Category: Clubs

Virgil-van-Dijk-Captain

Who is Virgil van Dijk?

Virgil van Dijk was born in Breda in 1991. Currently he is the captain of the Dutch National team !

Virgil can come across lacklustre. Lazy even. That was the comment on scouting reports from Ajax scouts, some 15 years ago. Complacent. This was the case then and it’s still the case now.

His biggest strength is also his biggest pitfall. When he does make a mistake, he will hear that he was trying to solve the problem without getting his jersey dirty.

Van Dijk does not throw his energy around but tries to solve problems by positioning smarter and making the right choices. Nothing arrogant about that.

The early years of Virgil van Dijk

We all know Virgil’s story. A lazy right back at Willem II when he was 16 years old. Nothing special . When he turned 17, he suddenly grew another 18 centimeters. And his life changed.

Grads Fuhler, scout of Groningen (now at FC Emmen), saw him play by coincidence. Fuhler was on his way to a game in Belgium and realised Willem II A1 played PSV A1 so he took the Tilburg exit.

A week later, Virgil and mum were on their way to Groningen to sign for the local FC. At Groningen 2, he spent a lot of time on the bench. His coach, Dick Lukkien spent a lot of time on Virgil, who was still complacent.

Lukkien desired more from the player and slowly but surely, Van Dijk started to change his mentality. The Top 3 didn’t see it in him, although Ronald Koeman was keen to sign him for Feyenoord. There was no money though.

Ajax decided to get Mike van der Hoorn from FC Utrecht. At Celtic, he made some crucial steps but it was when Koeman was able to sign him for Southampton that the Oranje captain started to thrive.

Both Lukkien and Koeman are mentioned by Virgil when asked which coaches were instrumental in his career.

In total Virgil van Dijk played 62 games between 2011 and 2013 for Groningen, scoring 7 goals in total.

Virgil at Celtic

Virgil at CeticOn June 21, 2013, Van Dijk joined Celtic for a transfer fee of approximately £2.6 million, signing a four-year contract that included a 10% sell-on fee for Groningen.

He was named to the PFA Scotland Team of the Year and was nominated for the PFA Scotland Players’ Player of the Year, although he lost out to Kris Commons.

In the 2014–15 season, Van Dijk played a crucial role in Celtic’s success.

Van Dijk’s future at Celtic came into question after the club was eliminated from the 2015–16 UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds by Malmö of Sweden.

In total Virgil played 76 games for Celtic, scoring 9 goals, between 2013 and 2015.

Southampton

Virgil at SouthamptonOn September 1, 2015, on the final day of the transfer window, Van Dijk completed a move to Premier League club Southampton, signing a five-year contract for a reported £13 million transfer fee.

His former manager at Southampton, Ronald Koeman, was key to the move. Other Premier League clubs, including Sunderland, Newcastle, and Arsenal, were also reportedly interested in him during the final hours of the window.

The transfer made Van Dijk the most expensive Dutch defender since Jaap Stam, who moved from Manchester United to Lazio in 2001 for over €25 million.

In January 2017, Van Dijk was appointed Southampton’s captain following José Fonte’s departure. Following a strong 2016–17 season, Van Dijk attracted interest from top English clubs. Chelsea, Manchester City, and Liverpool were reportedly keen on securing his services.

At Southampton Virgil played himself into the spotlight of the top clubs in the Premier League. Step by step, self-made.

Virgil at Liverpool

On December 27, 2017, it was announced that Van Dijk would join Liverpool when the winter transfer window opened on January 1, 2018, for a reported fee of £75 million.

Celtic, his former club, was set to receive 10% of the transfer fee due to a sell-on clause in his Southampton contract. Southampton claimed the undisclosed transfer fee would set a world record for a defender.

When former manager Klopp was asked about the contributions of Van Dijk, in his first season at Liverpool, he answered: “Influential. Very very very influential”.

On December 27, there is a sort of public holiday in Liverpool. The Virgil’s Arrival Day. When he finally came over from Southampton, for 85 million euros. Where the amount is constantly dug up when Maguire makes another mistake, this Virgil transfer fee is simply a foot note.

As Klopp put it: “Thanks to Virgil, we can defend differently. Higher up the pitch. We can make the playing field smaller now.”

When he returned after his injury, the Daily Mail asked him if he was back to normal and he nodded yes. What people didn’t realise, and Virgil was a bit taken aback with that fact, is that he had to literally learn how to walk again!

While his team mates were playing football and had their summer break or the Euros, Virgil was working like a beast, all by himself. He didn’t want to hurry his recovery by focusing on the Euros, knowing how tough it is to get back from this crucial injury.

“Everyone seemed to think it was normal that I got back at my level. As if nothing had happened. Based on my research, being able to get back at your normal level is not something that can be expected.

And I’m not a spring chicken anymore either, so I felt that I could have received a bit more positive feedback than I did, as I started to play in every single game again…”

His colleagues in England did give him the kudos he deserved, by picking him as the only non creative player in the list of nominees for Player of the Year (along side Salah , Mane, C Ronaldo, Kane and De Bruyne).

In August 2019, Van Dijk won the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Award and was shortlisted for The Best FIFA Men’s Player.

On December 21, 2019, Van Dijk helped Liverpool win the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup final against Flamengo, securing the trophy for the first time in the club’s history. Van Dijk was also named in the 2019 UEFA Team of the Year.

Virgil-van-Dijk-Liverpool

His future at Liverpool

Van Dijk (33) has an expiring contract with the current Premier League leader, just like his teammates Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Virgil is in the driver’s seat in terms of negotiating power.

Perhaps Arne Slot has come at exactly the right time for him, Virgil can now distinguish himself even more at Liverpool and as it looks now, they can compete for the prizes together.

Slotball is proving to be a great success story for the time being.

Virgil at Oranje

Virgil van Dijk was called up to the Netherlands senior squad three times in 2014, but he did not make his debut until October 10, 2015, in a 2–1 win over Kazakhstan during a UEFA Euro 2016 qualifier.

Just three days later, he played in a 3–2 home loss to the Czech Republic, which confirmed that the Netherlands would not qualify for Euro 2016.

Van Dijk featured in six of the Netherlands’ ten matches during their unsuccessful qualification campaign for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

On March 22, 2018, manager Ronald Koeman appointed Van Dijk as the captain of the Netherlands national team, with Van Dijk leading the team for the first time in a 1–0 friendly defeat against England the following day.

Four days later, on March 26, he scored his first international goal in a 3–0 win over European champions Portugal at the Stade de Genève. Van Dijk continued his impressive form on October 13, scoring in a 3–0 victory over Germany during the group stage of the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League.

On November 19, he scored a 91st-minute equalizer in a 2–2 draw away to Germany, securing the Netherlands’ progression to the next stage of the Nations League.

In June 2019, Van Dijk captained the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League Finals, where they finished as runners-up after a 1–0 defeat to host nation Portugal in the final on June 9.

In May 2021, Van Dijk ruled himself out of participating in the postponed UEFA Euro 2020 to allow sufficient time for recovery following a long-term injury suffered in October 2020.

Van Dijk was named the Netherlands’ captain for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, leading his team to the top of Group A with victories over Senegal and host nation Qatar.

In the quarter-final against Argentina, Van Dijk took the first penalty in the shootout, but his attempt was saved by Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. The Netherlands were eventually defeated 4–3 in the shootout in Lusail.

Virgil van Dijk Dutch National team

Check the personal duels won by Big Virgil. 

Virgil was asked during a presser with Oranje and Van Gaal whether he was able to hear any of the commands from the side-line, usually given by Danny Blind at Oranje or Klopp at Liverpool. “No, I am too loud myself, so I can’t hear the coaches yell at me, hahaha”.

And it’s true, Pep Lijnders once said he sits more comfortable if he can hear Van Dijk’s bassoon in the stadium. He is the command centre of the Liverpool build up.

As the CEO of the Liverpool defence, he has ample tasks. After he went from Groningen to Celtic, he was described as a big unit (a wardrobe is the literal translation) with imposing physical qualities. And yes he is tall and yes he can head a ball.

Lijnders always says you need to really run around him if you want to get past him. But he’s not a very physical defender. He’s not like Man United’s Martinez or Mathijs de Ligt who love some Greek Romanian wrestling. With all the space in Virgil’s back, he needs to conduct the defence. And make sure it’s all fine tuned and in sync.

It’s a balancing act, as he himself is usually situation on the halfway line. In the Big Five competitions, there is no team that was able to play the offside as much as Liverpool, last season.

It does fail at times and when it does fail, it looks really amateuristic. But, Klopp wants it like this and if there are mistakes made, it’s just par for the course. Because overall, it will work often very well and it allows every Liverpool player to be part of the attacking flow.

Mind reader van Dijk

Van Dijk is a mind reader. He plays mainly with his brains. He tries to get into the head of the forward and he slows their attack. He won’t “bite” immediately, he will simply slow things down so his mates can track back.

He basically pushes the pause button. He delays his decisions and actions, he pushes the opponent to the sides, with his running pattern and he hardly ever needs a foul or a tackle, even.

He’s strong, very good in the air, relatively fast, technically solid and he oozes confidence.

Best defender in the PL

If you ask English fans who were or are the best defenders ever in the PL, his name is mentioned, alongside players like Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Tony Adams and Nemanja Vidic. Not bad for a player coming from a small Dutch team.

Van Dijk says something interesting in the book “Thou Shall Not Pass: The Anatomy of Football’s Centre-Half”: “I want my opponents to think everything I do is easy for me. Look at Roger Federer. He doesn’t even break a sweat, or so it seems.

Mentally, that will be tough for the opponents. They think Federer doesn’t even need to work hard. I try to do this too.”

The Liverpudlians call him VVD. Superman on Anfield. Mr Cook. With Van Dijk in the team, they hardly ever lose at home.

When Virgil made his first entrance in the Oranje squad, he was in awe of Robben and Kuyt. He was observing them. How they acted, what they ate, how they behaved.

As kid, he wanted to be Ronaldinho and he thought Jaap Stam was two meters tall. The World Cup was millions of miles away from the kid in Breda.

Virgil became his version of Ronaldinho.  Now, kids in England and Holland dream of being Virgil van Dijk.  In Liverpool, he’s a demi God.


who is Bart Verbruggen?

Who is Bart Verbruggen?

Bart Verbruggen was born in 2002 in the city of Zwolle. Currently he is the first goalkeeper of the Dutch National team (as of Euro2024) and plays for Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League..

His talent and quick reflexes put him in the spotlight at a young age, which is why he is now considered one of the most promising goalkeepers in Dutch football.

Verbruggen will go down in history as the youngest Oranje goalkeeper ever in a final round. And that with a big difference. The record was in the name of Jasper Cillessen during the 2014 World Cup.

Early years of Bart Verbruggen

In 2014, he was picked up by NAC Breda at WDS ’19 and joined the club’s youth academy. He never made his debut in the first team.

Anderlecht approached the Breda club in the summer of 2020 to bring Verbruggen to Brussels. Once there, he was reunited with Jelle ten Rouwelaar, who had been active at NAC for many years and worked as a goalkeeper coach at Anderlecht.

The Belgian powerhouse transferred 300 thousand euros for the then only eighteen-year-old goalkeeper. Verbruggen joined Anderlecht as third goalkeeper.

Verbruggen has been the club’s first goalkeeper since 2022 at age 20. Verbruggen managed to keep a clean sheet three times in a row in the Belgian competition.

Bart VerBruggen penalty killer!

When he didn’t let a single ball through in the penalty shootout against Ludogorets in the battle for the next round of the Conference League, the young goalkeeper claimed a hero’s role.

It was the first time since 1987 that a goalkeeper had managed to do this in a European match.

Anderlecht advanced to the round of 16 of the European tournament, partly thanks to Verbruggen. The goalkeeper took up a total of 24 positions in the 2022/23 season. He kept a clean sheet 10 times and conceded 28 goals.

Transfer to Brighton & Hove Albion

After receiving interest from top European players, Verbruggen ultimately opted for a transfer to Brighton & Hove Albion. The Premier League club paid more than 20 million euros for Verbruggen in the summer of 2023.
In his debut season, Verbruggen then played 27 matches and kept a clean sheet seven times.

Verbruggen Traansfermarkt
Verbruggen Traansfermarkt

When did Bart Verbruggen make his debut for the Dutch national team?

In 2023, Verbruggen is allowed to report to the Dutch national team for the first time. He and other internationals have to leave the training camp for a few days due to a virus infection. His debut in the Dutch national team is therefore postponed until October 13 of that year.

During the European Championship qualifying match against France (1-2), Verbruggen is in goal for the first time.

How does Bart Verbruggen perform in the Dutch national team?

At the beginning of June 2024, Koeman appoints the goalkeeper as first choice in goal for the Dutch national team at the European Championship. It is Verbruggen’s first final tournament. In Germany, he concedes 7 goals in 6 international matches and keeps ‘the clean sheet’ twice.

So far he played 18 games for the Dutch National Team/ Oranje. (February 2025).

Gakpo signing Liverpool

Who is Cody Gakpo

Where it all started for Cody Gakpo

It is no surprise that Gakpo made it a bit further in football than most of the others who were active in his hometown Eindhoven. “At youth matches of FC Eindhoven, Cody was quickly scouted by our people”, says head of youth scouting Riny de Groot of PSV. Gakpo played more then 10 years in the youth teams of PSV, and played together with other PSV stars like Teze and Obispo.

“Let me say that a visually impaired person or the biggest non-football expert would have been able to see his qualities. If Cody ever wasn’t paying attention, which is not at all strange at those ages, we could talk to him and that never caused any problems. He was an example boy, thanks also to his parents and brother who never caused any trouble.”

Father Johnny played for the amateur department of PSV and is originally from Togo, where he played at a high level. Mother Ank is Dutch. The couple moved into a house in Stratum- Eindhoven and have three footballing sons. Gakpo’s oldest brother (Sidney) also ended up in professional football, but opted for his social career. The youngest brother in the family currently plays for RPC.

From the age of seventeen, things went quickly for the now most famous Gakpo. He pushed through and made his debut in professional football at Jong PSV as a 17-year-old wing attacker. Under Phillip Cocu, the talent made his debut in the first team more than a year later and Mark van Bommel let him take the next step.

The big star at PSV in 2021

Mo Ihattaren was touted as the new big thing in Dutch football in 2021. That PSV had more talents in the wings, like Cody Gakpo and Madueke, seemed less important. But after two years of hype, Mo left PSV through the backdoor, while Cody Gakpo and right winger Madueke were the two figureheads of this  exciting PSV.

Gakpo is keen to become a firm fixture for Oranje as well: “He wanted to be a starter for the National Team!” And so he became….

A talk with the lanky right-footed left winger.

About his inspirations:

“Diego Maradona was my idol. I watched all his movies on Youtube all the time. And Thierry Henry. He was a left winger like me, tall. Usually, wingers are smaller. Overmars, Robben, Messi so I really resonated with the taller players. I watched and analysed him, his movements, his timing, I tried to learn as much as possible. I have always been a PSV fan. I had a PSV doona on my bed, PSV pj’s and posters on my walls. I also had a team photo of Barcelona. I was a fan of Ibbi Afellay and recently I got to play with him, which was amazing. We still speak.”

About scoring goals:

“I am a forward so I love scoring goals. It started in the E pupils. We would win the trophy with a couple of 100 goals. I made 100 goals myself. We won matches 20-0 and if you’d score 5 or 8 it would really add up, hahahaha.”

“I started at PSV when I was six and ex pro Twan Scheepers was my coach for a spell. He’s now a good friend, he helped me a lot with my football, with also with the mental side of things. Some people think that talent is everything but that is not true. When I got into my puberty, all sorts of issues started. At home, at school and a lot of talented players drop out. I used to think I wasn’t good enough, in those days. I wasn’t the typical star of the team or something. And Twan would help me with my confidence and self belief.”

“Mark van Bommel became my coach when was 15 years old, at the A1 level. Fairly quickly I made the step up to the first team and worked with him there as well. He’s very good tactically. I still have a strong bond with him.

Ruud van Nistelrooy was my striking coach from when I was 14 year old. He taught me a lot. With Boudewijn Zenden I am working on my weaker left foot. It’s a challenge in all honesty but it ‘s going better.

About his genes:

“My dad is from Togo. My parents met there as my mum was traveling through Africa. My dad first moved to France but after that he came to Holland. My dad was a good player. He played for the Togo national team and played in the PSV 2 team. My mum was Dutch rugby international, so we always have sports in our home, in some way. I have never seen them play, although I did see some newspaper articles on my mum, as women’s rugby was never televised, I don’t think. My dad doesn’t think we are alike, as players. He thinks he was 10 times better than me, hahaha. But I think I am a bit like him. I do remember that an old coach of my dad came watching me when I was in the A1. He did say afterwards that he felt my dad was better at that age. That motivated me to work harder. I really owe it all to my parents. They were always supportive and brought me to the club and came and watch me play. My mum always simply asked if I enjoyed the game. My dad always wanted to do a whole de-briefing. My dad always told me to believe in myself.”

About his body

“I had shoe size 46 when I was 16 years old and only 1 meter 60 tall. The ratios didn’t work and I was super clumsy. But it all went well. I had a calf injury when I was 17 and broke my ankle. I had a tear last season in my ankle too, which kept me out for 3 months. But I am cautious and aware of my body. I eat well, I take my rest and drink a lot of water. At the Euros, I saw how professional some of the older lads were and that was very inspiring. I also do a lot of weight and resistance training, I do need to be a bit stronger, but overall I’m happy with my body.”

About religion

“I’m raised a Christian and I am really into it. I try to simply be the best person I can be. I do dedicated time to my faith, I read a lot of books, I visit church whenever I can and I pray. I read the Bible daily, yes, I am devout man. I recently got a book from Denzel Dumfries “Praying is believing” which I am reading now. Other lads at PSV share my faith, like Madueke and Donny Malen. With Oranje, Memphis is a good sounding board, how we understand pieces from the Bible and sayings and that sorta thing. We share those insights. It creates a bond and is inspiring. I also love to talk to people from other faiths, like Mo Ihattaren, who is muslim. We do see a lot of similarities.”

About the Dutch National Team

“Once I was in the flow of the Euros, it felt normal. I never really felt that is was special or remarkable you know. I was never part of the squad before but the other lads really include you into things and it all goes so fast too. When I went on a holiday, later, it all sank in. We have a really tight group and I immediately felt at home. The spirit is great. That last match versus the Czechs… It was a tough day. It was hot, and humid but I don’t think we got into trouble, really, until the red card. I tried to stay close to Memphis and Malen. Both players coming from the left, both a PSV history… What I try to improve is to pick the right moment to make a particular move. I met Louis van Gaal last year for the first time, when we drew Ajax 1-1. I saw him at the parking lot and he said: Nice pass! I had given the assist for the PSV goal. “Keep on going like this,” he said.” Now I tasted it, I want to be part of the Dutch national team as a starter and kick some goals.”

About his dreams

“I want to win trophies. This season, the title with PSV. The double, really. And maybe a European prize? I want to score goals and create goals. I hope to be able to make a move soon. I would love to play in England or Spain once day. I have been playing for PSV for many years and I’d love to lave through the front door with a trophy or two. And then go to the World Cup in Qatar and do wonderful things with Oranje.”

Gakpo at Liverpool

In December 2022 Gakpo made the move to Liverpool, as we know a huge but difficult step forward in his young career. PSV had to let him go as they needed a big transfer and Liverpool payed with a big discount.

Gakpo, who shone for Louis van Gaal’s team at the 2022 World Cup, signed a five-and-a-half year contract with for (€40m). The total fee for the 23-year-old would rise up to €50m via bonuses.

Gakpo signing Liverpool

Part of the big Liverpool

In 2025 Cody Gakpo became a very important part of Liverpool under there new Dutch coach Arne Slot, resulting in leading the English Premier League and also a very good campaign in the Champions League.

Gakpo on Transfermarkt

Gakpo on Transfermarkt

Allthough Gakpo has severe competition from Luis Diaz, Liverpool plays so many matches that he is becoming more and more important for Liverpool. Gakpo was never champion at PSV 1, but is in the driving seat too win the Premier League. Some say Liverpool has the best team in 2025, for sure Codys star will keep rising and we all hope for a bright future, at Liverpool and offcourse in the Dutch National Team.

Gakpo for Liverpool against PSV with Obispo.

Ajax in your wildest dreams!

Imagine watching a game with Tahamata, Seedorf, Litmanen, Arnold Muhren, Van der Sar, Blind, Frank de Boer and more Ajax legends… And then imagine them playing a team like Real Madrid. Wouldn’t that be … oh hang on!

The Ajax legends played Madrid last week, a day after Holland – Hungary and it was a more exciting affair than said Oranje match.

Yes, sentiments and football go hand in hand. Ajax is about to celebrate their 125 year existence and did so in style.

One has turned grey, another is carrying some additional poinds, but Jari Litmanen still looks like he’s 30 years old. The Finnish fan favorite is as fit as can be: the dark hair, the spying eyes and the six pack under his shirt. “Hey, I’m an athlete,” he quips. But Jari is happy to be part of this as he seemingly struggled with the effects of the Covid vaccinations, which kept him off the pitch for 4 years. “Even making a coffee at home resulted in me having to sit for a spell, exhausted.”

Another icon to be glad to be on the pitch is Edwin van der Sar. The much maligned ex Ajax CEO was struck by a stroke a year or so ago and has a tough rehab behind him. “I played a legend game in Seoul last month and that was amazing, considering where I came from. Just great to be in the dressing room with the lads again,” said the legendary goalie.

Jari versus MacManaman

Opponent Real Madrid stayed in the infamous Amsterdam Hilton (of Lennon and Herman Brood fame) and Ajax started their day there for a celebratory breakfast. Next up, a canal boat trip and off to the Johan Cruyff Arena where the moribund group witnessed the unveiling of busts of Frank Rijkaard, Patrick Kluivert, Simon Tahamata and Daley Blind. Next, another meal and off to the dressing room to prep for the match.

Mr Ajax

The Ajax icon with the deepest memories must be right winger and Mr Ajax Sjaak Swart, currently 86 years old and still playing football every week (!!). Mind you, it’s walking football. Swart acted as Van Gaal’s assistent coach for the night, alongside Danny Blind. When asked about his first match versus Real Madrid, the passionate Ajax man bursted out: “We should have won that match at home. It was 1-1 and it was 1-1 in Madrid as well, so we had to play an additional 30 minutes. We had injuries in Madrid and Michels instructed me to play right back! I was up against Paco Gento. Remember him? Easily one of the best attackers in Europe, back then. But check my pocket in my pants!! You can still see Gento sitting there, right! I didn’t care. But Madrid scored and Michels immediately yelled at me: go forward! And I swung in one of my best crosses and Henk Groot headed the ball in. Piet Keizer played Cruyff in front of the goalie, Cruyff!! He should have scored but shot the ball right in the hands of the goalie And the next attack, Veloso hit a rocket in the top corner. End of story. Devastated!”

The Madrid confrontation in the 90s under Van Gaal did go a bit better. But Van Gaal had to improvise, as Frank de Boer wasn’t able to play. Van Gaal came up with a typical VanGalian move: Edgar Davids as centre back and 18 year old Kiki Musampa in midfield. The youngster had only played seven sub turn for Ajax 1. Van Gaal told him he’d play and also said: “By the way, you’re up against their best player: Luis Enrique. Good luck!”

Assistant coach Danny Blind was the captain of the Dream Team as the attacking minded libero. “It was a decent week for us. We won away versus Madrid, and it should have been 0-6, what with the disallowed goals. Then on a plane to Tokyo where we won the World Cup for club teams.” Blind scored the winning penalty of course.

Showtime

Fitness

The Ajax legend couldn’t play in this Legend game. “I done my calves. I had a whiplash there and when it healed, Sjaak Swart got me in the Lucky Ajax veteran team and within minutes, again! My calves went. Even playing golf is an issue these days.” Blind sounds like Marco van Basten. The Ajax/AC Milan hero didn’t show up. “My body hurts. I can’t play at all so there is no fun for me to go.”

Sjaak Swart still plays a slow pace game, twice a week. With Guus Hiddink, amongst others. But he decided not to play. “I’m difficult. If they don’t pass the ball to me within the first 5 minutes, I’m bored already and want to go home.”

The oldest active players were Dick Schoenaker (71) and Simon Tahamata (69). Clarence Seedorf, Wesley Sneijder and Rafa van der Vaart played for both clubs of course and would play for both teams. All players are cheered on by the JC Arena which was at full capacity.

But none were cheered as much and as passionately as Jari Litmanen, still one of the cult heroes. Jordi Cruyff got his ovation sitting in the stands, while the Nouri family ( of Abdelhak Nouri of course) were greeted with a long round of applause. For Real Madrid we saw cracks like Morientes, Karembeu, Steve MacManaman, Cannavaro and Iker Casillas.

Honouring the legends

It seems that the Dutch fans start to enjoy these party evenings. Blind: “We had something like this in 2000 and we had to blackmail people to come and watch. This match was easily sold out.” Sjaak Swart: “I can imagine more amazing match ups. What about a legend game versus Liverpool, Bayern Munich or Man United?” Danny Blind: “Us Dutchies have not been good in honouring our sports heroes, compared to England or the US or Italy. We are starting to warm up for this and it’s fun.”

 

Ajax - PSV

Ajax is back

The dream week of Ajax is complete. After the victory against Feyenoord on Wednesday, Francesco Farioli’s team defeated also the leader PSV: 3-2. In a sizzling match at the Johan Cruyff Arena, Ajax earned more, much more, than three points. For those who still had doubts after Wednesday´s game against Feyenoord: Ajax is back.

At the bottom of the Eredivisie

On 2 November 2023, Ajax were at the bottom of the Eredivisie, 25 points behind PSV. On Saturday evening, exactly a year later, the Amsterdammers defeated the same PSV in an impressive way and put the front-runner in the Eredivisie rankings. In four days, Ajax convincingly overtook his two main rivals. Not by a lucky goal in the last minute, but really by enforcing it yourself.

On Wednesday, Ajax already impressed in De Kuip, mainly because of the strong organization and the ability to give almost nothing away. At the ball it was not spectacularly good in Rotterdam and of course the Amsterdammers there were helped by two flaters from Timon Wellenreuther.

The victory over PSV was even better in that respect. The Eindhoven team were tactically better prepared for the match plan of Ajax. Peter Bosz opted for many position changes, to confuse the couples of the home team. Moreover, PSV naturally has more individual quality and scoring ability. For example, Ajax swallowed two particularly handsome goals from Luuk de Jong and Ivan Perisic and there were still a number of threatening moments.

The difference with the game against Feyenoord was the level that Ajax himself achieved in possession. With the help of Jordan Henderson, the Amsterdammers regularly managed to find a way to play under the high pressure of PSV. If it wasn’t in there, the falling long ball on striker Brian Brobbey offered a solution.

Peter Bosz realistic after the defeat

“Ajax has rightly won, with us it was just not good enough today”, concluded Peter Bosz afterwards. In total, Ajax came up to 21 goal attempts against the normally so defensively sovereign PSV. That’s four more than in any other PSV Eredivisie match since Bosz started in the summer of 2023. Especially in the last half hour Ajax was very threatening and the score could have been even higher.

The fact that Ajax was able to push the accelerator in this way during this final phase also proved Farioli’s right and his rotation policy. His team had completed an intensive fight with Feyenoord in the middle weeks, but still looked fitter and sharper than PSV.

Tuesday Champions League for PSV

This defeat of PSV ultimately does not come out badly for Bosz, because next Tuesday the important Champions League game against Girona is at stake.

The Dutch competition has become a lot more exciting after the return of Ajax on the highest stage. If PSV had won, the difference with Ajax would have become 8 points, and PSV would almost be champion.