Ajax’s 1-3 defeat to PSV has provoked a sharp public rebuke from one of the Netherlands’ most prominent football commentators, igniting debate over selection, player roles and what the club’s future might look like.
Selection choice draws direct criticism
Valentijn Driessen, football editor-in-chief at De Telegraaf, said he was baffled that Abdellah Ouazane did not start for Ajax in the Eredivisie top clash with PSV. Speaking on Kick-Off, Driessen singled out coach Míchel for the decision to begin the match with Oscar Gloukh on the left wing instead of Ouazane.
"That boy is simply Ajax's future."
Driessen argued the pairing of Ouazane and Julian Brandt had been a revelation in recent weeks, and that separating them for a big match was a tactical error. He described the choice to field Gloukh on the left as an incomprehensible move and handed the coach what he called a failing mark.
Assessing the in-game consequences
Gloukh, who began the match on the left, was criticised harshly by the Eredivisie watcher, who said the midfielder did almost nothing on the ball and compared his style to futsal rather than what is required at Ajax. Driessen said: "He is and remains not of Ajax level."
On the defensive flank, Driessen also highlighted concerns about Brazilian left-back Caio Henrique, saying the player "simply cannot defend" despite potential strengths on the ball. The Amsterdam club’s right-sided attacking threat, Sergiño Dest, enjoyed opportunities to push forward, Driessen added, in part because of defensive shortcomings on the opposite side.
Míchel introduced Ouazane as a substitute in the 72nd minute, but the change did not alter the result: Ajax lost 1-3 to a clinical PSV side.
What the numbers in the match record show
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| Final score | Ajax 1 – PSV 3 |
| Ouazane | Brought on, 72nd minute |
| Starting left wing | Oscar Gloukh |
| Critic | Valentijn Driessen (De Telegraaf) |
Local and squad implications
For Ajax supporters — including those following the club from abroad in cities such as Ajax, Ontario — the debate over youth integration and tactical continuity will be closely watched. Driessen’s critique frames Ouazane not simply as a promising option but as a player with a claim on the starting XI, especially after the club’s attacking reshuffle following the departure of Godts.
- Selection controversy: Driessen says removing Ouazane broke up an effective attacking pairing.
- Player evaluation: Gloukh was described as ineffective on the ball and miscast on the left wing.
- Defensive concerns: Caio Henrique’s defending was singled out as a liability, enabling Dest to push forward.
Those are substantive critiques that go beyond one match. If sustained, they raise questions about Míchel’s tactical approach and how the coaching staff will manage match-to-match continuity — especially in fixtures against direct title rivals like PSV.
Looking ahead
Ajax hosts and supporters will be eager to see whether the coach adjusts his selections in coming fixtures, and whether Ouazane’s role becomes a persistent talking point. The tactical debate exposed by the defeat — balance between creative pairings and perceived individual suitability for positions — will be a theme at Ajax as the season progresses.
For now, the result leaves the club with questions to answer on form, personnel and the route forward as it seeks to remain competitive in domestic competition.
