John Heitinga is very disappointed after the possibly crucial draw against AZ (0-0). Now that Ajax is five points behind number two PSV with three games to go, Champions League football seems like a utopia. However, in a season marked by inconstancy, Heitinga does see a bright spot in Jorrel Hato. The seventeen-year-old defender played another great game on Saturday and also appeared at the press conference afterwards.
Ajax had several imposed chances against the visitors from Alkmaar, but failed to score. Brian Brobbey in particular did not have his sights set: the striker shot eye to eye with Mathew Ryan straight at the AZ goalie. Heitinga saw that too. “We have been given great opportunities and you have to score. That is also good for your self-confidence. With the opportunities you get you have to take the lead or at least reward yourself. But that ball didn’t want to go in,” said the Ajax player. trainer.
Heitinga does want to praise his team’s fighting spirit, as well as Hato’s performance. The teen’s fifth base appearance even gave the coach a small smile, all the shortcomings sorry. “I think Hato is a bright spot. It is not for nothing that we transferred him to the A-selection. We know what he can do, that he can play left back but also left central. He gives some peace and it looks very out well together with Jurriën Timber. Playing football with the two of them, they dare to dribble and slide in, so you also force your fellow players to play ahead. I think Jorrel can look back on a good period, “says Heitinga.
The person in question is also not dissatisfied with his development. “These are beautiful moments, you cherish them too,” says Hato. “It’s all happening really fast now.” Moreover, the fact that he has joined a poorly running Ajax does not bother Hato. “It’s tough, but I don’t think I got into it with that much effort.” Hato is currently on twelve duels in Ajax 1, seven of which he experienced as a substitute. He made his debut on January 11, against FC Den Bosch in the TOTO KNVB Cup (0-2 win).