René van der Gijp is certainly not impressed by Ajax’s defense after watching the 3-3 draw against Olympique Marseille in the Europa League. The analyst and regular table guest of Today Inside is also critical of the performance of goalkeeper Jay Gorter, who had to go to the net three times on Thursday evening. Hélène Hendriks joins the discussion about the ideal captain for this Ajax.
“A very mediocre goalkeeper is not in your favor, is it,” sighs Van der Gijp after seeing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s 2-2 on behalf of Marseille just before half-time. “He doesn’t get a point, he only costs points,” Johan Derksen immediately adds. “Wilfred (Genee, ed.) still takes this one,” Van der Gijp continues with his analysis of Gorter’s performance on the European stage. The former footballer also expresses his surprise at what he sees as the very weak back line of coach Maurice Steijn’s team.
“If you see how they give away those chances, that is really not possible. With that ball on the Marseille crossbar, that right back (Anton Gaaei, ed.) plays that Sutalo in a way that is not possible at all,” said the bewildered Van der Gijp. Wilfred Genee then points out the big chance that Steven Bergwijn missed at 3-2. “It cost more than 30 million and is now the leader,” said the presenter. “On the basis of two international matches, really,” Van der Gijp agrees. Hendriks, who is also present, also finds it incomprehensible that Bergwijn has been wearing the captain’s armband at Ajax for some time now.
“You have to change that captain very quickly. I spoke to Steven Berghuis yesterday (Thursday, ed.), that is simply the captain. And not Bergwijn,” the presenter and reporter advises Steijn from the studio. Derksen does not seem to completely agree with this. “Your captain is always a basic player, and Berghuis was not always in it. But I agree with you that you should not bother Bergwijn with that (the captaincy, ed.).”