Monday, September 20, 2021 at 11:28 am• Last update: 11:30

David Neres played a full match for Ajax against SC Cambuur last Saturday for the first time since March 21 (Ajax – ADO Den Haag). The Brazilian winger had to settle for a supporting role in recent months, partly due to the arrival of Antony and Steven Berghuis. In the past transfer period, he seemed well on his way to the exit of the Johan Cruijff ArenA, but it did not come to a departure. Erik ten Hag therefore spoke extensively with the attacker about his current situation and opportunities at Ajax.

Neres scored twice on Saturday evening and provided an assist against SC Cambuur (9-0). Ten Hag thought the Brazilian played ‘excellent’. “David had counted on a transfer. That did not go through, but in my opinion he has really put that behind him,” said Ten Hag in conversation with Football International. “We have turned it into motivation. He trains excellently, when he comes on he does an excellent job, and David is just an excellent footballer. He too can play a role in the team and also with an internal competition. That way you can push each other to a higher level.”

When Ajax strengthened itself in the past transfer period with Steven Berghuis and Mohammed Daramy, director of football affairs Marc Overmars opened the door wide for Neres. Because a transfer did not get off the ground, it is now pressing on the flanks at Ajax. “I always talk to all my players. And this season I’ve already talked a lot with David. About his situation, but indeed also at the beginning of September about his perspective and his role in the team now that the transfer had not taken place,” said Ten Hag about the 24-year-old winger, whose contract runs until mid-2023.

“I explained to him that it is certainly not certain in advance that he is number twelve,” says the trainer, who emphasizes that Neres can compete for a basic place. “The big advantage with him is that he can play not only right winger, but also great left winger. So he is just fully participating in that competition and David can still be of great value to Ajax this season.”