The Amsterdam football club,Ajax,is facing intense scrutiny from prominent sports analysts regarding its recent transfer dealings and tactical decisions. On Monday’s edition of “Today Inside,” veteran commentators Johan Derksen, René van der Gijp, and valentijn Driessen didn’t hold back, delivering a scathing assessment of the club’s strategy, notably focusing on the acquisition of israeli playmaker Oscar Gloukh and the controversial decision to field 41-year-old goalkeeper Remko Pasveer.

Gloukh’s Lightweight Performance Raises Red flags

Valentijn Driessen zeroed in on Oscar Gloukh,the Israeli talent signed from Red Bull Salzburg last summer for an initial fee of at least €14.75 million, perhaps rising to €17.25 million with bonuses. While Gloukh showed flashes of brilliance in the early months of the season,his performance in the recent 1-1 draw against SC Heerenveen,according to Driessen,was a stark illustration of his current limitations.

“That’s such a lightweight,” Driessen stated, highlighting a specific moment in the 78th minute. He described how Gloukh, attempting to advance towards the penalty area, was easily dispossessed by SC Heerenveen’s Oliver Braude. Driessen elaborated, “That boy just walks about ten meters behind! If he gets the time, he won’t know what to do anymore.”

This assessment suggests that Gloukh,despite his potential,may not yet possess the physical presence or tactical awareness to consistently impact games at the highest level,especially when facing robust opposition. For American fans accustomed to the physicality of leagues like the NFL or the demanding pace of the NBA, this critique resonates with the idea of a player needing to “bulk up” or develop a stronger “motor” to compete.

Pasveer’s Age and defensive Blame Game

The criticism didn’t stop with Gloukh. Goalkeeper Remko Pasveer also found himself in the crosshairs. In the second half of the Heerenveen match, a long shot from Maas Willemsen slipped through Pasveer’s grasp, allowing Václav Sejk to capitalize. While Pasveer accepted duty for the error, he also pointed to a perceived lack of defensive support.

Driessen dismissed Pasveer’s comments as a deflection. “It is indeed weak that he blames his fellow players afterwards,” he asserted. Johan Derksen concurred, adding a simple yet powerful observation: “A good goalkeeper catches this ball.” this highlights a fundamental expectation of elite goalkeeping – the ability to make crucial saves, regardless of defensive pressure. Think of legendary NFL quarterbacks like Tom Brady, who, even with a less-than-perfect offensive line, were expected to find ways to make plays.

The ghost of Robin Roefs: A Missed Opportunity?

René van der Gijp believes Ajax made a significant misstep by not securing the services of young goalkeeper Robin Roefs.Roefs was reportedly a target for Ajax last summer, but a deal with his former club, NEC, failed to materialize. He subsequently joined Sunderland, who are now surprisingly sitting fourth in the English Premier League.

“I didn’t expect that boy to do so well,” Van der gijp admitted, before delivering a strong verdict: “Ajax should of course always have taken him.” The club’s decision to