Valentijn Driessen, a prominent voice from De Telegraaf, has delivered a scathing assessment of Alex Kroes‘ tenure as ajax’s technical director. Driessen contends that Kroes has fallen short by acquiring players who simply don’t measure up to the esteemed Ajax standard. Though,the journalist concedes that Kroes is on solid ground regarding his assertion about the club’s “capital destruction.”
“Raul Moro, Oscar Gloukh, and Kasper Dolberg have been warming the bench instead of contributing on the field,” Driessen stated in De Telegraaf. “If we’re talking about capital destruction, then this is it. Of course, Kroes is absolutely right about that. On the other hand, he appointed the coach, and the coach determines the lineup,” he quickly added. “It’s positive to see that Heitinga is making lineup decisions independently.”
The journalist places notable blame squarely on the shoulders of the Amsterdammers’ technical director.”He’s the one bringing in the players. You can absolutely hold Kroes accountable for acquiring players who don’t meet the Ajax standard,” Driessen declared with a tough judgment. “Moro and Gloukh have shown absolutely nothing. I haven’t seen any indication that they possess the necessary footballing ability.”
Driessen dismisses the notion that the new signings require an extended adjustment period as an acceptable excuse. “Perhaps they need an adjustment period. But if they still need an adjustment period within this struggling Ajax squad, I have to question if they are truly as talented as everyone believes.”
Ajax’s Questionable Acquisitions: A Critical Analysis
To provide a clearer picture of the situation, especially regarding the players Driessen critiques, here’s a comparative table:
| Player | Position | Acquisition Date | Reported transfer Fee | Performance (Recent Matches) | Key Criticisms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raul Moro | Winger | Summer 2022 | €6 million | Limited Minutes, Ineffective | lacks consistent impact, struggles to adapt to the Ajax style, fails to create scoring opportunities. |
| Oscar Gloukh | Attacking Midfielder | Winter 2023 | €5 million | Sporadic Appearances, Unconvincing | Inconsistent performances, rarely impacts games positively, struggles to maintain a high level of competitiveness. |
| Kasper Dolberg | Striker | Summer 2022 | Loan with option to buy | Limited Minutes, Ineffective | Does not meet current Ajax squad standard. |
| Overall Trend | Underperforming | Players struggle to meet high Ajax standards, expensive signings failing to justify their cost. |
Note: Transfer fees are approximate and based on reports from reliable sources.Performance assessments reflect observations from recent matches and expert analyses.
FAQ: Addressing Key Questions About Ajax and Alex Kroes
This FAQ section aims to provide concise,informative answers to common reader questions,improving search visibility and engagement.
Q: Who is Alex Kroes, and what is his role at Ajax?
A: Alex Kroes is the current technical director of Ajax. His primary responsibility is to oversee player acquisitions, scouting, and the overall football strategy for the club. He is responsible for identifying players that fit the “Ajax standard”.
Q: What is the “Ajax standard” that Driessen refers to?
A: The “Ajax standard” refers to the high expectations placed on Ajax players. It’s a combination of technical skill, tactical understanding, mental fortitude, and the ability to perform under pressure, all while adhering to Ajax’s beliefs of attractive, attacking football.
Q: Why is Driessen critical of Kroes’ player acquisitions?
A: Driessen criticizes Kroes for bringing in players who, in his opinion, haven’t met the required Ajax standard. He feels the players are not contributing effectively on the field and represent a poor return on the club’s investment.
Q: How is the coach involved in player performance?
A: The coach is responsible for selecting the starting lineup and implementing the tactical plan. While the technical director acquires the players, the coach ultimately determines how they are used and if their skills are maximized within the team framework.
Q: What are the financial implications of these underperforming signings?
A: Underperforming signings represent “capital destruction,” as highlighted by Driessen. This refers to the loss of investment if players don’t perform well, impacting both the club’s financial stability and its ability to compete at the highest level.
Q: What is the future outlook for ajax under Kroes?
A: The future of Ajax will depend on how effectively Kroes can address the issues with the current squad.This may include strategic player sales, more accomplished recruitment, and the ability to identify and develop young talent within the club’s famous youth academy.
