Foreign clubs will think twice before attempting to take over star players from Ajax, think Johan Derksen and René van der Gijp. In the latest broadcast of Veronica Inside Van der Gijp concludes that Juventus, Barcelona and Chelsea are ‘not really satisfied’ with the performance of Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong and Hakim Ziyech respectively. In addition, Donny van de Beek did not succeed at Manchester United, he adds. According to the analysts, the question is whether a player like Antony would excel across the border.
Antony barely made an appearance in De Classic against Feyenoord on Sunday. He was defused by Tyrell Malacia and also made a striking move towards his direct opponent in the first half. “Antony really should have had a card. That suddenly becomes a very annoying boy,” says Derksen. “It was really the result of Malacia taking him out. That did that boy really well. That was Antony’s frustration.” Van der Gijp believes that Antony should be more resistant to a defender like Malacia, who was simply fiercer in the duels.
Watch the fragment of Antony’s slamming movement here (from minute 5:39 min)
“Did Antony really think that Kylian Mbappe is not defended like this every week? Then you have to look for space, look around you and be smart. Riyad Mahrez also,” the analyst points out. “He has to realize that that’s why he plays at Ajax and not at Manchester City,” Derksen added. Hans Kraay junior does think Antony will make ‘a big transfer’. “He also showed it a few times against Borussia Dortmund and Sporting Portugal.” Derksen watched Wolverhampton Wanderers – Chelsea (0-0) on Sunday and Ziyech’s performance in that match does not make him hopeful about the ability of Ajax players to break through abroad.
“The star player of Ajax, Hakim Ziyech, did not hit a marble and was replaced again at half-time. What a shame that such a great football player in England does not get to play football,” he says. “No Dutchman has really succeeded at the moment.” Van der Gijp agrees with this. “Clubs are now going to be careful. Ajax has sold Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong and Hakim Ziyech; those clubs are not really satisfied with that. Donny van de Beek does not play a minute.”