Ajax Youngster bounida Pressing for First-Team Chance
Eindhoven, Netherlands – Following a thrilling 2-2 draw with PSV, attention at Ajax is turning to potential solutions for bolstering their attack, with analyst Hans Kraay Jr. highlighting the eagerness of Young Ajax player Rayane Bounida to compete for a role in the first team.
Kraay, speaking with Football International, observed a chaotic second half at PSV, stating, “Trainers love the words compact, well organized, structure and focus. And those concepts were far to be found at PSV-Ajax in the second half.” He also criticized Ajax’s struggles with defending crosses, questioning, “At Ajax they are not on head with flank balls, is they?”
While praising Oscar Gloukh’s performance – “I don’t want to call it the solution, but Gloukh has shown us that he is very agile in the small space and can really play football,” and noting his well-taken 2-2 goal – Kraay questioned the club’s recent meaningful investments in Gloukh and Mohammed Moro.
He then turned his attention to Bounida, stating, “With all those offside players you already have, and also Bounida at Young Ajax, who is eager to get a chance at 10 or hanging on left.” Kraay’s comments suggest Bounida is actively seeking an opportunity to contribute to the first team, possibly challenging for the number 10 position.
Kraay also advised Ajax trainer John Heitinga to prioritize strengthening the center of defense with players like Ko Itakura and Josip Sutalo,and to utilize a strong left back,even if it requires adjustments to current preferences. He concluded, “But in the end pretty good how Ajax still squeezed out a point.”
