens Toornstra – Feyenoord
    Hakim Ziyech – Feyenoord
    Bas Dost – Feyenoord
    Daley Blind – Manchester United

  8. van Beek isnt that great…I would rate van der Hoorn as a similar player!

    Reported Liverpool striker target Samuel Eto’o could yet be lured abroad, rather than to Anfield, with respect journalist Tancredi Palmeri suggesting that the Cameroonian striker has been offered a better wage packet by Eredivise outfit Ajax than he has by the Reds.

    1. I have to disagree totally here!! Van Beek seems good, pretty good actually, he has more awareness than Van der Hoorn by miles. Also he seems a better tackler, normal speed, quite composture on ball. Dont know why you compared them!!
      Cheers Srinjoy!

  9. Just read this on ESPN

    Ajax are set to smash their wage structure in order to lure Samuel Eto’o to the club according to De Telegraaf. The Cameroon international will be the Dutch club’s highest paid player and the Daily Star expect the Eredivisie champions to beat Liverpool to his signature.

    1. Having a class player with the finishing ability will really help Ajax in the champions league. Something they’ve lacked over the recent campaigns

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  11. Van der Wiel have started the first two games for PSG this season. Provided the assist to one of PSG:s goals today.

    Martins-Indi started for Porto yesterday, in their 2-0 victory over Maritimo. He played the entire game

    With Janmaat, De Vrij, Indi, Vlaar, Blind, Van der Wiel, Verheagh, Pieters we now have good alternatives at the back. PLus a couple of other players we can add to the mix. Before the World cup most of us thought that our defensive line was really weak. Things can really change quickly.

    Bad start for Van Gaal…

  12. Hi guys. I was out for a long time since the begining of the WC. Now I am back!!
    I have been reading all the comments and all the news. I have to point out that the quality of the comments in our forums has fallen a lot, but I know that if we put our efforts, we can concentrate on football only!! (especially in dutch football).
    What do you all feel from the Eredivisie start? It seems that several teams falls quality with the sails like Twente, Feyenoord and Herenveen. I get the feeling that our league is getting worst every year!! Lets see this one how it goes.
    On another subject. What a beast Depay is!! WTF with him!! I know that I am totally biased to that player but he seems to be miles better than Kishna, Boettius, Promes, El Ghazi etc etc etc!!
    What do you guys think??
    Cheers!!

    1. Kishna is much more intelligent and speedy player than Depay with same set of skills.Depay has long shots and more mentally strong also has got better brain than Afellay,Promes,Elia etc.He has bulked before shedule and it will affect his movements,trickeris and speed sooner,its not far away.

  13. Depay is on a level of his own.

    Kishna and el Ghazi have plenty of skill and hope they show it again tomorrow!

    Boetius is quite a way behind in his development at the moment.

  14. 19:35

    Sky Sports sources understand that Queens Park Rangers have agreed an £8million fee with Norwich City for midfielder Leroy Fer. The Netherlands international has been regularly linked with a move to Loftus Road during the summer transfer window.

  15. Great goals by El Ghazi and Depay. Also to add to the list of defenders above, Van Aanholt started with an assist for Sunderland.

    Still early in the Eredivisie but seems that PSV and Ajax will be a notch above the rest this season.

  16. There’s something about Hendrix that impresses me a lot.His handling speed,along with his turning and distribution, is quite good.Technically he’s one of the best young talents in the Eredivisie and imho, he should be groomed as a future no.6 for the Dutch NT. I think we have a plethora of options for the LCB position and I don’t want to see Jorrit being pushed down the pecking order owing to his slim build. His footballing qualities should be fully utilized to regulate faster triangulation in midfield (which automatically translates to a more dominating brand of attacking football). I hope Hiddink keeps an eye on his development..
    Also Janmaat is up against Silva and Kolarov on his EPL debut. Lets see what he does!

  17. Janmaat was below average on his debut. Anita was avg. Krul tried his best but didn;t stand out.

    el Ghazi was absolutely brilliant once again today and with Kishna underwhelming again, el Ghazi will take his spot alongside Schone on the wings! Also discusted to see a weak, nervous, confidence sapping gk like Cillesen getting to start ahead of Vermeer the best goalie in the country by a square mile! not sure why no other team bids for him? Also wish QPR can get Sigthorrson from Ajax becasue his workman like skills are simply not good enough. Frank has said he will buy a striker so really hope he gets 2 new strikers with Sigthorsson gone!

  18. Mixed reaction of Van Der Weil after he was replaced by Aurier at HT (Injury). Hopefully Aurier arrival will keep him on his toes. Critics are favoring him for First team start even though weil had a assist to his name before being subbed at Half Time. he really needs to improve on his tracking back game after launching forward.

    Also expect Man United to sign a LB in the coming weeks. Rojos or Blind. The Frustration on Van Gaals Face after the second goal vs Swansea was ever clear after Ashely young was caught out on the cross.

    Great Game Van Annholt, going forward ever dangerous but Defense was questionable

  19. Twente look to have a stronger squad than Feyenoord now!

    Ajax vs PSV for 1st 2nd
    Twente vs Vitesse for 3rd 4th
    Feyenoord vs AZ for 5th 6th

    Feyenoord and Twente were battling for the midfielder, but Ziyech has today chosen the move to Enschede, and will sign a four-year-contract.

    The players agent confirmed to De Telegraaf that despite Feyenoord offering Ziyech more money, the player has chosen Twente because he will be able to play in his preferred position of number ten.

    Mustapha Nakhli said, ”Hakim has had an excellent meeting with Feyenoord coach Fred Rutten and negotiations with technical director Martin van Gaal went perfect. The contract offered was great, even better than that of FC Twente. But he has not gone for the money, but has chosen a sporting challenge. ”

    The 21-year-old made 39 league appearances for Heerenveen since making his debut in 2012, and netted ten times for the club. His final appearance came on Friday with Ziyech netting in a 1-1 draw against Feyenoord.

    Ziyech will now join his new teammates for their Europa League tie against Qarabag in Azerbaijan in midweek

  20. Dynamo Moscow are sitting 2 behind Zenit after 4 games. Matt Valbuena has been a tremendous shining for the Moscow franchises with Four assist already. Also Douglas scored in the last game vs Arsenal Tula with Buttner also starting most of the games.

  21. PSV are already looking a very polished team this year compared to last season when they were struggling midtable after the departure of some key players. Jurgen Locadia is turning out to be a sensation on the wing especially with Narsingh and Jozefzoon on the bench who are seasonal wingers. with the return of Schaars they could be rival Ajax for the title.

    I also think it will be three way horse race Ajax,PSV, Twente.

  22. Wilson, PSV started the same way last year. They even beat Ajax 4-0. Remains to be seen whether they will hang on to Depay who is absolutely world class and continue to be consistent throughout the year.

  23. Last year they got affected by Reikik injury +wijnaldum injury.that was a huge blow for PSV,they couldnt escape from that,it all depends on injury.I never supported PSV but last year i thought they are a deal for title,it all collapsed,also cocu’s first year,dont forget he is one of the most consistent player dutch ever had.so they cannt be written off.

  24. PSV will certainly have a great year if they manage to keep the team together. Depay, Maher and Wijnaldum have now more experience and can become world class players. Then you have very promising youngsters like Rekik, Locadia, Narsingh and Vloet. So plenty of talent, at least for the Eredivisie.

  25. Van Der Weil set to spent a lengthy spell on the side line.
    Fracture of the right transverse process of the second lumbar vertebra.(spinal Back injury)

  26. van der vaart scored a beautiful freekick for hamburg in the german cup.. hope he joins southampton or a good team in the premier league and leaves the god forsaken relegation battling fast food chain in germany!

    van ginkel and ake not even on the bench as usual! time to look for a loan to ajax or risk becoming another afellay!

    1. Van der vaart is always a wonderful player like Zinadane Zidane.He is mercurious combined with equally skilled players like RVP,Roben etc,it was unfortunate that we lost Vaart and strootman for WC.Had he been fit enough we would have buried arjetina by 5-2..There is no player is at the level of Vaart,he is Genious on ball.i hope he regains fitness like Andre pirlo.

  27. Wijanldum was king in 6-1 victory of PSV,Locadia is turning to be an interesting player.Reikik+Bruma +Hendrix as holding mid they have tough and strong defense..things look better PSV now.
    I am really worried about Ake and Ginkel,there is nothing to learn tecnically from Chelsea apart from Menatl stregth of Maurihno.They must leave that money minded club,Young talents should never go to such bigspending club.
    @Ake–Leave that plastic club plz
    @Ginkel–Leave that plastic club plz.

  28. jus wondering what happens if Depay moves to Tottenham , I mean Bakkali also is desparte to leave and apart from those two I don’t see any suitable replacement. Should they look for another winger or is there any one potentially at Jong PSV

  29. Provisional squad against Italy and Czech Republic:

    Goalkeepers: Tim Krul (Newcastle), Michael Vorm (Tottenham), Jasper Cillessen (Ajax), Jeroen Zoet (PSV)

    Defenders: Daryl Janmaat (Newcastle), Stefan de Vri (Lazio), Bruno Martins Indi (Porto), Erik Pieters (Stoke City), Joel Veltman (Ajax), Paul Verhaegh (Augsburg), Gregory van der Wiel (PSG), Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa)

    Midfielders: Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray), Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburg), Leroy Fer (QPR), Daley Blind (Ajax), Georginio Winaldum (PSV), Nigel de Jong (AC Milan), Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord)

    Forwards: Memphis Depay (PSV), Klaas Jan Huntelaar (Schalke), Robin van Persie (Manchester United), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Jeremain Lens (Dynamo Kiev), Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbahce)

  30. Am I the only person who’s disappointed with this squad selection?
    Why is Hiddink still calling up Kuyt, Huntelaar and Lens?? I have immense respect for Duracell Dirkie but tbh, it’s time to move forward and give our talented youngsters a chance to cement their places in the NT.
    Boetius, Kishna and Promes should have been called up.
    If I were Hiddink, I’d play a front three of Depay-RVP-Robben in the first half against Italy. Then, in the second, I’d replace the three of ’em with Kishna, Promes and Boetius respectively. The game against the Azzuris should provide a perfect platform for the coaching staff to experiment before getting down to some serious business against the Czechs.
    Let Kishna develop as a striker for the NT cause we need to find a replacement of RVP as soon as possible…
    Just my 2 cents…

  31. Mate even I was dissapointed to see the squad but lets you need to face the facts. Hiddink has been in the stadiums to watch Kishna, Boetius etc. in the Feyenoord Ajax games and both have chosen the wrong time to perform horribly. It is no surprise at all to people who follow domestic dutch football that they were not chosen in the squad. Kuyt was brilliant in the world cup so it is only natural he gets called up at this moment of time because whether he gets picked for Euro 2016’s Final Squad is irrelevant. Many of the players that help a nation to qualify in the initial stages dont make the final cut. Remeber van Nistelrooy’s goals in 2010 qualifying? At the moment Hiddink has made all the right moves..recalling van der Vaart who has been brilliant for Hamburg in recent weeks and also recalling Pieters who was super effective in the opening matchday of the BPL. 😀

  32. Basically there is no business for Van der weil and Verhage both are a liability defensivly,Van der weil lacks the intelligence of Ricardo vanrhijn.
    Bruno martins indi is not much higher than Bruma,Reikik and virjil vandijk.In Wc Roben carried LVG and this team in majority when it comes to attack,Roben was so important in finding goals at crucial time than any one.
    Promes and Boetius are not yet ready they need another year at least.Bruma has some balls and he deserves a spot.Hunter and lens were not in form…so Kishan and Zivkovic needed to give a chance.

  33. I think Hiddink just want to see which of previous squad players will fit into his philosophy (if he has one). it’s just one call-up, so I think it’s fine (still tolerable).

    no need to overreact over his selection. at least for now. and if any of you still protesting over Kuyt’s appearance, you’d better hope he launch an international retirement statement like Lahm/Klose/Mertesacker. or else, he’ll still be called up in 2016. LOL.

    no, seriously. he’s Kuyt, you know. he’ll pull it up until early 40s.

  34. other thing to consider here the formation Hidink will play . I dont think BMI and De Vrij, Blind will thrive in a 4 man defense.I think Hiddink had already stated early that he wont make a wholesome changes. all coaches have their own strategies and I think Hiddink will wait and see which players fits his resume before calling other players.

  35. Ok , I think there is no need to be disappointed guys.
    It’s very expected to call up all players who played in Brazil , as they all over performed for the NT. it would have been no logic from Hiddink to drop any of them without even giving him a chance.
    We’re not in the same position as after the lat EC , when LvG is forced to make changes from the first game after the bad performance. Actually we only need to build over the WC squad and improve. The squad will definitly change by time with the come back of Strootman , Ginkel , Rekik , Hendrix , Kongolo and the rest of the young group , so don’t worry.

    Hup Oranje 😉 ,

  36. Glad this nonsense move is outta the cards!

    The Cameroonian, who is a free agent after parting company with Chelsea at the end of last season, has been accused of taking too long to mull over the Dutch champions’ offer

    Ajax director of football Marc Overmars has revealed that the club have pulled out of the race to sign Samuel Eto’o after losing patience with the striker.

    The Dutch champions had set a deadline for the player to decide whether he wished to move to Amsterdam, but the Cameroonian refused to be pressured into making up his mind over his next move.

    “Of course, Eto’o has the right to think about his future as long as he wants,” Overmars told Voetbal International.

    “But we’re not going to wait for him anymore. We told him that we’re not interested in any further talks.”

    Eto’o has been without a club since parting company with Chelsea at the end of the season and has since been linked with a host of European teams, including Liverpool and former club Inter.

  37. No surprises from the squad announcement. Obviously Hiddink has to do a slow transition, he can’t just stop calling Kuyt! It would be absurd and disrespectful. In any case I’m sure he was not impressed by Kishna so far!

    I’m more interested to see the formation and the style rather than the players at this stage.

  38. Vigil van Dijik should move to Newcastle if the opportunity comes knocking on his door. Celtic sucks now after the transfer of their key players. With the recent signing Newcastle will be perfrct for him to develop and get his first call up in the NT,

    Bad Dot to Newcastle will also be perfect given we will have the dutch colony EPL. krul, Janmaat, Van Dijik, Anita, De Jong, Dot

    Hopefully this transfers goes NC way

  39. I think Van ginkel,s Ajent is really crooked and he has convinced him to join Chelsea last year.This idiot is saying eredivise is too low of a level and not considering it.This guy has fucked Ginkel’s last year and now he looks optiosn in germany and spain may be italy,there Ginkel can warm is ass on bench .this is getting ridiculous.

      1. AC Milan has their on issues,they dont play good and his talents will be stalked,MVG must stick with a dutch coach perhaps LVG kind of or else must move back to eredivise,or should play with Dortuund,Aresnal,Athletico,kind of clubs where players get encourged and development.AC milan has become ghost of the past,but PLaying with dejong is the only positive sign with that club for MVG.

  40. And Robben was the best yesterday, as usual. Scored a goal, made an assist, and a goal after his assist was wrongly disallowed. It’s just a joy to watch him play, the guy is getting beter and better. One could only imagine what would have happened without all those injuries…

  41. If Reikik and Bruma doesnt loose concentration,with Wijnaldum and Depay PSV will win it.at least by 2-1.if not it could be a draw,Ruben legion is not as good as Vanrhijn,so that would give edge for PASV with Depay and especially wijnaldum.so let us see how ajax covers that their team work.

  42. I watched the Newcastle V Aston Villa game last night so I could indulge in the Dutch contingent , Janmaat was the stand out for me, he was heavily involved in the game both attacking and defending. he got forward at least half a dozen times to put in crosses, not all great but still trying to create an attacking chance. On 3 occasions he got back to directly block shots from the AV strikers in the penalty area, making life easy for Tim Krul.
    It is clear that his team mates have a lot of confidence in him as they tended to go to the right when attacking.
    Anita was okay but not outstanding and struggled to create chances for the strikers, I noticed a few times when he wanted the ball early but the CB would not play him in, he did work hard in defence though, maybe that is his role in the team I’m not sure?
    Vlaar was a rock as usual showing surprising speed when needed to stop the Newcastle attacks and great composure on the ball, he really is a leader in the making the only thing was an injury scare early in the match but it was nothing.
    Krul had an easy day at the office only having to make one or two saves of note.
    The match itself won’t be remembered as a classic or remembered at all TBH , nil nil at full time and not many scoring chances, but it is nice to watch Dutch players plying their trade in the EPL and Janmaat looks like he will cement a position in the team for a long time to come.

  43. Sorry forgot to mention De Jong, played okay for the time he came on working hard to get ball movement happening quite a good debut IMO, I think he will get plenty of game time.

  44. Great game Ajax PSV. Unfortunately we lost! It could have gone either way … even after the 1-0, it could have been another goal for Ajax or the draw for PSV. Both teams created several chances and in the end PSV won deservedly. Big big match from Wijnaldum.

  45. Narsingh is a brilliant counter striker/winger!
    Klassen, Blind were awesome but Wijnaldum is a BEAST!
    Depay looks really helpless and horrible in games where he doesn’t start off strong!
    el Ghazi definitely hasn’t opted for Morroco after this flying start for ajax..he isn’t stupid..however his injury means Kishna will have another crack next week!
    Luuk de Jong and Sigthorsson are simply good enuf, better strikers needed!
    Rekik and Bruma are individually strong but collectivelly prone to mistakes!
    van Rijn what a comeback..stole the show..made Depay look horrible in front of Messyrs Hiddinnk!
    Boilesen unstoppable going forward…no idea how to defend..
    Willems similar story but not as talented 🙁
    Schone looks so accomplished and has started the season blazing..unlike his preseason jitters!
    Andersen is a class apart..has to start every game ahead of Viergiver against smaller teams!

  46. Both Verhage and Vanderweil must stay as 3 rd and 4 th choice RB after Janmaat and Vanrhijn,both are miles ahead of these two.
    I am not surprised by wijnaldum,this guy is so strong and its impossible to get a ball from him unless he decied not to go behind ball or give a sloppy pass.Extremly skilled on ball with bit slower brain,but has got strong balls and determination and seems like a character.
    Bruma-Reikik physically handles everything,i feel Reikeik is better than BMI.
    Luuk dejong is a teamplayer and works for the best solution for goal.unselfish team player though skills are not up to the mark.
    What saddens me is we dont have a Robben and Persie in next generation may be kishna,Zivkovic or Elghazi willl pop up but still its a big void.
    Current orange
    ————RVP————
    Roben——-Vaart——Wijnaldum
    ——-Nijel—–Van ginkel—–
    BMI——Vlaar–Devirj—–Janmaat
    ————-krul—————-

  47. The future
    ———–Zivkovic————–
    Kishna——-Ginkel——-Wijnaldum-
    ——-Strootman—Ake————-
    BMI——Reikik—-Devrij—-Janmaat
    ————-krul———————-
    On bench
    ————–Locadia—————
    Depay———-Clasie—–Elghazi—-
    ——–Hendrix——klassen———
    Blind—–Virjil–Vletman—–Van rhijn
    —————-Cillessen————–
    stand byes
    Leroy fer
    Bruma
    Luuk dejong
    promes

  48. Van Rhijn was superb, I agree. Blind and Klaasen very good game as well.

    Re El Ghazi, I also read something of the sort that he chose Morocco over Netherlands. Can someone confirm it as it was in Dutch ?

  49. Southampton boss Ronald Koeman is keen on bringing his former Feyenoord captain Jordy Clasie to St Mary’s.

    According to Dutch publication De Telegraaf, Koeman has Clasie lined up as a like for like replacement as Morgan Schneiderlin continues to angle for a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

    The Frenchman kicked up a storm a few weeks ago with a Twitter outburst after the club insisted he would not be sold, but has featured in both Premier League games so far this season.

    Koeman is still insisting Schneiderlin will stay but is also keen on bringing Clasie to the Premier League.

    An excellent passer of the ball, Clasie has been a regular for four seasons in the Dutch top flight and made two appearances for Louis van Gaal’s Holland at the World Cup this summer.

    Porto are interested in luring the Dutchman to Portugal but Koeman’s existing relationship with the player would put Saints in a strong position if they moved for his services.

    If Clasie does leave, Feyenoord could move to replace him with Aston Villa’s Karim El Ahmadi.

    The Moroccan previously worked with new Feyenoord coach Fred Rutten at Twente and also played for the De Kuip outfit until joining Villa in 2012.

  50. De Vrij rating translated from Italian for those who do not understand:

    “He anticipates everyone, even his companions at times! He immediately shows his qualities. Saves on the line an opponent goal and he scores the 3-0 in the 59th minute: the Dutchman becomes a bomber and scores from a rebound. Impeccable debut!”

  51. @Alistair

    That game was misleading. It was a no-name team from some regional league. The game finished 7-0. That’s not a true indicator as of yet. I like DeVrij a lot but I’d like to see him perform the same way against the big dogs.

    1. Hey Srinjoy do you have any understanding of the football world ?

      Do you know that Trabzonspor signed Oscar Cardozo from Benfica and Kevin Constant from AC Milan this year, Malouda and Bosingwa from Chelsa last years.

      It’s very logical for VDV to go to such a club to finish his career.

  52. Wijnaldum doesn’t want to go either… Good move

    PSV midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum has rejected a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

    The French champions are still browsing the transfer market for attacking options, after deeming Angel Di Maria “too expensive”, though the Netherlands international has no desire to move to the French capital just yet.

    De Telegraaf says that Wijnaldum is determined to stay in the Eredivisie for at least one more season and recently extended his contract as he is eager to win the Eredivisie title.

    1. Depay… Now Wijnaldum. Finally our young Dutch talents have realised moving abroad to early can stuff up your whole career

      Very happy if this trend keeps happening and it can only make the eredivisie stronger

  53. According to AC Milan channel they have reached an agreement with Chelsea on MvG move. It all depends on MvG’s agreement now.
    Great transfer for both the player and the club.

    1. He is in the reserve team and not impressing in the Jupiter League. Neither has Milik in training or Sigthorsson on th field. Ajax desperate for a decent striker who is already a finished article, other than that their squad is the strongest it has been for 5 years!

      1. ” other than that their squad is the strongest it has been for 5 years!”

        You are really weird and probably also silly.

        All the Ajax fans are saying that their team was stronger few years ago, and you, the nerd, are saying the contrary.

        2010/2011 : Stekelenburg, Van der Wiel, Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Anita, De Zeeuw, Eriksen, S.De Jong, Emanuelson, Suarez, El Hamdaoui.

        With players such as Cvitanich, Aissati, Enoh, Ozbiliz, Sulejmani…

        This Ajax team has no Vertonghen and no Suarez.

  54. Pots

    The Champions League Group Stage pots for 2014-15

    Pot 1

    Real Madrid
    Barcelona
    Bayern Munich
    Chelsea
    Benfica
    Atletico Madrid
    Arsenal

    Pot 2
    Schalke
    Borussia Dortmund
    Juventus
    Paris Saint-Germain
    Shakhtar Donetsk
    FC Basel
    Zenit St Petersburg
    Porto
    Manchester City

    Pot 3

    Bayer Leverkusen
    Olympiakos
    CSKA Moscow
    Ajax
    Liverpool
    Sporting CP
    Galatasaray
    Athletic Bilbao

    Pot 4

    Anderlecht
    Roma
    Ludogorets
    APOEL
    BATE
    Maribor
    Monaco
    Malmo

    1. well I dont Blame Van Ginkle for refusing Milan offer given the crisis they are going through and the fact that they are not in CL or EL either. Well maybe he is to ambitious and is undermining normal playing time.

  55. Ajax is drawn with Barcelona, PSG and Apoel!!!

    How the hell we always get the strongest teams possible??

    Once again we are going to finish third in our group and possibly get eliminated by an average team in Europa League.

    1. not this year..this time we will screw those corrupt matchfixing a holes UEFA by beating their precious PSG!

      Twente and Zwolle screwing you European coefficient further!

      1. never fear when feyenoords here..they can steal the show with the worst fred “rotten” performance…lol joke of a team..jordy get outta there mate!

        1. Nope mate I am quitely confident because I watch every single minute of both teams (Ajax n PSG). Ajax is a true team whereas PSG for all their money have become reliant on Zlatan and in his absence transforms into a one man team >> Lucas Moura >> u stop lucas moura > us stop PSG > Simple!

          Cavani will try some flashy moves here n there but ultimately he wil always flop as usual!

          Check out Evian vs PSG for proof of what I am referring to. and Evian ain’t no AFC AJAXXXX!! 😉

  56. The funny part is that every year we think erdivisie teams hit the bottom in Europe but then they surprise u the year after and they do even worse!!!!!!!! Feyenoord?? Twente??? Speechless!!! After leading 3-0 at home then u manage to go out, come onnnnnnn!!!

    1. Twente was just too predictable, they lost their best players and replaced them by less good ones, while the azeri club is buying good year after year.

      Feyenoord made it, but I doubt they’ll pass the group stage, really average team this year.

  57. van wolfswinkel vs waterman in the europa league game

    st etienne vs karabukspor 1-1 (extra time 108 mins.)

    ..waterman is a penalty specialist so st etienne are headed out

      1. haha and ricky is so lame that even as a 70th minute substitute (striker) he refused to take any of the first 5 kicks…also he missed gilt edged chance as per usual service!

  58. Anyone watched Depay first Goal ? A Maradona Goal !

    6 games so far this season with 8 goals , 3 Assists. Incredible. Hope he keeps up his form and improve.

  59. i feel really sorry for our most talented midfeilder ,had he gone to psv/ajax or twente,he would have been a worldclass player by now,it remains me like drnethe had in madrid and Afellay had with barca,he did the most foolishthing in the world by goin to buying clubs like chelsea,madrid etc..
    if anyone knows him personally…plz inform him he doing horrendous mistake by going with chelsea.

  60. blind going to manchester united for 14 million pounds reported 3 hours ago by the daily mail, no confirmation if it’s true, or not, but it is what it is

  61. Hull interested in loaning van Ginkel… I’d be happy with this move will be a starter and if he performs all of Chelsea will see first hand what there missing

  62. Poor de Vrij. Serie A are full of players running onto defenders and purposely make contact then fall easily.

    also, Lazio is poor on the attacking department. once Klose is properly marked, they’ll struggle.

    1. is that already a done deal? I saw in Instagram a banner protesting the move, from Feyenoord fans themselves.

      Van Ginkel officially a Milan player. Milan tweeted it. don’t know what changes his mind.

      De Guzman with all important winner on his debut. and in latter minutes too.

      Ajax lost to Groningen.

  63. Leroy Fer

    Unleashed a 25-yard screamer midway through the first half that bounced back off the crossbar and provided the knockdown for Austin’s strike. Replaced late on and was rewarded with a deserved standing ovation.

    Patrick Van Annholt

    Burst forward early and tested the side netting, collecting a neat pass from Wickham. Again picked out in 17th minute, but could only fire over. Solid defensively against the gung-ho Isla.

    Krul

    Left woefully exposed by his defence in the opening minute as Palace took the lead after the Dutchman had initially made a good stop. Produced good stops to keep Newcastle in it, most notably from Zaha, but could do
    little about Puncheon’s classy finish.

    Janmaat

    Still looks stronger going forward than defending. Combined well with Cabella down the right and showed a cool head to poke Newcastle level in the first half. Both Palace goals came down his flank though and he’ll need to work on stopping crosses.

    Siem De Jong

    Making his home league debut for Pardew’s side, the Dutchman struggled in an advanced role, failing to link up with Riviere in a frustrating first half. Saw out the 90 minutes but looked short of match fitness.

  64. Van Der Weil

    Good attacking and defensive support, though he was a little indecisive

    Wolfswinkle

    Constantly on the fringes of the game and fluffed the one chance that came his way, not even getting a shot off.

    De Vrij
    Picked up a yellow card and conceded a penalty, though perhaps a tad harshly. He wasn’t at his best today.

    N. de Jong

    Often did the job of two players in the centre of the park, breaking up play with his typical blend of aggression and efficiency. His lone blot came from a giveaway in the build-up to Lazio’s goal.

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