16 JAN 2015 Ajax-Groningen Match Day 18

[Tom_]

Yeah agreed, although at least one of Serero's giveaways at the end was caused by a dodgy pass from our man Andersen.

I don't know who chooses the MoM but from having been there a few times I'm fairly sure it's not the crowd. Not that it's important, just that it was a real head scratcher for me. Andersen is a hot and cold player, I remember noticing that even in the Jupiler league, but overall I'd say he hasn't been good enough for Ajax, as yet. Milik is also just OK, I'd rate him about the same as Kolbeinn, except he is more likely to improve given his youth.

[SPL]

Just recovering from the game and sky are showing the Ajax team of the 70's,the team of the Gods.Never feel tired of watching this.

[SPL]

Agree Andersen is a very hot and cold player not sure who would be my MOM.Just relief we won

[Van basten]

van der Wiel (6) - OK but not much better than that, very poor crosses when he had the chance

[Orange14]

van der Wiel (6) - OK but not much better than that, very poor crosses when he had the chance

I hope this isn't the first sign of dementia!!!!

[SPL]

Have to say I did not spot the mistake and I always read your ratings. I read today the players say they trained too hard in Qatar and thats why they ran out of steam in the 2nd half.Maybe just an excuse.

We did miss Klaassen when he went off but he is fit for next week.

[SPL]

After another inept performance,following Vitesse in the cup and Excelsior,we need to improve a heck of alot next week.

Some thoughts on the team ,shoot me down if they are rubbish .

I hope that Moisander will now settle down and play like he did the last 2 seasons, it will certainly benefit our overall defence as I don't rate the defence skills of V Rhijn or Boilesen that much.Ajax cocked up with Moisander and Denswil. When Moisander did not leave back in August Ajax probably should have stuck Denswil in the team and told Moisander he is benched and can go in the winter. Moisander played poorly all season and Denswil just went backwards so badly he is now stuck in Brugge. Moisander now knows he is sole choice for the rest of the season so maybe he will get back his form.

Watching the game our midfield is not good enough imo and when Klaassen went off it was worse.He is not the problem though. I see today the chances of signing Sinkgraven this month are slim and Chelsea fancy him( although I doubt he will want to be stuck in Vitesse next season).

Serero has impressed me as DM and works hard but again he is not in the same class as Blind or Poulsen as a DM.
Lucky for Ajax he has settled recently at DM and also he is not in African Nations. Ajax should have spent some money on a decent DM as Blind was always going to be sold.If he were to get an injury we would have 2x18 year old kids Bazoer or Riedewald to choose from! They are not good enough yet.Mind at 29 Zimling is not good enough.

Andersen has a great brain and real talent and skill with the ball but cant tackle and could be knocked off the ball with a feather.Andersen is a real lightweight and I wonder whether he will make it.He was MOM in this game when we were all crap!!

In some respects our problem with attacking midfield is that Ajax wont spend any money as we have 2 outstanding talents coming through. After all V d Beek and Nouri will be 18 in April and Sinkgraven will still be 19 then so why buy him! But we do need another attacking midfielder especailly if Klaassen picked up a lengthy injury.

Up front I want to see 2 wingers play but El Ghazi and Kishna are young and still inconsistant.It will be interesting to see where Fischer plays when fit .I quess he could be used in MF behind the striker and of course Schone is still a midfielder.

At this moment in time I think PSV are favourites and I see us 2nd.However we can only play better and recent history shows we get stronger in the 2nd half of the season.

[Orange14]

@SPL - you are right on target! I agree with all the points you've made. One thing I've thought about regarding the defense is that Veltman might slide over to the left side and van der Hoorn (who had a good game on Friday) starts on the right. Although Veltman is right footed, I think he can handle this transition. I also wonder about buying Sinkgraven for the same reasons you state. What kind of message does this send to the youth players? Ajax becomes nothing more than a stripped down Chelsea, buying players to fill slots rather than giving youth a clear path forward. I also don't think Fischer can play in the midfield.