Tactical analysis: Two faces of Ajax
Ajax lost points to NEC in a 1-1 draw, which showed instability in the team's playing style.
Tactical analysis: Two faces of Ajax
According to Vi.
Context
Ajax is showing a strong attacking style of play but is facing serious problems in defense. To return to the position of championship candidate, the team needs to find a balance between attack and defense, which will determine their success in the next matches.
Why this is important
The 1-1 draw against NEC shows that Ajax is still having difficulty maintaining stability in gameplay. This instability could affect their ambitions to compete for the Eredivisie championship, as the team needs to improve their defense to not lose points in important matches.
Main point
- Tactical analysis: Two faces of Ajax.
- Ajax lost points against NEC in a 1-1 draw, which showed instability in the team's playing style.
- Tactische analysis: de twee gezichten van Ajax.
Ajax under the guidance of coach Michel Sánchez shows two distinct faces in its playing style. In attack, Ajax seems to have returned to the form of a championship candidate. With 173 shots in the first seven rounds, they equaled PSV's record in the 2023/24 season. This team is not only easy to coordinate but also has the ability to dominate ball control. However, the flip side of the story is that the weakness in defense has not yet been overcome. When opponents escape the initial pressure, gaps often appear and coordination between players seems lacking. Currently, Ajax's number of goals lost in the Eredivisie has reached double digits. In the match against coach Dick Schreuder's NEC, Ajax once again showed both of these faces.
In the match, Ajax opened the scoring from the beginning but allowed NEC to equalize, which caused them to lose valuable points. Coach Michel Sánchez needs to find a solution to improve the team's defensive ability, while still maintaining the offensive strength that has been shown. Allowing opponents easy access to the goal will be a big problem if Ajax wants to compete for the championship this season.
Deficiencies in defense not only affect the outcome of the match but also cause anxiety for the players. While the attackers can score goals, the defense needs to be more united and solid in resisting attacks from opponents. Ajax were once known for their beautiful and organized attacking play, but now improving their defense will be the deciding factor for their success for the rest of the season.
With the challenges ahead, Ajax needs to soon find a way to ensure a balance between attack and defense, otherwise, they will have to accept losing points in other important matches in the near future.
What happens next
Coach Michel Sánchez will need to make tactical adjustments to improve Ajax's defense. Otherwise, the team may continue to have difficulty gaining the points needed to pursue the goal of winning the Eredivisie this season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What has Ajax shown this season?
Ajax under the guidance of coach Michel Sánchez has shown two distinct faces, with strong attacking ability but still weak in defense.
Who is the current coach of Ajax?
The current coach of Ajax is Michel Sánchez.
Why does Ajax need to improve its defense now?
Improving defense is necessary for Ajax to compete for the championship this season, especially when they have conceded many goals.
What changes are needed for Ajax?
Ajax needs to find a solution to improve its defense while still maintaining its demonstrated offensive power.
Is there anything special about the match against NEC?
In the match against NEC, Ajax opened the score but allowed NEC to equalize, resulting in the loss of valuable points.
Related articles
Teams