Erik ten Hag is very satisfied with Sébastien Haller’s contribution in Ajax’s Champions League matches so far. The coach talks to the General Newspaper takes a closer look at the top goalscorer’s two goals in the recent away game against Besiktas (1-2). Haller is the top scorer in the group stage of the billion-dollar ball with nine goals and he can expand his number on Tuesday evening in the final game with Sporting Portugal.
In the equalizer against Besiktas, Haller scored after a nice run by Nicolás Tagliafico, who then put the ball down ready for use. “Defenders do pay attention to the ball that changes sides during the build-up. But do they also think further ahead at such a moment? Haller is always thinking ahead”, Ten Hag compliments his striker. “He already knew what had to happen when Tagliafico chose the depth. Reading the game, you saw that nicely here.”
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Haller was then there like the chickens to process a not too good shot by Lisandro Martínez into a goal, so that despite the deficit, Ajax still left Turkey with three points. “Haller’s second was a Jurrie Koolhofje! I used to play with Jurrie (at De Graafschap, ed.). And really where every ball that went through to the far post, Jurrie seemed prepared for that. Was he ready to play?” m tap in there. Martínez didn’t hit the ball well now, but then there is your safety net. That is also typical Haller, being smart in choosing position. Just like Koolhof,” said the satisfied Ten Hag.
The Ajax striker himself does not want to be happy with his winning goal in the away match against Besiktas. “It was no fluke. It was already the third time this has happened with body (Martínez, ed.)”, the attack leader of the Amsterdam club clarifies. “That he shoots on target and I score. It also has to do with experience that I am there. The more matches you play, the better you can predict where the ball will come. You always need luck. But you also force that happiness.” Ajax will start the home match against Sporting on Tuesday evening at 9 p.m.
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