Ajaxtalk

Didn't get to see it (see my post on the "Ajax on Television (+ Webcasts)" thread) , but sounds like we did indeed take care of business, for the most part. And hats off to Cap'n Luis!

Just caught the extended highlights. Still some defensive frailty, but a great offensive showing. Looks like we are clicking on offense - it's very nice to see. Have to admit, from what I saw, Mickey looked pretty decent as well - seemed like he was unlucky not to have a goal or two.

Next game will be the first big test. I'm confident we can do it.

Just my own thoughts from last night

1. Get mored turnstyles at ArenA - was bad last year but with new ticketing system in place and Strandvliet station closed there were thousands still outside at kick off.

2. Defence is still shit - very lucky not to lose more than one goal in first half. So sign centre halfs please.

3. If going to play Cvitanich then at least play wide players to get ball into box to him - first half on numerous occasions we ended up attempting to play ball through middle as no support on flanks and when we did quality of ball from them into box was shocking.

4. Jol is talking about getting Suarez exteneded contract. Well get it sort immediately with improved wages even to guarantee he waits for one more full year cos without him we are fucked - i know we are not a one man team but take suarez away and we are a very pedestrian team and would struggle to be near top of Eredivisie. He is the one player who makes a visit to ArenA worthwhile.

Anyway not a great match esp first half but 6 pts out of 6 so should not complain too much

Glad to get 3 points, there's always room for improvement of course. Good hattrick by Luis.

We really have a light-weight team don't we. No one is a big "Jaap Stam" sort of figure

How did de Zeeuw play ?

Excellent again. Best man on the field.

philippe schreef:How did de Zeeuw play ?

de Zeeuw had a very good game -- we are lucky to have him. As to the game itself -- some people have looked at the score and concluded we had a good win. IMO nothing could be farther from the truth. Defense was crap -- passing was crap -- it was only after they were down to 10 men that we were able to take charge of the game. Up to then, we were lucky we were facing a team of the quality of Waalwijk and not anyone even a little better. IMO we really need two quality defenders and a strong forward (and lots of work on the passing) if we hope to win the title this year.

rjf1 schreef:

philippe schreef:How did de Zeeuw play ?

de Zeeuw had a very good game -- we are lucky to have him. As to the game itself -- some people have looked at the score and concluded we had a good win. IMO nothing could be farther from the truth. Defense was crap -- passing was crap -- it was only after they were down to 10 men that we were able to take charge of the game. Up to then, we were lucky we were facing a team of the quality of Waalwijk and not anyone even a little better. IMO we really need two quality defenders and a strong forward (and lots of work on the passing) if we hope to win the title this year.

I think Mickey and Suarez pair working just fine in front (4 goals in two matches). Plus we have Cvitanich on the bench. If we buy another striker, who's place he will take? Not Suarez, that's for sure. Mickey? I personally want to see him playing. So like i said, i'm comfortable with our offensive power, defence is the one who worries me.

We need another forward as back up.A young lad who is scoring goals in say Belgium or Sweden will cost about 3m euros and looks good for the future.

As for defence we need 2 quality central defenders. Alderweireld should go out on loan for a season as he is not quite ready for us yet and imo Wielaert can go back to Twente.

Highlights

Post match interview Ajax

Tifos during the match

New Song?

I saw the recorded match later, was busy when it was live. IMO the defense is still quite weak and will be turned inside out by any fast attackers. Another problem with Ajax is the long balls and crosses. They hardly connect and the delivery is quite poor tbh. I just don't understand why Ajax try to focus on those so much? You have the players to play a quick short passing game and not waste too much possession. And the defenses in Eredivisie are weak enough that you can do without genuine width. Just flood the area where the ball is in possesion and short pass and dribble your way to the goal. That's how Ajax's major opportunities are created anyway so why not base your whole game on it? The possession will protect your defense as well.