Alfred Schreuder was not pleased with Milan van Dongen’s question on Saturday afternoon before the start of Fortuna Sittard – Ajax. According to the coach, the latter went on too long about whether his current defenders have the ‘poison’ that a number of departed players had in their game. Against Fortuna, Schreuder chooses to start in the rear with Devyne Rensch, Jurriën Timber, Perr Schuurs and Owen Wijndal. Daley Blind moves to midfield due to the absence of suspended Edson Álvarez.
Van Dongen mentioned that Ajax has lost two important forces with Nicolás Tagliafico and Lisandro Martínez. “They had something ruthless in their game. To what extent is that in the players you have in defense?”, says Van Dongen. “We have brought in new players for that, but Calvin (Bassey, ed.) received a red card last week. But we know that we can also fill in a different way. Today we do that with Schuurs in the center and Blind moves on. because Álvarez is suspended,” Schreuder replied.
Alfred Schreuder explains why he passes Gorter today.
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#?? #FORAJA pic.twitter.com/JEaco838PA— ESPN NL (@ESPNnl) August 6, 2022
“But do guys like Wijndal, Blind and Rensch have that?” Van Dongen continues. “They also have other qualities, but of course you also ask that of them as a coach,” said Schreuder. “And that’s what they give?” asks Van Dongen. “Yes, of course it is. I think it’s a bit cynical what you want to ask.” Van Dongen: “Why so cynical then?” Schreuder: “I think you understand me very well. I said something about that last week. In phases they have to defend better as a team. It is not always an individual, it is about getting the cross out.”
Lucca
There is no starting place for acquisition Lorenzo Lucca. The Italian, who was brought to Amsterdam this week and mainly has to act as a pinchhitter, starts on the reserve bench. “Obviously he is still a young boy. We wanted a player with height in the front. If you have to force things in the final phase that we can bring him. But he is also a boy who has to develop. It will not so that he will only be used as a substitute. Renting with an option to buy is a very interesting construction,” says Schreuder.