Davids to Leave Ajax, Again
By: Matt | May 21st, 2008
I am going to begin by saying that it was really great to have Edgar Davids in Amsterdam this season. He did not come for some farewell tour. He intended to bear those goggles into the fray as usual. Ajax needed a strong, veteran presence both behind the scenes and on the pitch, especially after Stam retired. Davids was that guy. Although he has seen his share of controversy on his tour of Europe, I have always enjoyed the way he plays. In a way, he is almost the anti-Ajax: a bruising presence who plays the game ragged. And that is his art.
No one can be surprised at the announcement that Davids will not be back. When no extension was announced, it looked like he might be leaving. When Marco van Basten was named, it became clear that Davids was probably not going to be back. The very-public feud between the two likely played a part, no matter what Davids claims. Davids would not play for the Oranje under van Basten, so how could he play for Ajax under MvB, where the gaffers control would be complete? Too bad this clash of personalities cannot be reconciled. I do believe, however, that Davids means it when he says he want MvB to be successful. Davids is Ajacied through and through. He will certainly be loved in Amsterdam, no matter who the manager is.
So, let there be no doubting my high regard for Davids. But let me also say that this is not a terrible blow to next year’s squad. After returning from a serious preseason injury, Davids did manage to stay healthy despite his age. But his level of play has diminished. At times, he was not the best option for the squad. I always say that Ajax needs his sort in the midfield to make the 433 work properly, but time is just about to catch up with Davids. He just cannot cover the ground he once did. He is not the reliable man-marker he was in his prime. His strong presence is still there, but his reputation cannot keep attacking mids from surging past him every time. Davids claims he will continue on, and I do not doubt his resolve. He may certainly play elsewhere next season, but his role at Ajax was going to be diminished next season. And rightly so. So, I wish Davids the best and wait patiently for his successor at Ajax to emerge. Perhaps a young South African named Daylon Claasen has been watching and learning?
> In other news, despite the loss of CL revenue, Uri Colonel claims Ajax will still spend the same amount they always intended this summer. Around 25 million euros will be missed. But c’mon, with the massive windfall from Sneijder and the proposed 30 million being bandied about for KJH, money should not be a problem. (Not to mention shedding Davids undoubtedly large contract). If we don’t spend, I will be terribly disappointed.
Category: Team News
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