The future: reasons to believe
Ajax’s situation is critical, there is no doubt about that. Not so much in the Europa League because of how tight Group B is, but in the Eredivisie, where it only has eight points. In fact, advanced statistics with expected goals He says they should have even fewer points judging by the quality of their play. But there are reasons for hope. Without being an excuse, Ajax has had a delicate calendar until now having already faced the top four (PSV, AZ, Feyenoord and Twente) of the classification. Besides, They suspended a match they won against Waalwijk, which was 2-3 in their favor in the 88th minute.. The remaining minutes will be played on December 6.
Branco van den Boomen celebrates his goal against AZ Alkmaar this season.
Marcel ter Bals/Getty Images
Furthermore, the signings are still exciting. Van den Boomen has left a good feeling when he has played, Sutalo’s level in these last two months is not what he is known for and the forwards Chuba Akpom and Mikautdze have barely had minutes. The former scored 28 goals last season in the Championship and the latter scored 23 in Ligue 2, both being the top scorers in their leagues.
Chuba Akpom and Mikautadze, top scorers in the Championship and Ligue 1 respectively, have barely had any minutes
Also from the current squad Rulli is missing, injured on the first day of the league and will not reappear until 2024. And the best news is the homegrown players, who never stop joining the greatest team. Jorrel Hato is breaking records for precocity and is a center back (or left back) with great movement of the ball who is already indisputable in the eleven. It also seems to be Vos, a midfielder who has taken advantage of the turbulence to show that he has the quality to manage the team. Playmaker Hlynsson started in Steijn’s last game and scored a double. The left back Salah-Eddine has played a couple of starting games this season, the wingers Godts and Van Axel Dongen are two promises who are already in the first team dynamic and Misehouy has been pushing from the youth ranks.
There is raw material. At least, for much (very much) more than being fighting for salvation. The change of scenery on the bench could be good in the short term. In medium and long, the return of former players and former managers to the club who are clear about what the Ajax DNA and manage the squad accordingly are the reasons to believe that Ajax can overcome this reality. It also works in your favor that you cannot fall any lower. Or if? Or can a historic team like Ajax go down?