15 DEC 2018; Ajax - de Graafschap; Match Day 16

[Orange14]

Ajax completely wiped out PSV's goal differential with a 8-0 thrashing of de Graafschap. The visitors were fortunate that the number conceded goals did not reach double figures but truth be told they are a very poor side and likely will end up relegated at the end of the season. Ziyech and the unlikely Blind both with hat tricks on the afternoon. Ajax with 35 shots and 17 on frame just dominated the match offensively. Onana snuffed out the only two de Graafschap opportunities with some good goal keeping but then had nothing to do the rest of the match.

Player Ratings:

Onana (7) - points for two good saves but he was really only a spectator, watching shots fired at the other end of the pitch
Tagliafico (6.5) - some good offensive play and didn't have to worry about playing defense in this game
Blind (8) - some wonderful shots on goal today and a deserved hat trick
de Ligt (7.5) - surprisingly had the most touches in the box during the first half of any Ajax player
Mazraoui (7) - what a rocket of a shot for the second goal
Schöne (7) - a couple of nice free kicks and pretty much a free hand in the MF
de Jong (7) - two weak passes in the first half were the only flaws to his game
van de Beek (6.5) - didn't see a lot of the ball but worked hard and had a couple of nice passes that led to scores
Tadic (7.5) - looked a bit peeved when he was subbed off but his shift was solid
Dolberg (6.5) - controlled the ball well and had some chances to score but couldn't quite find the net
Ziyech (8.5) - solid match all around and MOTM for me
Neres (6.5) - very nice shift with a couple of assists
Kristensen (6.5) - really pushed forward on offense
Sinkgraven (6) - had some good touches and it's nice to see him back playing

Roda at home in the Beker in mid-week and then a tricky fixture away at Utrecht to wrap up the first half of the campaign.

[Orange14]

Oranje needs to just give every player a 10.

I have to be sensitive to the opponent who were quite poor on the day. As I noted at the half this was really training ground football.

The only major error that Ajax made in the game was on the breakaway in the first half when both Mazraoui and Ziyech were too far into the de Graafschap half on the free kick and could not prevent the break out.

[SPL]

Orange I do agree not all had a great game .Ziych MOM for sure.

[Ayman]

I don't mean to be a party poopa but is it time for Ajax to join a Super League?

If Ajax (Along with PSV, Feyenoord and AZ Alkmaar) want to keep their top players and play top level football and be competitive in Europe, surely this is the only solution. Joining a Super League that includes Porto, Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, Boa Vista from Portugal. Genk, Ghent, Anderlecht and Club Brugge from Belgium. FC Salzburg and Rapid Vienna from Austria. Basel and Grasshoppers (remember them?) from Switzerland. And the rest of the top 2/3 teams from Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Perhaps even Celtic and Rangers. It's for the best in my opinion and it will be more exciting, imagine week 1. Ajax away to Porto, week 2. Ajax home to Club Brugge. etc etc.

[rjf1]

Whew! What a ride -- haven't seen that kind of display in a long, long time. Felt kind of bad for Dolberg not getting a goal as he worked his socks off, but truth be told, his timing seemed to be a bit off.

[SPL]

Would agree Ayman but we have been unlucky not to have beaten Bayern twice and only PSG and Juve from France and Italy are stronger in those 2 countries.Maybe we should be higher than the clubs you list.

[Orange14]

I don't mean to be a party poopa but is it time for Ajax to join a Super League?

I am really sympathetic to this. The only way it happens is if UEFA organizes a series of Super Leagues with relegation and promotion. I don't think some of the national federations would allow this to happen. EPL wants to keep a stranglehold on all the TV money they get right now.

[Tom_]

Almost got my 10–0...

[Cruijff]

Almost got my 10–0...

True, but also for example the home match against AZ Alkmaar this season could have ended up in 10-0 or even more.

Here you will find some nice match highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOYspln6RU0

[Tom_]

Thanks. I watched the whole match, but on delay. I've been doing this a bit when they're on at e.g. 3 a.m. in my time zone, which is why I'm not around on the forum during the games—trying to avoid knowing the result before I watch it.