Riechedly Bazoer understands that trainer Pascal Jansen does not yet use him as a permanent base force at AZ. The 26-year-old midfielder says in conversation with Football International that he has matured a lot and has faith that he will get a lot more minutes this season. “Four years ago I probably would have reacted differently to my situation.”
Bazoer played a total of only 132 playing minutes for the Alkmaarders, spread over eight matches in the Eredivisie and Conference League. Still, according to the right leg, who was struggling with an injury for a while, it makes no sense to make a fuss. “You are growing up and I believe I will get more playing time. I recently talked about it with Mees de Wit. He was also a regular base player at his club, PEC Zwolle, until his arrival to AZ, and has ended up in a different situation here. Then it is important to think of the team interest and to be realistic.”
AZ is currently the leader of the Eredivisie and can qualify for the knockout phase of the Conference League against Apollon Limassol on Thursday evening. According to Bazoer, these good performances also affect his playing minutes. “When a team is running well, a coach has little reason to make changes to his starting formation. Of course I’m aiming for a basic place, but even now I feel the confidence of the trainer and of my teammates. Since I have been match fit, I am brought in every match and I can make a contribution. In addition, I try to transfer my experience in professional football to young boys.”
Apollon Limassol FC – AZ Alkmaar
AZ will take on Apollon on Thursday evening at 6.45 pm in Cyprus. In the GSP stadium, the Alkmaarders can already secure themselves for the next round of the Conference League after four rounds of play. It General Newspaper expects that Bazoer will once again have to settle for a place on the bench, according to AZ’s probable line-up. Jansen again seems to prefer a midfield with Tijjani Reijnders, Dani de Wit and Jordy Clasie.
Probable AZ line-up:
concealed; Hatzidiakos, Beukema, Dekker, Kerkez; Reijnders, De Wit, Clasie; Sugawara, Odgaard, Van Brederode.