Steven Berghuis reached a wonderful milestone against Heracles Almelo (2-4 win) on Saturday evening. The Ajax striker scored the second Amsterdam goal, making him the fourth player with at least 200 goals and assists this century in the Eredivisie. For that reason, Berghuis celebrated the goal specially with reserve keeper Gerónimo Rulli. “I have a special bond with him,” the right winger said afterwards ESPN.

Berghuis created no fewer than eight chances against Heracles. “That's what I stand for. If you get the ball in the right position and the runs are good, then it is up to me to make the right choice. I think Brobbey helped us very well with that first goal. It's fantastic how he shoots him in. That gave us peace of mind.”

Ajax again looked vulnerable defensively. “We lost the ball too often. Maybe the boys also had to get used to the field, because balls went just in front of or behind it. That is a point of improvement today.”

Berghuis scored after halftime after a good through ball from Kristian Hlynsson. The goalscorer ran to the dugout and celebrated the goal with Rulli. “I talked to him about my statistics before the match. If I had an assist or a goal today, I would reach 200 in total. I have a very good relationship with him anyway.”

Rulli was hired as the first goalkeeper in January 2023, but was injured at the end of August and was unable to regain his starting spot after that. “He's having a harder time at the moment, so it's nice to be together like this connect. Of course I support him.”

“He came here and got injured at a very unfortunate moment. Diant (Ramaj, ed.) is now doing very well. Rulli also knows that this is how it goes in football.”

Ajax seems to be trying to get rid of Rulli, but Berghuis hopes that the experienced goalkeeper will stay. “He is a very important boy for our team who has achieved a lot with Argentina and Villarreal. He is very important for our very young group. You just want to keep someone like that.”

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