Erik ten Hag has explained why Steven Berghuis and Ryan Gravenberch do not start in the base against Go Ahead Eagles. The Ajax trainer replaces the duo in midfield for Mohammed Kudus and Davy Klaassen respectively. Berghuis has ‘physical complaints’, while Gravenberch does not play because Ten Hag wants to have ‘running numbers 10’.
Prior to the meeting in the Eredivisie, Ajax already announced through the official channels that Berghuis will not be playing at all. Steven Berghuis will not be in action tonight anyway. He has physical complaints and therefore does not take a seat on the reserve bench,” the message reads on the website of the team from Amsterdam. In front of ‘s camera ESPN Ten Hag then explains why Gravenberch does not start in the base either.
“I wanted to have two running numbers ten for this race. They can also play in other roles, but today that might come in handy. It has nothing to do with the game against Borussia Dortmund. It has to do with this match. We have game principles and more than eleven basic players. We can also play with others,” said the coach.
Ten Hag also discusses the situation of goalkeeper André Onana, who is in the match selection for the first time since his doping suspension against Go Ahead Eagles. “My impression is good, but you can notice that he has not been in party forms for a long time, so he still has to go a bit further, but his talent is of course undeniable. I have faith in him. He is an incredible talent. when it has to, he often rises to great heights.”