Where Erik ten Hag mainly focused on the failing right side of his defense block, Rafael van der Vaart also looks at the left side of Ajax’s defense. The former midfielder wonders how often Daley Blind can underperform before the left back disappears to the bench. “A trainer always sets him up”, Van der Vaart concludes in Studio Football†
Blind went down surprisingly with Ajax on Sunday to visit Go Ahead Eagles (2-1) and was involved in both goals against. The other analysts from the talk show of the NOS found Blind to be dramatic. “I thought Blind played very badly today and that also had to do with willingness,” said Theo Janssen. “With the first goal he just has to step forward, he walks backwards…” Iñigo Córdoba’s shot flew in through Blind’s half block.
“At the second goal he wants to continue, let his own man be released, who scores from it,” says Janssen. Blind was too late in the penalty area with assister Luuk Brouwers, who reached goal scorer Philippe Rommens – Blind’s actual opponent – with a failed shot. “Ajax plays very high with the backs, but you can also sprint back; he trudges behind it blindly…”, continues Janssen. “That was indicative of Ajax today in any case: a step too late everywhere, not having full faith. It was not only Blind, Devyne Rensch and the attackers also brought very little.”
Van der Vaart thinks it is high time for a change. “Blind is an ideal player for a trainer, because you can use him in any position. But he is not the best in any position. And Blind also immediately looks a bit like an old man. It is remarkable: every when he plays badly, he just keeps being drafted. A coach always drafts him. He was even put in front of the defense because he has to play. I think that’s strange, because I’m used to when you’re out of shape, you’re wrong for a moment. There’s nothing bad about that at all.”
Janssen believes that Blind can no longer play as a left back. “In today’s football you just have to be pretty fast as a back. You have to be fast to defend those balls behind the last line. Certainly lesser opponents just throw him behind and start running.” Janssen does see an alternative for the 31-year-old the Dutch international. “If you put him in the center with a fast defender next to him, he could still play in the center.”
Ibrahim Afellay points out that Blind also fell through the basket in midweek against Benfica (2-2). “He has so much experience, but if you also see that match against Benfica: the problems started on his side. Ajax was overrun and Blind is not the fastest himself, and he also lost the ball very often. I think that He should be an example in that.” Ten Hag replaced Blind in Lisbon in the 73rd minute for Nicolás Tagliafico. On Sunday against Go Ahead, Blind completed the ninety minutes.