Rafael van der Vaart is impressed by André Onana’s return under the bar at Ajax. The analyst of Ziggo Sports saw the 25-year-old goalkeeper make an excellent impression against Besiktas (1-2 win) in his first game in more than nine months. “He is simply an absolute world champion,” said Van der Vaart.
Erik ten Hag awarded Onana a basic place in Istanbul, partly because the team from Amsterdam was already certain of wintering in the Champions League. “It is easy to say that he gives them the Champions League level, but that is true,” said Van der Vaart. “He radiates so much calm and experience. I give it to you too: you haven’t played for so long, then you are drafted again … everyone looks at him, and then he just plays a wonderful game.”
Oh dear! André Onana prevents worse for Ajax with a great save. Just a few more minutes until the break. #UCL #BESAJA pic.twitter.com/khzlAlM5hs
— VTBL ? (@vtbl) Nov 24, 2021
Onana’s most impressive save came on the stroke of half-time on a bet by Cyle Larin, who had broken through Ajax’s defence. “He comes out, doesn’t go straight to the ground, just wait. Really top notch”, analyzes Van der Vaart, who does not believe that Onana will keep his base place. “Ten Hag has said very clearly that Remko Pasveer is number one, so he just sits back on the bench. Only I think: if you want to continue in the Champions League…”
Van der Vaart is curious how Pasveer deals with the pressure from Onana behind him. “We will soon see that Pasveer will certainly make his mistake. That pressure is on Pasveer, which is a bit silly for him, but if he makes a mistake, then of course we will talk about this. Then they will scream anyway : ‘Should Onana play?’ That’s the way it is, that’s part of it, because Onana is just an absolute world topper.”
Ajax is making a big impression in the Champions League this season and has not lost a point yet. Yet Van der Vaart does not think that the Eredivisionist can win the tournament. “I don’t think that is realistic, because I think there are better teams. But if you want something in the Champions League, you have a little more chance with Onana. But that level is still a bit too far away for Ajax. it doesn’t matter, because if you’re a bit lucky with the draw and you get a round further, it’s possible. But winning the Champions League, I don’t really think so.”