NOS Football•
As a committed former Ajax player, he of course hears something from time to time. “It is restless,” says Rafael van der Vaart Studio Football about the situation at Ajax, where there are many shifts on a technical level. “But I don’t like to throw that on the table here when I hear something.”
Van der Vaart is shocked by the level of Ajax youth: ‘Disappointing, don’t see anyone who will make it’
Maurits Hendriks, Chief Sports Officer (CSO) at Ajax since last year and responsible for the youth academy, left Studio Football know to be surprised by the departure of Ouaali. Arno Vermeulen understands Ouaali’s departure.
“He has done a great job as leader of the youth,” says Vermeulen. “Then you get interest from abroad. Look at John van den Brom, Co Adriaanse, Danny Blind, Jan Olde Riekerink. They also held that position. All of them made a career. Ouaali can also take a step. Marciano Vink and Fred Grim become named as successors.”
‘Nordsjælland completely lost Ajax at Future Cup’
Van der Vaart expresses his concerns about the level of the youth at Ajax. “I mainly watch football,” says the former youth player of the team from Amsterdam. On Easter Monday, he saw the JO17 of Ajax lose 3-0 to the Danish FC Nordsjælland in the final of the international youth tournament the Future Cup at De Toekomst.
“Nordsjælland completely lost Ajax,” says Van der Vaart. “I don’t see any talent at Ajax that will make it in two or three years. You used to have that much more. I am so disappointed. Also what is coming through from the youth now. that something has to change in the youth.”
Look below for the regular section Final signal about Hannes Halldórsson (by Frank Heinen). And also check fragments about the stopped match NAC-Willem II in the first division and the performances of Justin Bijlow and Jasper Cillessen.
