Ronald de Boer thinks that Ajax will extend the national title, but the performances in recent weeks give PSV a lot of reason for optimism. Roger Schmidt’s team reached the play-off round of the Champions League and defeated Ajax 0-4 in the battle for the Johan Cruijff Scale. The former football player and analyst of ESPN provides in conversation with NUsport an exciting battle between the rivals from Amsterdam and Eindhoven. “Now PSV is hunting, and Ajax is the prey.”
“Last year they played 4-2-2-2 with wingers, but often that position was filled by, for example, Mario Götze, who is not an winger. Now Götze plays as a false striker and there are real wing attackers on the flanks with Cody Gakpo and Noni Madueke. With that duo, PSV has gold in their hands,” emphasizes De Boer, who believes that Madueke in particular has made great strides. “Reliability and efficiency are everything with a winger. He no longer has the fickleness of a 16-year-old who scores a nine one game and a two the next.”
According to De Boer, Ajax remains the favorite to win the national title. “I saw a fantastic Ajax play half an hour before the red card on Saturday”, he points to the battle for the Johan Cruijff Scale. “I think they have just the right mix between experience and young players.” Leonne Stentler, analyst at ESPN and the NOS, also expects a blistering battle for the championship. Last season, PSV finished at sixteen points from Ajax. “What PSV put on the mat in the preparations looked very good. Last season it was not always successful, but there was always a plan behind it.”
“Schmidt has had time to work out that plan and now everything is starting to fall into place.” Stentler praises PSV’s purchases, but thinks the selection is too thin ‘in breadth’. “André Ramalho makes a very good impression defensively. There is plenty of choice in midfield, but certainly in the front there is room for more. Besides Eran Zahavi you really have nothing in rush hour.” Stentler therefore shares De Boer’s opinion regarding the favorite for the national title. “The breadth of the Ajax selection will be the deciding factor.”
Until now, Ajax has remained fairly quiet on the transfer market, but Stentler expects something to happen. In principle, every position is double occupied, but I think, for example, Nicolás Tagliafico is still being sold. You should also do that this summer if you want to save some money. Also you don’t have any more Brobbey or Traoré to throw in in the last minutes. So there could certainly be a left back and a striker.”