When Maarten Paes joined Ajax last January, the Dutch-Indonesian goalkeeper faced skepticism. Critics questioned whether the 27-year-old could fill the gloves of a club with such storied defensive traditions. But after his fourth clean sheet in just eight appearances for the Amsterdam giants, Paes isn’t just answering his doubters—he’s silencing them in style.

His latest masterclass came on Saturday in a 2-0 victory over NAC Breda, a performance so commanding that it drew effusive praise from Dutch media outlets, including trouw and De Telegraaf. The win wasn’t just three points; it was a statement. Ajax, now sitting fourth in the Eredivisie table, are suddenly breathing down the necks of the league’s traditional powerhouses and Paes is the man between the sticks making it possible.

The Match That Changed the Narrative

The setting was the Rat Verlegh Stadion in Breda, a venue where Ajax have historically struggled. But from the opening whistle, Paes looked like a man on a mission. NAC Breda, fighting for their Eredivisie lives in the relegation battle, came out firing. By the 20th minute, they had already forced three corners and a free-kick from just outside the box. Yet every attempt was met with calm authority from Paes.

The first real test came in the 34th minute. NAC’s captain, Rafael van der Vaart—a name that carries weight in Dutch football—unleashed a curling effort from 25 yards out. The ball dipped late, threatening to catch Paes off his line. But the Ajax keeper read it perfectly, palming the ball over the crossbar with a flick of his wrist. The save drew gasps from the home crowd and set the tone for the rest of the match.

“That was the moment I knew we were in for something special,” said Ajax defender Jurrien Timber after the game. “Maarten doesn’t just make saves; he commands his box. You could see the confidence it gave the rest of us.”

Paes’ performance wasn’t just about reflexes. His distribution was crisp, his communication with the backline was sharp, and his ability to claim crosses under pressure was a masterclass in goalkeeping. By the time the final whistle blew, he had faced 12 shots, made five saves, and completed 28 of his 30 passes—an 87% pass accuracy that rivaled some of Ajax’s midfielders.

From Criticism to Clean Sheets

Paes’ journey to this point hasn’t been easy. After a successful stint in Major League Soccer with FC Dallas, where he made 114 appearances, the keeper returned to the Netherlands with high expectations. But his first few months at Ajax were rocky. A 3-2 loss to PSV in February, where Paes was at fault for two of the goals, led to a barrage of criticism. Dutch pundits questioned whether he had the composure for Europe’s biggest stages.

“It’s not easy when you’re playing for a club like Ajax,” Paes admitted in a post-match interview. “Every mistake is magnified. But I’ve always believed in my ability. The key was to stay focused and let my performances do the talking.”

And talk they have. Since that loss to PSV, Paes has been a different player. His four clean sheets in his last eight games have coincided with Ajax’s rise up the table. The team has conceded just five goals in those matches, a defensive record that rivals league leaders Feyenoord and AZ Alkmaar.

Dutch Media Takes Notice

The praise from Dutch media has been swift and effusive. De Telegraaf called Paes’ performance against NAC Breda “a goalkeeping clinic,” while Voetbal International described him as “the steady hand Ajax have been missing.” Even Rafael van der Vaart, the former Dutch international whose shot Paes saved, was full of praise. “He’s a top keeper,” Van der Vaart said. “Ajax have found a real gem.”

The attention hasn’t been limited to the Netherlands. Indonesian media, where Paes’ heritage has made him a national hero, have also celebrated his success. tvOneNews ran a segment titled “Bungkam Rafael Van der Vaart cs,” highlighting how Paes had “stunned” Dutch media with his class. The story has resonated deeply in Indonesia, where Paes is seen as a trailblazer for Southeast Asian footballers in Europe.

What This Means for Ajax

Ajax’s resurgence couldn’t have come at a better time. With the Eredivisie season entering its final stretch, the club is just three points behind third-placed AZ Alkmaar and six points behind second-placed PSV. A top-three finish would secure Champions League football next season, a must for a club of Ajax’s stature.

Paes’ form has been a key factor in this turnaround. His clean sheets have provided the platform for Ajax’s attacking players to flourish. Strikers Brian Brobbey and Steven Bergwijn have combined for 10 goals in the last five matches, and midfielder Kenneth Taylor has been pulling the strings with renewed confidence.

“When your keeper is this solid, it gives the whole team a lift,” said Ajax manager John van ’t Schip. “Maarten’s presence allows us to play with more freedom. We know he’s got our back.”

The Numbers Behind the Story

Paes’ statistics this season are a testament to his impact:

• 4 clean sheets in 8 appearances for Ajax (50% clean sheet rate)
• 75% save percentage in the Eredivisie, the highest among regular starting keepers
• 87% pass accuracy against NAC Breda, showcasing his ability to play out from the back
• 11 clean sheets in 27 appearances for the Indonesia national team, highlighting his international pedigree

Perhaps most impressively, Paes has kept Ajax in games they might have otherwise lost. In three of his four clean sheets, Ajax have won by a single goal, underscoring how vital his saves have been to their points haul.

What’s Next for Paes and Ajax?

Ajax’s next test comes on May 4, when they host FC Twente in a match that could decide their Champions League fate. Twente, currently fifth in the table, are just two points behind Ajax and will be desperate for a win. For Paes, it’s another chance to prove his doubters wrong.

“I’m not thinking about the critics anymore,” Paes said. “I’m focused on the next game. Every match is a new opportunity to reveal what I can do.”

For a keeper who has already silenced so many, the message is clear: Maarten Paes is just getting started.

Key Takeaways

• Fourth clean sheet in eight games: Paes has been instrumental in Ajax’s defensive turnaround, conceding just five goals in his last eight matches.
• Dutch media praise: Outlets like De Telegraaf and Voetbal International have hailed his performances as “world-class.”
• Standings boost: Ajax’s 2-0 win over NAC Breda lifted them to fourth in the Eredivisie, just three points behind third-placed AZ Alkmaar.
• International impact: Paes’ success has resonated in Indonesia, where he is seen as a role model for Southeast Asian footballers.
• Next test: Ajax face FC Twente on May 4 in a crucial match for Champions League qualification.

FAQ

How many clean sheets does Maarten Paes have for Ajax this season?

Paes has recorded four clean sheets in eight appearances for Ajax since joining the club in January 2026.

What was Maarten Paes’ save percentage in the Eredivisie this season?

Paes has a 75% save percentage in the Eredivisie, the highest among regular starting keepers in the league.

How has Maarten Paes’ arrival impacted Ajax’s standings?

Since Paes’ debut for Ajax, the team has risen to fourth in the Eredivisie table and is just three points behind third-placed AZ Alkmaar. His clean sheets have been crucial in tight matches.

What did Rafael van der Vaart say about Maarten Paes after the NAC Breda match?

Van der Vaart, whose shot Paes saved during the match, called him “a top keeper” and praised his performance.

What’s next for Ajax and Maarten Paes?

Ajax’s next match is against FC Twente on May 4, a crucial game for their Champions League qualification hopes. Paes will be looking to continue his impressive form.