John van 't Schip is very happy with Brian Brobbey. The Ajax coach also saw his 21-year-old striker play an important role in the remainder of the match against RKC Waalwijk (2-3 win). This time not with a goal or assist, but by constantly shielding the ball at the corner flag. “He is in very good shape,” Van 't Schip said at the press conference afterwards.
Brobbey has three goals and three assists in his last four games for Ajax. “He feels strong. Against Almere City, against NEC, against Olympique Marseille, we've seen it all… He really takes the team in tow.”
The attacker is a pillar for Ajax. “He holds balls in the front. He scores goals, provides assists and today he played a very important role by holding balls in the corner of the pitch.”
It was a reunion between RKC goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen and Brobbey on Wednesday evening. The Ajax striker caused an accident two months ago by hitting Vaessen's head with his shoe.
Brobbey has been in close contact with the goalie lately. During the match on Wednesday, Brobbey seemed to hold back for a moment when chasing Vaessen. “I understand which moment you mean,” says Van 't Schip.
“I don't know if that plays a role. I personally don't think so. But if something was going on with Brian, I can understand that.”
Van 't Schip gave Brobbey advice in advance about dealing with Vaessen. “I briefly discussed it with him in advance. I said that he can have a nice chat with Vaessen afterwards, but not beforehand.”
For the Ajax coach, the focus on the match was most important. “Of course, you initially come here for the three points. Then there is still plenty of time afterwards, especially because we didn't even play fifteen minutes today.”