Ryan Gravenberch made a deep impression on Orlando Engelaar during the match between Ajax and AZ (2-0) on Sunday afternoon. The former player of PSV and FC Twente, among others, is the reporter of The Telegraph praising the game of the eighteen-year-old midfielder of the team from Amsterdam. Also about Davy Klaassen, good for both goals in the top match, making Ajax unofficial champion, is bombarded with compliments by Engelaar.
When compiling the Team of the Week, Engelaar has made room for Klaassen in midfield. The the Dutch-international opened the score against AZ in the Johan Cruijff ArenA and determined the final score with a striking header just before time. “Klaassen was really fantastic against AZ”, Engelaar responds in the newspaper. “Before he scored those two goals, I had already noted his name. He was the driving force behind Ajax in a good match, where the pace was high and both teams put full pressure. Klaassen has conquered a lot of balls, made smart passes and again showed his scoring ability. He feels the moments perfectly and then has the peace of mind and the technique to get the ball in. ”
Gravenberch did not score on Sunday. The top talent made an impression by setting the lines in midfield. “Don’t forget that this boy is only eighteen years old”, Engelaar emphasizes. “It is incredible what he shows every week. Klaassen was the man against AZ, but you can actually record Gravenberch in the Team of the Week every game round. He has an incredible amount of rest on the ball and almost always makes the right choices. Ten years ago Klaassen (now 28 years old, ed.) Did not reach the level that Gravenberch already has. ”
Engelaar has made room for Michael de Leeuw in the vanguard. The FC Emmen attacker signed all three goals against Heracles Almelo. “Especially the 2-1 was of great beauty. His assumption was perfect, after which he shot the ball hard against the ropes through the bottom of the crossbar. With his hat-trick, De Leeuw single-handedly ensures that FC Emmen is currently no longer in a direct relegation spot ”, said Engelaar.
Team of the Week according to Engelaar: Justin Bijlow (Feyenoord); Denzel Dumfries (PSV), Jurriën Timber (Ajax), Jordan Teze (PSV), Nicolás Tagliafico (Ajax); Abdou Harroui (Sparta Rotterdam), Davy Klaassen (Ajax), Ryan Gravenberch (Ajax); Donyell Malen (PSV), Michael de Leeuw (FC Emmen), Cody Gakpo (PSV).