Results are of secondary importance to Jong Ajax. The development of the players is paramount. That is why Ajax Showtime tries to look at the matches of the reserve team more analytically, in addition to the match report. What stood out? Who distinguished themselves? And what possible conclusions can be drawn? Jong Ajax watcher Wessel Kroon explains the most striking things. This time after the convincing 0-3 victory over FC Eindhoven.
Double strike for Rijkhoff
Julian Rijkhoff will have had a positive feeling about the match against FC Eindhoven. The nineteen-year-old striker had not scored a goal in the first two matches of the season, but he scored twice against the Eindhoven team. The first two matches of the season were difficult for Rijkhoff. The youngster sometimes played as ‘number ten’ and looked unfamiliar in that position. Against FC Eindhoven he played as a striker and was alert at the right moments to provide the Amsterdam team with two goals.
Iron-strong defense
The match against FC Eindhoven was the second match in a row in which the Jong Ajax defence did not concede a goal. The defence of the Amsterdammers stood out positively, not only defensively, but also offensively. Gerald Alders and Lucas Jetten were important in Eindhoven in the build-up of the team of trainer Frank Peereboom. Both full-backs often combined successfully with teammates and thus regularly got the ball in the opponent’s half. In defence, they hardly gave anything away, which meant that Alders and Jetten stood out positively again in Eindhoven. After about an hour, Jetten was replaced by Precious Ugwu, who had a good substitution as right back.
The central duo was formed by Aaron Bouwman and Nick Verschuren. The man-markers were well on top of their opponents and did not give away any big chances. Bouwman, who is only sixteen years old, played the full ninety minutes in Eindhoven and was hardly caught making any mistakes. Captain Verschuren showed his leadership on the field, both vocally and with his play. It is difficult not to hear Verschuren during a Jong Ajax match, because the man-marker is almost always busy directing and encouraging his teammates.
Help from the midfield
Ajax’s defence also looked very stable on the ball. The Amsterdammers often managed to play out from under the pressure of FC Eindhoven quite easily. Jorthy Mokio and Julian Brandes played an important role in this. Brandes – and to a lesser extent Mokio – regularly dropped back to get the ball between the lines, which gave the central defenders of Jong Ajax options. Brandes played against FC Eindhoven as a controlling midfielder, while Mokio played as ‘number eight’ and therefore stood a bit further forward. However, it was also Mokio who sometimes gave the Amsterdam defenders an extra option by dropping back.
First goal Faberski
There has been a lot of talk about Jan Faberski in recent weeks. In the match against FC Eindhoven, the young Pole once again played a leading role, even though he only came on the field after about sixty minutes. Faberski had already proven in the first two matches of the season that he possesses an excellent dribble. Against FC Eindhoven, he combined that dribble with efficiency. For example, he dribbled from his own half towards the penalty area of FC Eindhoven, where he came inside and shot the ball hard into the near corner. For Faberski, it was a reward for a promising start to the season.
Read more retrospectives on Jong Ajax matches this season:
#jpsjaj: Faberski impresses in exciting season opener for Jong Ajax
#jajmvv: Alders continues strong start to season at Jong Ajax, where wingers disappoint
