Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 9:11 PM• Rian Rosendaal

Hedwiges Maduro is positive about Steven Berghuis’ performance in Ajax’s away match against RKC Waalwijk (1-4) on Saturday evening. Due to the absence of the injured Kenneth Taylor, the veteran came to play on the left side of midfield and, according to the analyst, he filled it in well. Berghuis scored twice in Waalwijk and especially the second goal was of great beauty.

“What do you not get with him and especially with regard to Taylor?”, presenter Jan Joost van Gangelen asks Maduro in the studio afterwards. ESPN. “The scoring ability”, the former Ajax player compliments Berghuis. “Taylor actually has that too, but I think he is a bit more dynamic than Taylor. Also a bit more attacking. That makes sense, because he is really an attacker. And against opponents who play 5-3-2 it can be that you go forward a little easier. And last week (against Excelsior, ed.) actually, so that suits him well.”

“He has proven in the Dutch national team that he can occupy that position well. For example, against Belgium-away (1-4 victory in the Nations League, ed.) He has also done well there,” Maduro continues his analysis about Berghuis . “I also think that Van Gaal might also want to see him there, in midfield. And then, for example, Xavi Simons can join, in ten position. If you don’t see Berghuis as ten, but as a midfielder, you can take Simons with you. ” Table mate Hugo Borst immediately makes a comment about Berghuis and the other Ajax players: “Shall we judge him on Liverpool (Wednesday the opponent of Ajax, ed.), instead of on RKC?”

Maduro agrees with Borst’s comment. “Sure. Always measuring at the highest level, World Cup level.” Berghuis has three goals in the Eredivisie after the double against RKC. He also managed to find the net once in the Champions League. Maduro thinks that the scoring Ajax player is a certainty for Van Gaal regarding the final World Cup selection, which will be announced on November 11 by the national coach.