The day after Ajax’s victory in the Champions League against Sporting Portugal (1-5) the selection was visited by an old acquaintance. Jan Vertonghen, currently playing for Benfica, came to take a look at a number of former teammates. Ajax TV saw his chance to interview the defender and drew the Belgian in front of the camera, after which Vertonghen gave the praise. “It is unbelievable how good Ajax is at the moment.”
Vertonghen took extensive time in Lisbon to catch up with Maarten Stekelenburg and Daley Blind, two of his former teammates at Ajax. “I already told Daley: ‘We are just put in the left back position at our age’. I thought that when we got older we could go to the center, but apparently not. With the Belgian national team I am also regularly left back . We had a chat about that.”
Vertonghen also saw how Ajax dominated against Sporting. The team of trainer Erik ten Hag was taken by the hand by Sébastien Haller, who took care of a large part of the production. “The first half hour was incredible, I really enjoyed it,” said Vertonghen. “I know a number of players and look at Ajax a lot. This is a reference for me. I know Sporting Portugal quite well, of course, but when you see how dominant Ajax is, also expressed in the score, that surprises me in a positive way. .”
Vertonghen, who was jointly responsible with Benfica for PSV not getting through to the group stage of the Champions League, does have a number of favorite players at Ajax. “Antony is always a fun player to watch,” the Belgian continues. Jurriën Timber is also doing incredibly well. And Devyne Rensch is a great football player. I think it is a shame that I have to name players, then you always forget some. It is mainly the level and the intensity that is beautiful to see. “
“I think Timber is currently further than where I was then. I wasn’t always a basic player. It’s mostly confidence. Not just with him, but with all the boys coming out of the youth academy. You don’t see that often and it’s amazing that he has only played so few matches in the Champions League. He has also already experienced a European Championship. You get that with Ajax at a young age. They look great, there is a lot of movement in possession. They are also good tactically. It was of course a bit better yesterday, but the execution and goal-orientedness in particular make the difference.”