Late Review #2: Midfield

By: Matt | June 4th, 2008

Perez posing I have to keep this coming so my plate can be cleared for the serious transfer activity and certain Euro-related Ajax news that is coming. So, the midfield will be next before I finish with our strikers and wingers. The Ajax midfield must be strong, confident, and creative, ready to lend a hand with an occasional goal as well. Coming into the season, one could bank on Wesley Sneijder doing all that and more. And he did provide that this season, only he did so in Madrid.

While enough has been said that this move was terribly disappointing, I do not think the midfield was in poor shape this season without our superstar. The move opened up space for Kenneth Perez, who was unceremoniously dumped after it became apparent to Ten Cate that two left-footed playmakers did not belong together in a 433. When Sneijder left, the Dane became necessary again. His play was solid, consistent, not quite as inspiring as Sneijder could be, but being able to bring in an established performer who wanted to play for Ajax after the shock departure was a genuine blessing. I think we all owe a debt of gratitude to Perez.

But for the long-term, Perez will be 34 next August. It is a good thing a few other, much younger midfielders got a chance to earn some experience. Some gained good experiences, others were exposed. Robbert Schilder was an example of the latter while Jan Vertonghen was the former. Schilder had been out on loan for a season or two, and his return to the club did not last. Vertonghen, however, displayed some talent and some versatility. While his freekicks do not quite resemble Sneijder’s, dangerous left-footed options seem plentiful in Amsterdam right now.

Gabri also continued to provide valuable services and solid play. I remember rumors that he might move last summer, and if he were a bit younger I expect it might have been more serious. As is, I think Gabri filled a terrific niche at Ajax and can continue to do so next year, too. He can relieve a playmaker of some defensive responsibility as well as pass with accuracy. I hope he wasn’t tied too tightly to Ten Cate. Siem de Jong stepped up early to fill a void. While he seemed to fade a bit later from Koster’s plans, I think we saw enough early to justify some optimism about his future. At least it is probable that he will grow into a squad player, but we will know more after next season.

I have already given my feelings about Edgar Davids, who won’t be returning next season. I do not think he had anything to be ashamed of this season, as his performance was good enough to warrant his selection most of the time. I am not sad to see him go, however, except that he is a true Ajacied. The introduction of Rasmus Lindgren in January helped give Davids more rest. Lindgren seemed to be a wise recall from Heerenveen. I do wish he, or any incoming transfer this summer, could provide the attitude and the aggression that Davids did from his position protecting the back four. If we need any midfielders this window, which is questionable perhaps, it needs to be a replacement for Davids’ bite.

The reason I think we may not need to spend heavily on midfielders right now is the strength of a few key youth players. I want to see more of Jeffrey Sarpong, who came on very late in the season and had a few great appearances. If we can’t use him, we need to send him out so that we can see what he can do with regular time on the pitch. The same goes for Vurnon Anita and Mitchell Donald, who did not quite get the opportunities to shine. I know the youth system is not as strong as it used to be, or as strong as we think it is (which will be clear when I cover the young wingers later), but out of those few prospects, we should have at least one quality mid. If he can begin easing Perez out next term, I think we will be productive with Gabri, Lindgren, de Jong and Vertonghen rotating.

And now for some other news:
> KJH’s agent is annoyed that L’Equipe said he was poised to join Madrid. He only denies rumors when someone else is named as the agent. Any other time, you know he is encouraging this stuff.
> Various sources are reporting that Leonardo, Edgar Manucharyan, Albert Luque and Nicolae Mitea will soon be moving on. I take this as pretty obvious. None are real contributors. Luque is embarrassing. Leonardo is inconsistent. Edgar and Mitea have never earned a real chance. Too bad, but it is time. I think we can hope that they all move soon.