Amsterdam, Netherlands – Maher Carrizo, Ajax’s winter signing, marked his first start for the club with a goal in a friendly match against FC Volendam on Wednesday. The game finished in a 2-2 draw, offering a mixed bag of results for the Amsterdam side as they navigate the international break. The match also saw the return of Mark Verkuijl to the pitch following a deeply personal tragedy and subsequent injury.
Ajax fielded a squad largely comprised of players not currently on international duty, with manager Oscar Garcia able to call upon experienced figures like Steven Berghuis, Kasper Dolberg, and Youri Baas. The inclusion of Carrizo in the starting lineup was a key talking point, as the Argentinian forward had previously been limited to brief substitute appearances against PEC Zwolle and FC Groningen since arriving in Amsterdam.
Carrizo made his mark on the game in the 58th minute, converting a pass from Rayane Bounida to equalize the score. While the goal represented a positive moment for the new arrival, Ajax as a whole struggled to impress against their Eredivisie opponents. The friendly served as an opportunity for players to gain match fitness and for the coaching staff to assess combinations ahead of the resumption of the league season.
Volendam Twice Takes the Lead
FC Volendam opened the scoring early in the match through a header from Gibson Yah, a former Ajax player. Despite Carrizo’s equalizer, Volendam regained the lead shortly after, with Robert Mühren finding the back of the net. Ajax managed to level the score once more ten minutes from time, thanks to a header from Oliver Edvardsen, securing the 2-2 draw.
The match also held emotional significance with the return of Mark Verkuijl. Verkuijl hadn’t featured for Ajax since December, following the tragic loss of his girlfriend and a subsequent injury. His appearance was a poignant moment for the club and its supporters, signaling a step forward in his personal recovery.
For Carrizo, the goal will be a welcome confidence boost as he looks to establish himself in the Ajax first team. The Argentinian forward arrived with significant expectations, and while this was just a friendly encounter, it represents a positive first step. It’s important to remember that friendly matches often provide a different tactical landscape than competitive fixtures, and the true test of Carrizo’s abilities will come in the Eredivisie.
Ajax will now pause for the international break, with several players representing their respective national teams. The break provides an opportunity for those remaining in Amsterdam to work on fitness and tactical preparations under Garcia. The team will need to regroup and refocus as they prepare for a crucial run of fixtures upon their return.
The Eredivisie standings remain competitive, and Ajax will be looking to climb the table in the coming weeks. The performance against Volendam, while not a resounding success, offered glimpses of potential and provided valuable minutes for several players. The focus now shifts to the international stage and the anticipation of a strong finish to the season.
Ajax’s next confirmed fixture is yet to be announced, but will likely be a league match following the conclusion of the international break. Fans can stay updated on the latest news and schedule information through the official Ajax website ([https://www.ajax.nl/](https://www.ajax.nl/)).
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